This article explores local organizations who put in ground work in East Boston and Chelsea during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic. “Rita Lara received a Champion Award from Mayor Walsh for her work during the pandemic. As Executive Director of Maverick Landing Community Services, she helped organize a collaborative of East Boston organizations to provide relief and food to those in need during the pandemic, including those who do not qualify for benefits, such as undocumented immigrants.”

Mayor Michelle Wu and the Age Strong Commission announced Maverick Landing Community Services (MLCS) was the recipient of a new grant program, “Creating Community and Reducing Social Isolation”. “MLCS is a community partner alongside healing practitioners, group facilitators, and educators who will offer healing and wellness activities for underserved seniors in East Boston who are not currently engaged in social activities and who may be experiencing trauma from isolation.”