La Colaborativa

?? Building Futures in Chelsea! ?? This February, La Colaborativa launched the Carpentry Pre-Apprenticeship Program in partnership with the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters , providing 20 young adults in Chelsea with hands-on technical training in union carpentry. But this program is more than just skill-building—it’s a pathway to a stable career with great pay, benefits, and long-term growth opportunities. ???? Through intensive carpentry training, professional development, and soft skills coaching, participants will be fully prepared to apply for union apprenticeships and begin rewarding careers in the construction industry. This isn’t just about jobs—it’s about transforming lives and creating opportunities for the next generation in our community! ?? Many thanks to the City of Chelsea and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) for their support in making this program possible!

La Colaborativa's President & CEO, Gladys Vega, is in Washington, D.C., standing with Massachusetts delegates and Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 to advocate for immigrant communities. Her unwavering commitment ensures that the voices of immigrants are heard at the national level. Elizabeth Warren Katherine Clark Senator Edward Markey https://lnkd.in/eQPRK77N

Please join La Colaborativa this May 16th, 2025 for our Masquerade Gala to celebrate a year of a more healthy and equitable community at La Colaborativa's Survival Center! Your support transforms communities and allows us to respond during acute times of need and crisis. La Colaborativa needs support like yours to continue bringing resources to our community and empowering healthier and economically mobile lives. Your support creates lasting change, as we continue to create pathways to success for all. We hope you will join us for an evening of music, food, dance and celebration of the strides made by our community members and our commitment to empowerment through with love, dignity, and respect. Help us keep ?Levantando al Pueblo! https://lnkd.in/gs6Sz8Hz

Beauty can bloom from pain. As unlikely as it may sound, that is exactly what happened to Liliana. A breast cancer diagnosis changed the course of her life, leading her down an unexpected path of healing—one that she now shares with others in the most creative way: through gelatins. What started as a form of personal healing has grown into a thriving business. Like many of us, Liliana arrived in this country uncertain of what the future held. But she turned adversity into opportunity. Today, she is not just surviving—she is thriving, growing, and giving back. She helps others heal, just as she has healed. She is one of many Latinos who come here not to take, but to build. Not to burden, but to contribute. She doesn’t dream of taking jobs—she dreams of creating them. Liliana’s story is one of resilience, strength, and the power of transformation. Watch, be inspired, andAnd Join Us to Do Whatever it Takes https://lnkd.in/euzwZr8G

Yesterday, we had the privilege of welcoming Mayor Michelle Wu Wu to La Colaborativa as she prepares to testify before Congress on the importance of allowing local communities to decide on public safety policy, against a backdrop of federal assaults on Chelsea and other sanctuary communities. Her visit was an opportunity to showcase La Colaborativa’s model of economic empowerment—an approach that not only catalyzes economic development for community members but also strengthens neighborhood vitality and fosters safer, more thriving communities. At La Colaborativa, we know that when people have access to economic opportunity and healthy, dignified living environments, entire neighborhoods benefit. We’re steadfastly committed to standing against bigotry and discrimination in all its forms. Mayor Wu’s visit highlighted the concrete results of our community-driven model - measurable reductions in crime, public health improvements, enhanced housing stability, and real economic opportunities that sustain families, spur small businesses, and generate prosperity for all. Most importantly, a large gathering of civically active members, connected to our leadership development program, had a chance to share their goals and experienced with Mayor Wu. As we continue this vital work, we hope that you’ll consider supporting La Colaborativa’s mission through a direct contribution. Every contribution helps us expand opportunities, uplift families, and build stronger, more inclusive neighborhoods. Help us keep making a difference in our community: https://lnkd.in/euzwZr8G Photos: John Wilcox?@cityofboston

We are thrilled to have welcomed our partners, Hannah Traggis and Nancy Kahn, from Aurelia’s Garden! Their dedication and passion for cultivating high-quality produce to serve the community are truly invaluable. Aurelia’s Garden is a remarkable community of devoted volunteers who grow fresh, nutritious food to support individuals facing food insecurity. Their commitment to making a difference is inspiring. Here’s to many more visits and great things in 2025! Thank you from our entire community.

?? Expanding Horizons, Inspiring Futures! ??????? This February break, 75 of our youth explored beyond Chelsea—touring colleges like Lesley, Clark, and Benjamin Franklin, visiting the ICA (Institute of Contemporary Art) & Harvard Museum, and ending the week with a State House tour and ice skating at Boston's Frog Pond! Our programs ensure youth not only reach their dream colleges but experience them firsthand. This past week, we saw their curiosity spark, creativity thrive, and ambitions rise. Sometimes, stepping outside their norms is all it takes to open new doors—plus, they’ve mastered the T now! ??? #CareerExploration #ExpandingHorizons #YouthEmpowermentChelsea #FutureLeadersofChelsea

Thank You, WIC Program Office! We are deeply grateful to the WIC Program Office for their generous donation of formula for children. Your support allows us to distribute these essential resources within our community, making a meaningful impact on families in need. We appreciate your partnership in this important effort—thank you for helping us care for our community! #thankyouforyoursupport #donationforchelsea #lacolaborativachelsea

This month, we’re excited to celebrate the launch of our HVAC&R Training Program, opening doors for 12 young men and women from the Metro North Boston area to build successful careers in clean energy and the skilled trades as certified HVAC&R technicians! For many in our community, access to stable, well-paying careers can feel out of reach. In partnership with Franklin Cummings Tech , this program helps create pathways to success by providing hands-on training, industry-recognized certifications, and career readiness support—empowering participants with the skills and opportunities they need to build a brighter, more secure future. Join us in celebrating their journey toward lasting career success!