HOW WE
CREATE
CHANGE
MLCS builds community infrastructure where existing systems leave gaps. We learned the importance of this approach during the pandemic, when traditional food assistance channels could not meet the need we were seeing in East Boston. MLCS partnered with Fair Foods, with support from the City of Boston, to create another way to get fresh, affordable food to families.
What began as a response to a crisis became lasting community infrastructure. Today, MLCS is continuing the decades-long legacy of the Fair Foods Network, connecting food resources to neighborhoods and community organizations across Greater Boston. By operating this infrastructure, we see firsthand where systems fall short, test solutions in real communities, and use what we learn to improve how resources reach people.
We take this same approach across MLCS. Our food access, housing stability, education, workforce, arts and STEM, and community leadership work are different parts of the same strategy: build what is missing, strengthen the pathways people need to thrive, and use what we learn to create lasting change.
OUR THEORY
OF CHANGE
The programs may look different, but they work together as community infrastructure—helping families lower costs, increase income, build skills and relationships, and expand opportunity. Over time, stronger community infrastructure creates both greater economic mobility for families and greater capacity for communities to shape the systems that affect their lives.
Every MLCS program strengthens one bridge carrying families toward lasting financial stability and generational opportunity.
COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
FOR ECONOMIC MOBILITY
31 LIVERPOOL STREET
Home to MLCS Offices, Community Studio & our East Boston Produce Hub
Today’s Reality
- High Costs
- Housing Instability
- Food Insecurity
- Limited Opportunity
- Isolation
The Bridge: Our Programs Working Together
AFFORDABLE
FOOD
Lowering grocery costs and improving health with fresh, nutritious food.
RESIDENT
SERVICES
Stabilizing housing, accessing benefits, and reducing financial stress.
WORKFORCE
DEVELOPMENT
Building work skills, gaining experience, and creating pathways to jobs.
EDUCATION
Opening doors to learning, earning potential, and brighter futures.
STEM &
ARTS
Building creativity, confidence, and skills for today’s and tomorrow’s careers.
COMMUNITY
BUILDING
Strengthening connections, leadership, and belonging.
LEADERSHIP
& ENGAGEMENT
Empowering residents to lead, advocate, and shape our future.
Tomorrow’s Opportunity
- Lower Expenses
- Higher Income
- Education & Skills
- Belonging
- Household Wealth
When we invest in the whole person and the whole community, we create a cycle of opportunity that transforms lives and strengthens East Boston for generations to come.