Nearly 100 community members gathered on Tuesday, October 25, in Cambridge for the Massachusetts Alliance of Portuguese Speakers (MAPS) 2022 Annual Meeting, where they had the opportunity to learn about the health and social services organization’s main achievements of the Fiscal Year 2022, including serving 17,988 members of the Portuguese-speaking communities and others.
Speaking before an audience of MAPS staff, board members, volunteers, community members, and supporters, MAPS Chief Executive Officer, Paulo Pinto, MPA, presented some of the organization’s major successes of the fiscal year.
“The state of MAPS has never been as strong financially and programmatically,” said Pinto. “During the last fiscal year, we were able to serve nearly 18,000 clients through our core programs and distribute more than $132,000 in client emergency assistance helping hundreds of people facing COVID-related financial crises. For the second time ever, MAPS surpassed the $4 Million mark in annual operating revenues.”
Other important highlights of the fiscal year 2022 are the inauguration of the MAPS new office building in Lowell, the 2022 Awards Gala that raised almost $200,000 to support all the organization’s services, and the 5th Annual Chip In For Charity Golf Tournament that raised almost $70,000, allowing MAPS to expand its Senior Center’s operation from four to five days per week.
During the in-person meeting, MAPS members had the opportunity to vote on the MAPS Board Election. Board Members Mary Ann Lomba, MBA, of Dorchester, Stephen Pereira, M.Ed., of Brockton, Antonio Massa Viana, Esq., of Sudbury, Adriana Bento, of Watertown, and Filipe Zamborlini, of Salem, were re-elected to serve another 3-year term on the MAPS Board of Directors.
Board President Susan Pacheco highlighted her term. “As we approach the end of my four-year term as Board President, I want to express my deepest gratitude to MAPS board members, staff, volunteers, and supporters, that continue to strive and work hard every year to deliver the critical services that our community needs.”
As part of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a national campaign that takes place annually during October, Program Director Dulce Ferreira, MA, and staff members reminded participants during the meeting of recent cases of domestic violence in the communities and how they can assist by being active bystanders.
MAPS also recognized the dedication of its volunteers with Certificates of Appreciation. Approximately 20 staff and 5 board members were also honored with Certificates of Appreciation for completing major milestones of 5, 10, 15, 20, and 30 years of service.
More details and information about MAPS’ Fiscal Year 2022 can be found in the agency’s 2022 Annual Report. Copies can be picked up at any of MAPS’ six offices in Boston, Framingham, Somerville, Cambridge, and Lowell, or downloaded from the organization’s website at maps-inc.org/annual-report/.
MAPS has served the Portuguese-speaking communities of Massachusetts and others since 1970. The organization offers a wide range of free health and social services through its six offices in Cambridge, Somerville, Brighton, Dorchester, Framingham, and Lowell. To learn more about MAPS, visit maps-inc.org.