CSNDC’s impact is best understood in the stories of the people we’ve helped.
People. Ultimately, our work is about helping people. At CSNDC, we believe the most meaningful measure of our success is the real impact we have on people’s everyday lives.
Throughout CSNDC’s four-decade history, we have enhanced the lives of countless people in the Codman Square neighborhood through our programs and services.
Here are a few of their stories.
CSNDC’s Computer Learning Center Graduate Tiffany Payne Featured on WCVB
Small business entrepreneur, Tiffany Payne, was featured on "Small Business, Big City," a segment produced by WCVB Channel 5. You can watch the segment HERE. Tiffany graduated from CSNDC's CLC DotBiz/TGH Small Business Course in May 2022. Tiffany's mother also graduated from the CLC/TGH Computer Basics Course in December 2023.... Read more
Darlene Harrison Builds Community at Talbot Bernard Homes
“I'm a people person. Everywhere I go, I meet people,” says Darlene Harrison. “My kids always say, ‘Mom, you’re always talking to people. Do you know them?’ I say, ‘No, I just met them.’ That's just how I am. I’m a really friendly person.” That’s one reason why Darlene was... Read more
Sonia Satchell Serves Up Small Business Success
Sonia (left) with Donna at the grand opening of their new location “If I didn't have CSNDC helping me, I think it would have taken me much, much longer to learn the things that I've learned about how to run this business,” says Sonia Satchell, who, along with... Read more
Solar Born Brings Light to Brothers Building
“I don't live for anything other than purpose. If it doesn't align with my mission and my purpose, I probably won't even show up.” These words succinctly capture the passion and commitment of Solar Born, a 43 year-old resident of Dorchester who, along with CSNDC’s Community Organizer James Mackey, has... Read more
Mary White Leverages Computer Literacy for Asthma Advocacy
“My job is to provide education and resources for families,” says Mary White, a Dorchester resident who leverages her lifelong experience as an asthmatic and mother of asthmatic children to help families with similar challenges. She was one of the graduates of the Tech Goes Home program at CSNDC’s Computer... Read more
Kaleisha Chance Soars to New Heights as First-Time Homeowner
“I'm just going to be positive about this. I just have to speak it into existence.” That’s how Kaleisha Chance describes her refuse-to-fail attitude about becoming a first-time homeowner. And it paid off. Kaleisha is now the proud owner of one of the affordable homes developed by CSNDC on New... Read more
Marlena Carter-Diaz Discovers How to Advocate for Herself and Others
The roots of Marlena Carter-Diaz’s community activism began to form in an ongoing dispute with a neighbor at her Dorchester home where she and her family have lived for over 20 years. Despite her best efforts, she was unable to get her issues resolved to her satisfaction and was left... Read more
Mujihad Muhammad and Juliette Reid: Unleashing a Passion for Green Infrastructure
“Most people don’t realize how pavement and sidewalks interrupt the natural water cycle,” says Dave Queeley, the Director of CSNDC’s Green Infrastructure Certification Program. “In the natural water cycle, rain falls to the ground, goes into the ground water, then comes back up through the roots of trees and plants... Read more
“Mini” Robinson Returns to Codman Square in Sistas Circle
“I wouldn’t be able to do it without her,” says Yvette Modestin, CSNDC’s Community Organizer. The “it” she’s referring to is CSNDC’s monthly Sistas Circle support group. The “her” she’s speaking of is Stephanie “Mini” Robinson.
Luis Castillo Goes Solar!
“It’s the best decision I ever made,” says Luis Castillo. He’s speaking about his decision to install a new 22-panel solar photovoltaic system on the roof of his home on Colonial Avenue in Codman Square back in March 2020.
Ann Marie Kennedy Becomes a Homeowner at Last
“The rodents were the biggest reason we wanted our own house,” recalls Ann Marie Kennedy-Horton. At the time, she and her husband Karl had been renting a two-bedroom apartment in Codman Square for seven years.
Reggie Stewart Finds His Voice with CSNDC’s Help
“I wasn’t looking for a platform, but I guess that’s kind of what’s developing on a small scale, thanks to CSNDC” says Reggie Stewart, a 42-year-old social justice activist and father of five who lives in Codman Square.
