More than 60 community members, staff, board members, and supporters took part in the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers’ (MAPS) 2020 Annual Meeting on Tuesday, October 27, 2020, to learn about MAPS’ main achievements of fiscal year 2020. Between July 1, 2019, and June 30, 2020, MAPS served nearly 18,000 members of the Portuguese-speaking communities and others and provided more than $142,000 in emergency financial assistance to more than 350 families.
Due to the coronavirus pandemic, MAPS held this year’s meeting virtually, and MAPS members had the opportunity to vote online on the MAPS Board Election, or by mailing in their ballots in the weeks before the meeting.
Board members Elizabeth Chaves, from Salem; Raymond Estrella, MBA, from Somerville; and West Roxbury’s Jennifer K. Santos, Esq., were re-elected to serve another 3-year term on the health and social services organization’s Board of Directors.
“We are extremely grateful for the strength and success of our organization, especially in the face of such adversity,” said Paulo Pinto, MPA, MAPS Executive Director. “Our resilience as a community and our ability to support each other makes us hopeful about the future. We are confident that the next fiscal year will be a strong year for MAPS and our communities.”
In addition to the thousands of people served by MAPS’ many programs, the organization provided gift cards to area grocery stores for over 350 families, totaling more than $142,000, and helped hundreds more connect to rental assistance programs and food distribution centers. By partnering with the local business community, MAPS also delivered more than 800 meals to local seniors in need.
Although the organization had to cancel its 50th Anniversary Gala due to the pandemic, it held a very successful 3rd edition of the MAPS Chip-In for Charity Golf Tournament in September of 2020, raising almost $45,000 to support its Senior Center in Cambridge.
“MAPS is in a very strong financial position, despite a very challenging year,” reported Paulo Pinto and Board Treasurer Mary Ann Lomba, MBA. Board President Susan Pacheco thanked everyone for their continued support, “which allows MAPS to meet the needs of our Portuguese-speaking communities by offering so many important services.”
As part of the Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national campaign that takes place annually during October, Program Director Dulce Ferreira, MA, reminded participants that “during the pandemic, many victims are forced to isolate with the same person that is doing them harm.” She challenged everyone “to become educated and informed about domestic abuse and do your part to end domestic violence.”
A copy of the organization’s 2020 Annual Report detailing this information, as well as client service numbers, financial and funding reports, and more can be obtained at any MAPS office or downloaded here.