Initiatives & Impact

Community Impact

Even in midst of the massive 50 Cedar St project, RAP continues to identify needed community initiatives.

Some of our current programs include:

  • Food distribution at Thanksgiving (5000 families helped!)
  • Darryl R Bishop 50+ men’s basketball league
  • Anthony (Big Papa) Williams 60+ men’s community group

Plus we continue our restoration project at 50 Cedar St – a hub from which so many other programs can thrive.

Learn more
about 50 cedar

Birth of a Program

The leadership of RAP is embedded in the community

We are always looking for the best ways to serve the community. A great example of this is the formation of a 60+ men’s group. RAP leadership noticed that a group formed on their in the warm weather to play cards and enjoy social activities. Unfortunately, as the weather cooled, the group was drifting apart. Given that research consistently points to higher quality of life for seniors given opportunities for social interaction, our president, Malcolm Wynn, got to work.

Malcolm began by securing a “home” for the group and was successful in finding a free space that can be utilized while 50 Cedar St is under construction.  He then reached out to some of the original group members help provide a structure for the group as well as promotion.  Thus the Anthony (Big Papa) Williams senior social program was formed!  Today the group is thriving and growing with a solid core group meeting regularly to play cards, share a meal and enjoy each other’s company.

* This program was named in honor of Anthony (Big Papa) Williams who was one of the founding members of the group.  Big Papa was an active member of the Roxbury community.  He left us far too soon and his amazing fish fry dinners will be missed.

Vision for the Community

Here are a few of the programs we are looking forward to expanding once our community center space is available.

Economic Empowerment &
Workforce Development

RAP will be offering workshops and technical assistance on job readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy.

These programs will also include partnerships with local businesses, trade unions, and workforce programs to connect community members with needed work opportunities. 50 Cedar Street will also offer collaborative office and incubator spaces for small businesses and nonprofits.

Community Wellness &
Cultural Engagement

The 50 Cedar Street campus will serve as a hub for wellness programming, community gatherings, and cultural expression. 

With this space RAP will be able to organize public forums, performances, and cultural events celebrating Roxbury’s heritage while addressing contemporary challenges such as health disparities and civic participation.

Education &
Youth Enrichment

The Cedar Street project includes shared-use recreational spaces and an annex gymnasium for youth and community programs.

This fosters intergenerational engagement and leadership development as well as spaces for mentorship, tutoring, after-school activities, and STEM-focused enrichment.

Housing &
Community Development

RAP has a long-standing commitment to affordable housing and equitable neighborhood planning.

Our services will include housing counseling, assistance for first-time homebuyers, tenant advocacy, and support for families seeking stable housing. Through these programs, RAP will help stabilize Roxbury neighborhoods and promotes resident-led development.

Some Past Programs

Literacy

  • Harlem Book Fair in Roxbury and Literacy Awards Celebration – An annual outdoor celebration of literacy promoting local authors publishers, entertainment, literacy, and health promotional activities.
  • “June is Literacy Month in Boston” campaign
  • Poetry Open Mic
  • Intergenerational Literary events for local writers and performers

Cultural

  • Sunday Jazz and Intergenerational Poetry concerts involving local professional jazz musicians and young musicians from local middle and high schools.
  • Roxbury Day: In 1988 Roxbury Action Program began the Annual observance of a celebration of Roxbury Pride – Live It! which has developed into the Roxbury Cultural and Historical Festival of Roxbury Day

Education

  • Establishment of the Patricia Raynor Scholarship Fund at Roxbury Community College

 

Economic Development

  • Development of Home Ownership opportunities for low and moderate-income RAP tenants and other Highland Park residents.
  • Collaborating with Dudley Main Streets to enhance the economic and cultural richness of the Dudley Square area.