Local nonprofits receive $50,000 investment to help create equitable, age-inclusive spaces
Investments from John Hancock, supported by the City of Boston, AARP Massachusetts, UMass Boston, and Healthy Places by Design strengthen local resident-led action.
John Hancock, the City of Boston, AARP Massachusetts, UMass Boston, and Healthy Places by Design are thrilled to announce the recipients of the Activating Boston grant – a new pilot program investing in the creation of more accessible, age-inclusive outdoor spaces that strengthen community connection, health and well-being. John Hancock, a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, is investing a total of $50,000 to this initiative supporting the Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC) and Four Corners Main Streets (FCMS). This commitment follows Manulife’s recently announced Impact Agenda, which outlines the company’s key social and environmental commitments, in areas where it has the greatest ability to affect change.
“As we learned from the COVID-19 pandemic, people of all ages experience a sense of isolation, often within their own neighborhoods,” said Annie Duong-Turner, Director of Community Investment at John Hancock. “The Activating Boston pilot project aims to empower sustained health and well-being by supporting community-led stewardship of green spaces where all residents can enjoy the mental and social benefits of nature. Together, we are creating stronger, healthier communities and accelerating a sustainable future.”
Strong social connections and networks can boost a person’s lifespan by 50 percent, according to an article in Scientific American magazine.[1] “We know that socially-connected communities are more likely to thrive because a virtuous cycle is created when social connections are strengthened: civic engagement and a sense of belonging increases, which further deepens social networks,” said Risa Wilkerson, Executive Director of Healthy Places by Design.
“We’re happy to collaborate with John Hancock and the other great partners in this important work,” said Emily K. Shea, Boston’s Age Strong Commissioner. “We feel this pilot project will complement other recent investments by the city to reduce social isolation among older adults. We know how important in-person human connections are for health and well-being of people at any age.”
The Activating Boston pilot program grant recipients are:
- Asian Community Development Corporation (ACDC) - ACDC will bring together, and work alongside, Chinatown residents and neighborhood partners to create a public art project that will enhance an outdoor space and bring people together across diverse generations, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds. For more information about ACDC’s work in Chinatown, contact Jeena Chang at jeena.chang@asiancdc.org.
- Four Corners Main Streets (FCMS) - In Dorchester, FCMS will similarly bring together a diverse group of residents, led by “community ambassadors,” to prioritize, improve, and activate a public space to support neighbor-to-neighbor social connections. To get involved, contact Marcos Beleche at FCMS fourcornersmainstreets@gmail.com.
Both recipients have extensive experience working with community members on neighborhood improvement efforts, coordinating programs, public events and “place-making” projects, which enhance outdoor green spaces to encourage activity and social connection. In addition to assembling a team of residents and neighborhood partners to create an activation project, each grantee will develop a plan for future priorities and steps for advancing social connectedness in their neighborhood.
Since spring 2022, the Age-Friendly Boston project at the City’s Age Strong Commission has collaborated with AARP Massachusetts and UMass Boston—coordinated by Healthy Places by Design—to develop the Activate Boston pilot program. For more information, contact Phil Bors at philb@healthyplacesbydesign.org.
About John Hancock and Manulife
John Hancock is a unit of Manulife Financial Corporation, a leading international financial services provider that helps people make their decisions easier and lives better by providing financial advice, insurance, and wealth and asset management solutions. Manulife Financial Corporation trades as MFC on the TSX, NYSE, and PSE, and under 945 on the SEHK. Manulife can be found at manulife.com.
One of the largest life insurers in the United States, John Hancock supports more than ten million Americans with a broad range of financial products, including life insurance and annuities. John Hancock also supports US investors by bringing leading investment capabilities and retirement planning and administration expertise to individuals and institutions. Additional information about John Hancock may be found at johnhancock.com.
Photo Credit: Mel Taing
References
[1] Harmon, K. (2010, July 28). Social ties boost survival by 50 percent. Retrieved from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/relationships-boost-survival/#:~:-text=Overall%2C%20social%20support%20increases%20survival,%2Da%2Dday%20smoking%20habit
