Established in 2006, the Department of Community Services is comprised of three offices: the Council on Aging, Human Services and Recreation. Listed below is a “snapshot” of each office and the programs and services they provide.

Council on Aging

The mission of the New Bedford Council on Aging is to study the conditions and needs of elderly persons in the community, in relation to housing, economics, employment, health, recreational needs and other matters.   It shall analyze the services for the aged provided in the community, both by public and private agencies, and shall make recommendations to the Mayor regarding the development of such programs and their coordination with programs available through the Massachusetts Department of Elder Affairs.

Funding is made available to the Council on Aging from the City of New Bedford, Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs, Coastline Elderly Services Title III, and an  “Anonymous” Grant that benefits older women in need.

The New Bedford Council on Aging is dedicated to the concerns and well being of the older individuals, to enable them to maintain independence in their own lifestyle and prove the support needed so that they may remain contributing members of the community as long as possible.   Among the programs sponsored by the Council on Aging in 2009-2010 are:

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Outreach Services

Services include:  Medical Benefits, Housing, Food Stamps, Crisis Intervention, Advocacy, Discretionary Funding for women 65+who meet eligibility guidelines; Home Visits to elderly shut-ins.  This program is offered at the Council on Aging Downtown Senior Center @ 560 Pleasant Street:  Monday & Tuesday 9 am - 2 pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 9 am - 3 pm.   Walk-ins are welcome; appointments are preferred.  For information, call: 508-991-6257

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Photo Program

The Photo ID program serves New Bedford residents 59 years+ and municipal employees. 
Location:  Council on Aging Senior Center @ 181 Hillman Street.
Requirements:  Proof of residency & ID (Passport, Birth Certificate, State ID, Social Security card, MA license or Medicare card).  Appointments are required for Municipal ID’s.
Days of Operation:  Monday through Friday 9AM-3PM
Tel:           508-991-6250
Fee:          $5.00

Press Release - New Bedford Council On Aging Photo ID Program Relocated to Hillman Street

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"Seniorscope” Newspaper

September 2011 - Newspaper - (click here)

SeniorScope is a free, 12-page monthly publication that has become an integral part of the senior community.  SeniorScope’s mission is to inform, educate and advocate on behalf of area elders. For those who are frail, housebound and/or isolated, SeniorScope is a link to their peers and their community.     The paper is available by subscription and at more than 100 sites in the community, including Senior Centers.

SeniorScope is recorded on cassette for the visually impaired, with assistance from the New Bedford Public Library.  Free copies of the cassette are sent to any visually impaired individual requesting them. SeniorScope staff is located at the Council on Aging: 181 Hillman Street. To subscribe or request a cassette, call Jeannine Wilson @ 508-979-1510.

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Senior Travel Program

The SENIOR TRAVEL PROGRAM promotes active recreational opportunities for socializing through sponsored travel. It brings together persons with similar interests and encourages those who have retired, lost a partner or seek out new friends. New Bedford area residents 55+ are eligible to participate. 

Contact:   Jan Barrette - Senior Travel Coordinator
Office:      Hazelwood Senior Center  (553 Brock Avenue)
Phone:     508-991-6171             FAX: 508-991-6163
E-Mail:      jan.barrette@newbedford-ma.gov

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Transportation Services

Medical Van

The medical van is used for transportation to medical appointments by any senior 59+ or any disabled non-senior who cannot take a bus or taxi because of a special need. (it is not necessary for seniors to be disabled).   The vans are wheelchair-accessible. 
Days of operation:  Monday-Friday 8:30AM – 12:30 PM.  Call 24 hours in advance (every effort will be made to accommodate emergency appointments)
Contact:   508-991-6271
Fee:          $5.00 round trip

Travel to Boston for Medical Services

Personal Van

Personal van service transports riders to non-medical destinations; i.e. the hairdresser, barbershop, pharmacy, restaurants, nursing home visits etc.
Days of Operation: Wednesdays only 8:30-1:30 pm
Appointments:  Call at least 1 week in advance
Contact:   508-997-4882
Fee:          $2.00 round trip

Shopping Van

The shopping van takes riders to Shaw’s Supermarkets, Stop N’ Shop, Price-Rite & Trucchi’s as well as Department stores (K-Mart, Wal-Mart) every Tuesday, alternating between South end and North end.  Two Mondays each month, the van goes to the Christmas Tree Shop, Kohl’s, Vanity Fair, Dartmouth Mall and others.
Days of Operation: Monday &Tuesday 8:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Appointments: Call at least 1 week in advance 
Contact:   508-991-6250
Fee:          $3.00 round trip

Contact: Felice Monteiro, COA Coordinator
Office: 181 Hillman St., Bldg. 9
Phone: 508-991-6251 Fax: 508-979-1514
E-mail: Felice.Monteiro@newbedford-ma.gov

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New Bedford Senior Centers

New Bedford Seniors benefit from having a place at every section of the City to socialize and to participate in programs: Brooklawn Center (North End); Buttonwood Center (West End); Downtown Center; Ashley Park (South End) & Hazelwood Center (far South End).

Whether you wish to keep in shape, learn a new skill or develop a talent, the New Bedford Senior Centers have a variety of programs and activities to suit your lifestyle. Activities include painting, scrapbooking, line dancing, chair yoga, aerobics, strength and conditioning, chi kung walking, and bingo and computer classes. Amenities offered at the accessible centers include: a computer lab at the Hazelwood Center, a billiard table at the Brooklawn Center, treadmill and exercise bike at the Downtown Center. Health education and services are also available, including monthly blood pressure checks, diabetic clinic, hearing aid checks, and special guest speakers for topics such as fall prevention, Alzheimers support, and healthy eating & cooking demonstrations. Call the Senior Program Manager or any of the Senior Center Coordinators for seasonal program updates and upcoming special events.

Contact: Jacqueline Coucci, Senior Program Manager
Phone: 508-991-6209
E-mail: Jacqueline.Coucci@newbedford-ma.gov

Fall Fling Event - September 30th, 2011
Hazelwood Center - Bonco Party
Brooklawn Center - New Horizons Chorus Group
Brooklawn Center - Conductorcise
Hazelwood Center- Have a Ball - Low impact exercise class
Downtow Center - Water Color Classes

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Human Services

WELCOME to the HUMAN SERVICES Office of the Department of Community Services! The Division has staff members who:

• Design and implement innovative programs to improve the “human infrastructure” and quality of life for New Bedford’s residents
• Discuss human service needs and related issues with community-based organizations, educational institutions, neighborhood associations and area agencies to assist the City in developing policy and programs
• Provide Information & Referral services to constituents, linking them with appropriate agencies and services
• Seek outside funds and resources to support City/community projects
• Serve in leadership positions local organizations such as the Massachusetts Municipal Association Human Services arm: LOHSC (Local Officials Human Services Council) and the US Conference of Mayors Human Services Conference

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Among the programs sponsored by the Human Services Division in 2008 are:

Adult Literacy: Shining Lights ESOL Program

From 2003 to 2005, the Office of Human Services received matching funds from the School Department’s 21st Century Learning Centers Program to initiate “Shining Lights” – a program for adults for whom English is not their first language. Partners in the program included CEDC, Gomes School & US Basics Corp/Department of Education. One of the unique Shining Lights program components involved children of the students. While adults were in class, the Invest-in-Kids Program provided activities for children of the adult learners. During the 2005 winter semester, children created a Shining Lights 2005-06 Diversity Calendar that was displayed at the Anti-Defamation League’s Annual No Place for Hate Conference in Boston.

Since 2004, the Office began collaboration with Grace Episcopal Church on an “ESOL” Program, Shining Lights: New Beginnings. Volunteer teachers from Grace Church work with the Community Services staff on a 22-week program schedule to teach residents new to the community of New Bedford basic English language skills that will prepare them to enter a more formal, advanced ESOL Program. The program will provide childcare and transportation for those who need it. ESOL 2011 will start on July 5, 2011 and runs through November 30, 2011. For information on when registrations will start please call the office:

Contact: Catherine Verdadeiro
Phone: 508-997-4889
E-Mail: Catherine.Verdadeiro@newbedford-ma.gov

• Para información en Español llame a la Oficina de Community Services a 508-997-4889 o 508-961-3136

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Citizen Schools

Citizen Schools is a Boston-based non-profit organization dedicated to providing high quality project-based learning programs to 9-14 year olds. Founded in 1995, Citizen Schools operates in Boston with affiliate campuses in Worcester, Lowell, Malden and Framingham, MA; Houston, TX; San Jose, CA; New Brunswick, NJ and Tucson, AZ. Citizen Schools shares its model with affiliated community-based organizations and school districts through an initial intensive, two year consulting and training relationship. Citizen Schools is committed to building a thriving national network of leaders who share a vision for excellent after school education programming in their communities. Collaborating with the Office of Human Services and the 21st Century Learning Center Grant Program, PAACAbegan operating Citizen Schools New Bedford @ Keith Middle School in 2004 and also offers its programs @ Normandin Middle School.
The Middle School Initiative has four goals:

• Expand high-quality academically based after-school opportunities for middle school students
• Build school capacity and commitment to quality out-of-school time programming.
• Create community enthusiasm and investment in expansion of out-of-school time programs.
• Serve as an important component of a statewide effort to develop a network of academically focused after-school programs in Massachusetts

Citizens School students are part of an initiative that:

• Engages middle school-age children with a campus size of at least 72 students;
• Collaborates deeply with school partners and school districts;
• Operates an enrollment program (not drop-in) open at least 250 hours per school year
• Encourages apprentices to enroll for 2+ years;
• Invests in a robust staffing model
• Participates in the national AmeriCorps Teaching Fellows Program
• Engages community members as exemplified by an active Steering Committee
• Develops program and management structure to ensure high levels of safety for all participants and compliance with relevant state and local laws and regulations.
• Diversifies funding strategy
• Integrates and leverages assets of the affiliate organization on behalf of the Citizen Schools program

Program Elements Include:

• Volunteer-led Apprenticeships culminating in WOWs. Keith offers apprentices at least two apprenticeships per academic year;
• Staff-led Apprenticeships focus on building skills in writing or data analysis and culminate in WOWs where student projects are showcased;
• Explorations that provide apprentices with access to the educational, cultural, civic, and business institutions including at least one visit to a college or university per academic year;
• Homework Investment Time support and planning for academic success, including communication at least weekly by Citizen Schools staff with teachers and parent/guardians of Citizen Schools apprentices;
• Village Building: a team structure and focus on building positive values/esprit de corps through engaging and fun team-building activities and through effective integration of the entire Citizen Schools curriculum.

Contact: Carl Alves
Phone: 508-979-1580
E-Mail: Carl.Alves@newbedford-ma.gov
Info: www.citizenschools.org

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Home Aid Program

Previously known as “Clear Paths”, the HomeAID Program provides limited seasonal services to disabled New Bedford homeowners.  The program covers snow removal  for disabled homeowners who need access to/from home to obtain critical medical treatment or receive caregivers. Depending upon the availability of funds, limited lawn/garden clean-up will also be provided to those homeowners who received snow removal assistance.

click here for more information

Contact:   Diane E. Figueira
Phone:      508-979-1638
TTY:          508-979-1796
Fax :         508-979-1797
E-Mail:      diane.figueira@newbedford-ma.gov

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Coordinator

The ADA coordinator is available to assist New Bedford constituents who are disabled or know someone who is disabled who require assistance in navigating the social service agencies who may provide assistance.  Areas of assistance include, but are not limited to:

1. Employment (Reasonable Accommodation Requests)
2. Mediation Services
3. Architectural Compliance
4. Handicap Parking compliance

The above assistance is also provided to City departments as well as City businesses who want to ensure total access to persons with disabilities.

Contact:   Diane E. Figueira
Phone:      508-979-1638
TTY:          508-979-1796
Fax :         508-979-1797
E-Mail:      diane.figueira@newbedford-ma.gov

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Commission for Citizens with Disabilities

Established by the City Council in 1983, the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities is a 9-member body appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council.  All members serve three-year terms and at least five members shall be persons with a disability.  The Executive Director, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council, carries out the administrative functions of the Commission.  The Commission is charged with exploring issues relating to citizens with disabilities, providing information, referral, technical assistance, and taking action to ensure the equal status of persons with disabilities.  The Commission supports a variety of programs, including:

1. Home Aid (snow removal for disabled homeowners)
2. Meals on Wheels for NON-elderly persons with disabilities
3. Out-of-school time activities for youth with disabilities
4. Sunset Social (evening supper for persons with disabilities)

The Commission is also actively involved in raising funds for the City’s first wheelchair-accessible playground @ Buttonwood Park. 

Commission Members

Kimberli Bettencourt, Chair
Honorable Lorraine Phenix, Vice-Chair
Brooke Miller, Secretary
Gloria Hill, Treasurer
Martha Bouchard
Rev. Pam Cole
Andre Faria
Marsha Fernandes
John Tyson

Contact:         Cynthia Wallquist, Executive Director
Phone:            508-997-4893
E-Mail:            cynthia.wallquist@newbedford-ma.gov

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"CS2" Communities and Schools for Success

During the past ten years, CS² - Communities and Schools for Success Educational Initiative in New Bedford continues to be a powerful and creative force behind school-based initiatives and stronger linkages to the community. They play a pivotal role in a variety of school/community collaborations, dropout prevention initiatives, partnerships with local arts and cultural institutions, and career and character development initiatives.

The CS² team consistently leverages resources, cultivates innovative programs, and increases the level of community engagement in a coordinated effort to better support students who are on the verge of dropping out of school and who are most disconnected from their community and school.
With offices located at New Bedford High School, CS² initiatives include the following:

• Pathways One Stop Initiative and Summer Work and Learning programs. The Pathways initiative provides extended services to high school seniors who have not yet passed MCAS but have completed their local high school credit requirements. CS² continues to design and implement innovative Summer Work and Learning programs for vulnerable youth which have included an entrepreneurial curriculum, projects that promote civic engagement and good character, and presently under development a science curriculum to help students achieve the science MCAS standards.  
• College Mentors/Tutors - In a partnership with UMass Dartmouth, the CS² team has facilitated the placement of college tutors from SIFE – Students In Free Enterprise in the high school’s entrepreneurship courses and college mentors in several freshmen classes.    
• Dropout Prevention– Collaborate closely with the district’s dropout prevention specialists to increase outreach and community resources for underserved youth.  CS² staff also serves on the district’s Dropout Prevention and Recovery team to assess’ current programs, gaps in service, and alternative education options for the district. 
• Community Service Learning (CSL) – The CS² teamencourages the practice of service-learning as a teaching methodology and dropout prevention strategy in the district by pursuing grant funding, offering professional development opportunities, and providing resources and assistance to teachers for CSL projects. The team works closely with the UMass Dartmouth’s Center for Civic Engagement both on their Advisory Board and as members of SouthCoast Serves - a new regional committee focused on increasing service and service-learning in our region.
• Community Collaborations include: ArtWorks!, Empowering Youth Summit planning committee, WIB Youth Council, New Directions South Coast, Inc., One Stop Career Center, SouthCoast Serves, United Way of Greater New Bedford, Gifts to Give, New Bedford Local Cultural Council, GEAR-UP, and many more.
• Media/Advocacy – Design and develop marketing materials, prepare press releases, and appear on local cable access TV/radio to promote and highlight school and community programs.
• Grants research and writing

Recent CS² Accomplishments

• LEADS Program (Leadership for Educational Attainment Developed Through Service): CS2 assisted with the development and implementation of the LEADS program in NBHS. LEADS is a collaboration between the Center for Civic Engagement at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth and NBPS. The program is designed such that University students teach leadership skills through service learning projects. LEADS is designed to empower students to believe in themselves while they actively work to make our community a better place to live. 50 students in the NBHS Freshman Academy will benefit from the program.

• Entrepreneurship – CS2 developed and continues to manage the Entrepreneurship Program at New Bedford High School and during the Summer Work and Learning program. This year, Scott Paiva, a NBHS student, won 3rd place in the National Youth Entrepreneurship Challenge and had the opportunity to meet President Obama in the White House.

Contact: Jane Jacobsen
Phone: 508-997-4511 X 2469
E-Mail: jjacobsen@newbedfordschools.org
Contact: Lynne LaBerge
Phone: 508-997-4511 X 2361
E-Mail: llaberge@newbedfordschools.org

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The Neighborhood and Community Outreach Unit - (NCOU)

The Community Outreach Unit is comprised of representatives of the Community Service Department and was developed with the intention of being proactive to residents needs in the community. The NCOU, which meets weekly, attends all neighborhood meetings and special events in the community. The purpose of attending all events and meetings is to represent the City of New Bedford, and bring back information to be disseminated or to have questions answered. The Unit also responds to constituent’s needs in the community and assist those with extenuating circumstances.

This unit includes a Constituent Services Liaison and Ombudsperson for Elder & Disabled Services. These positions, funded by the City of New Bedford & the Office of Housing & Community Development, focus on addressing the needs of New Bedford’s elders, persons with disabilities, and non/limited English Speaking low-income residents. During 2006-2007, this program served 1,072 constituents.

View our Newsletter
Neighborhood and Community News

Volume 14 - Winter 2012
Volume 13 - Fall 2011
Volume 12 - Summer 2011
Volume 11 - Fall 2010/Winter 2011
Volume 10 - Fall 2010
Volume 9 - Summer 2010
Volume 8 - Spring 2010
Volume 7 - Fall 2009/Winter 2010
Volume 6 - Fall 2009
Volume 5 - Summer 2009 - Special Edition
Volume 4 - Summer 2009
Volume 3 - Spring 2009
Volume 2 - Winter 2009
Volume 1 - Fall 2008

Nora Andino, Constituent Services Liaison, is a bi-lingual staff (Spanish) member who:

• Provides case management, information & referral services to constituents with emphasis on the Latino Community.
• Assists Constituent with housing needs
• Processes referrals from constituents, social service agencies, religious, fraternal and community organizations
• Assists City departments with constituent needs
• Attends agency and community meetings that pertain to constituent needs
• Collaborates with other agencies/organizations

Phone: 508-979-1516
E-mail: Nora.Andino@newbedford-ma.gov
Office hours: M-F 8 AM – 5 PM City Hall, Room 219

• Para información en Español llame al 508-979-1516 o 508-961-3136

John Lobo – Neighborhood Liaison

• Provides assistants to Neighborhood Groups, attends meeting, solves Neighborhood issues
• Assist with special projects.
• Assist residents with quality of life issues.
• Collaborates with other agencies/ organizations.
• Process referrals from constituent to City Departments.
• Coordinate Graffiti removal.

Contact: John Lobo
Phone: 508-979-1692
E-Mail: John.Lobo@newbedford-ma.gov
Office hours: Mon. - Fri. 7:30-4 City Hall, Room 220

Pauline Macedo, Ombudsperson provides:

• I & R to N.B. low-income residents about local, state and federal programs
• Assists with housing related matters, Snap Benefits etc.
• Non-legal translations/interpretations (Portuguese)
• Serve as a liaison on behalf of City Departments and constituents for their needs
• Collaborates with other Social Service Agencies by attending agency & community meetings.

Contact: Pauline Macedo
Phone: 508-961-3135
E-Mail: Pauline.Macedo@newbedford-ma.gov
Office Hours: Mon thru Fri 8 AM – 5 PM; City Hall, Room 219
Home, Hospital and Nursing Home Visits available upon request

• Para informação em Português chame o Escritório pelo tel. 508-961-3135.

Marci Pina-Christian, Human Services Coordinator (Neighborhood Outreach, Human Relations:

• Attend and provide support to neighborhood initiatives
• Facilitate NCOU weekly meetings
• Coordinate monthly NCOU meetings with mayor
• Liason to city council on neighborhood issues
• Editor of neighborhood and community newsletter
• Host monthly neighborhood show
• Local consumer program mediation

Neighborhood Update can be viewed on Cable Access Channel 18 on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturday’s 11:00 am and 8PM

Have a community program that you will like to promote? We would like to here from you.

Contact: Marci Pina-Christian
Office Phone: 508-979-1464
Cell Phone: 508-991-6262
E-mail: Marcelina.Pina-Christian@newbedford-ma.gov

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Cultural Affairs

The Cultural Affairs Office works to:

• Improve and help streamline the delivery of City services to minority, migrant & underrepresented communities -- especially those unfamiliar with the mechanics of City departments.
• Assist limited-English or non-English speaking constituents by being their direct link to all City departments.
• Assist with planning, organizing, and coordinating community programs and cultural special events relating to diversity and multicultural issues and needs.

Contact: Mali Lim, Human Services Coordinator
Phone: 508-961-3020
E-Mail: Mali.Lim@newbedford-ma.gov
Office Hours: Monday -Friday from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

• Para información en Español llame la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales a 508-979-1516

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Human Relations Commission

The Human Relations Commission is charged with promoting mutual understanding and respect among, and encourage and assure equality of opportunity for, all people of the City without regard to their race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation or national origin; to conduct such programs of education, study, research, investigation, and action as will contribute to carrying out that mission.

• administrative support to human relations commission
• conduct intake, process complaints, make referrals to MCAD

Contact: Marci Pina-Christian
Phone: 508-979-1464
E-mail: Marcelina.Pina-Christian@newbedford-ma.gov
Office: City Hall, Room 221
Hours: Monday thru Friday from 8:30 am - 5:30 pm

The Commission meets at 6:00 pm on the following dates:

June 15, 2011
May 18, 2011
April 20, 2011
March 16, 2011
February 23, 2011
January 19, 2011

Commission Members

Ferdinand Fuentes, Vice-President
Janice Baptist, Chairperson
Carol Walsh, Secretary
William Do Carmo
Ji-Tae "JT" Ghim
Rev. Richard Wilson
Captain Joseph Corderro
Estella Rebeiro

For information visit the Human Relations webpage.

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Invest-In-Kids

In October 1998, the City of New Bedford received $200,000 from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Targeted Cities Initiative for junior high after-school activities. The City subsequently issued an “RFP” (Request for Proposals), funding 11 programs in the spring of ’99. In June 1999, New Bedford was awarded $200,000 in Targeted Cities funds; the City added $250,000 to support more than 40 activities. In 2000-01, City/State contributions exceeded $400,000. During FY02, when State funding ended, the City’s $265,000 maintained the initiative. The City funded $200,000 in FY03 and FY04; $250,000 in FY05. Since FY06, the City has had a $200,000 program City budget for the Invest-in-Kids Program. For the past two years, the City has been fortunate to receive funding through State Senator Mark Montigny enabling the office to expand its program offerings, including Saturday Academy.

Through the RFP process, the Office subcontracts with 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organizations and cultural/educational institutions to implement out-of-school-time programs for students in Grades 5 through Middle School. During 2011-12, priorities include:

• Arts Bridging Cultures “ABC” art/dance/drama/journalism/music/photography/theater/video)
• Diversity Appreciation & Understanding/”No Place for Hate”
• Integrated Activities for Youth with Special Needs
• Mentoring

Positive Youth Development. Funded programs must offer activities that are innovative, high quality, and reflective of positive youth development. This approach sets high standards for all youth in education, socialization and citizenship -- and helps young people achieve them. Programs must produce measurable positive outcomes, including acquisition of competency skills. Essential to positive youth development is the inclusion of young people in planning and decision-making. Parents, neighborhood organizations, faith communities, and the widest possible diversity of community groups/informal systems participate in planning/implementing youth services, including the process of developing formal objectives of your program. Positive youth development encourages programs that:

• Involve collaborations (are multi-agency)
• Include families and youth
• Involve young people in program planning and monitoring
• Include youth and adult partnerships
• Promote youth competencies

Each year, the Invest-in-Kids Program is evaluated by Brandeis University to ensure high standards of program design and best practices are maintained. A complete program listing is found through the “Invest-in-Kids” link on the City’s web page.

Contact: Monica Castro
Phone: 508-997-4889
E-Mail: Monica.Castro@newbedford-ma.gov

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The New Bedford Local Consumer Program

The New Bedford Local  Consumer Program (LCP) operates out of the City’s Department of Community Services. Funded by and working in cooperation with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts   Office of the  Attorney General, the LCP provides free information and mediation to area consumers. A consumer having problems with a business may request mediation services. Staff mediators act as an intermediary between the consumer and merchant, attempting to reach a mutually acceptable solution.

Download Brochure - English -- Portuguese -- Spanish

Podcast/P.S.A.: Consumer Guide: BASIC RETAIL RiGHTS

Podcast Transcript

The Local Consumer Program cannot provide legal advice or representation.

How much does it cost?

The program is funded by the Office of the Attorney General and there are no fees or income guidelines for this program.

Who is eligible for mediation?

Residents of the following towns, filing against a business:

We cannot mediate if a consumer has already initiated legal proceedings or if the complaint is against a government agency, charity or private individual.

Contact 508-961-3020 /508-979-1464 or consumer@newbedford-ma.gov to request a complaint form or download one from the following link: English -- Portuguese -- Spanish

Complaints will be reviewed once all paperwork is received. If it does not fall within the LCP jurisdiction, it will be referred to the appropriate agency. If it does fall within the purview of the LCP, staff will mediate the complaint through an informal process via phone or mail.

Please be aware that mediation is voluntary; a business has the option to refuse to participate in the process. If LCP staff are unable to resolve a complaint, consumers are advised on other options, including how to file in Small Claims Court or how to contact the local Bar Association to find a private attorney.

Nos falamos português
Hablamos español

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No Place for Hate®

The City of New Bedford is a No Place for Hate ® Community. Certified by the Boston regional office of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), New Bedford conducts at least four initiatives annually to prevent hate crimes and promote understanding to retain its certification. The Office of Human Services has been the New Bedford lead in this program. The ADL has provided the Office with annual matching grants that have funded:

• KidsWeave – a diversity quilt displayed made by the participants in the Invest-in-Kids Program
• No Place for Hate® - Shining Lights – a 16-month calendar made by children whose immigrant parents were enrolled in ESOL classes
• Together at the Table – a multicultural cookbook and oral history project where local elementary students interacted with immigrant families to learn about culture through food.
• Culturally diverse cookbook by middle school students and a sculpture project by children who have disabilities
• Dolls for Darfur – a doll-making project by middle school students at the New Bedford Art Museum. The dolls were fashioned after New Bedford historical figures and sent to children in Darfur

During 2010-2011, the No Place for Hate Committee will explore topics relevant to current events in New Bedford, including interfaith peace initiatives, efforts to reduce homophobia, and an examination of the myths surrounding immigrants and immigration. The Office of Human Services, in collaboration with other city departments and local agencies, plans to develop a program giving recognition to local organizations and groups that actively promote diversity and combat prejudice and bigotry.

For regional material, go to the Anti-Defamation League’s website: www.adl.org. For more information on New Bedford’s No Place for Hate® Program:

Contact: Mali Lim, No Place for Hate
Phone: 508-961-3020
E-Mail: Mali.Lim@newbedford-ma.gov

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Portuguese Annual Senior Conference

Know Your Rights is an Annual 1 day Conference for the Portuguese-Speaking Elder Community to educate them about their rights as residents in the Greater New Bedford, Fall River and Taunton area.  The  Conference “Know  Your Rights VIII”  was held at Fort Taber Community Center on May 10, 2011 presented by Bristol Elder Services, Coastline Elderly Services, Inc., Catholic Social Services, Immigrants Assistance Center, New Center for Legal Advocacy, South Coastal Counties Legal Services and  the City of New Bedford’s Office of Human Services was a success.   Approximately 126 elders/disabled were in attendance.  The event was live broadcast by the Portuguese Radio Station “A Voz do Emigrante” and the N.B. Cable Access, which is presently showing on local TV station.  Since this event is to educate and connect the audience with local agencies/resources, 15 vendors attended.  Those attending enjoyed the conference so much that they kept asking us when we were going to present another conference like this one; they did not want to leave.  The next Portuguese Elder Conference “Conhece Os Seus Direitos VIII” will be held in May or June 2012.

Contact: Pauline Macedo
Phone: 508-961-3135
E-Mail: Pauline.Macedo@newbedford-ma.gov

• Para informação em Português chame o Escritório pelo tel. 508-961-3135.

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Resource Development

The Development Team’s mission is to optimize the amount of resources available to the Department of Community Services through the development of grant proposals, in kind donations, and other innovative funding strategies. In addition, the Team will assist in:

• Identifying and prioritizing funding needs
• Assessing the feasibility of support for each need
• Developing a list of initiatives for potential funding

Once projects have been defined, staff will assist in assembling a project team to lead the development process.

Contact:Carl Alves – Grants Contractor
Phone: 508-991-6263
Website : www.volunteernewbedford.org

Contact: Monica DaSilva – Administrative Specialist / Grants
Phone: 508-991-6263
E-Mail: Monica.DaSilva@newbedford-ma.gov

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Saturday Academy
Waterfront Summer Program

Kool Days Program - August 8 - August 26

As part of its mission to provide high quality, positive “out-of-school-time” activities, the City of New Bedford Department of Community Services offers a weekly, no-fee Saturday Academy Program for 4th and 5th grade boys from Parker, Swift, Ottiwell, Kempton & Phillips Ave Schools.  The Saturday Academy Program is a 31-week program for students of promise referred by the school principal.  The program coordinator along with the Saturday Academy lead teachers keep close communication with the school teachers.  We serve the students a hot breakfast in the morning followed by Academics.  After academics students have lunch then activities are held, which include going on fieldtrips, which incorporate education and fun, such as the New England Aquarium, Harvard Museum and the Children’s Museum.  We also have speakers come in and talk to the students regarding various topics such as proper hygiene and making good choices. We have the students do community service related activities, which in turn will help them appreciate their community.  We have taken the students to Nursing Homes to sing to the elderly during Christmas time.  We provide different kind of activities such as an Easter egg hunt and a scavenger hunt. As part of the enrollment process, parents agree to have their son attend Saturdays with their Saturday Academy t-shirt, which is provided, and also agree to have their child attend the program from October - June (9:00 am - 2:00 pm). The program is based at the Dennison Memorial Center.  Breakfast and Lunch are provided.   Round-trip transportation from the schools is available at no cost. 

Saturday Academy Pamphlet - click here for details

click pictures to enlarge

Contact: Jason Perry @ 508-472-3632 or Monica @ 508-997-4889
E-mail:  chaunce_247@yahoo.com
E-mail:  Monica.Castro@newbedford-ma.gov>

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Sunset Social

The Sunset Supper & Social is a 16-week program for "downtown" seniors and residents with disabilities. Hosted by the Office of Human Services, 40 participants gather weekly for a light supper with an opportunity for socialization at Grace Episcopal Church of New Bedford. The program gives elder residents who don't usually venture out at night the opportunity to gather one evening a week in a safe and comfortable environment. Downtown seniors (62+) and residents with disabilities are invited. This program is funded by The City of New Bedford. Pre-registration is required.

Fall Session – September 08, - October 27, 2011
Spring Session - May 10, 2012 - June 28, 2012
Pre-registration – April 2012

Contact: Pauline Macedo
Phone: 508-961-3135
E-mail: Pauline.Macedo@newbedford-ma.gov

• Para información en Español llame la Oficina de Asuntos Culturales a 508-979-1516.
• Para informação em Português chame pelo tel. 508-961-3135.

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Youth Summit

April 16, 2010 marks the 6th New Bedford Youth Summit which is sponsored in part by the Office of Human Services. The Youth Summit benefits 350-400 middle and High school age youth from all schools including public, parochial and Charter Schools. Youth Summit 2010 will be an all day forum where youth express opinions, interact with their peers, expand their knowledge and feel empowered to achieve success. Each year, the Summit brings together a diverse cross section of youth to explore issues of diversity, gain an appreciation of differences and discover similarities. This event will empower youth to gain knowledge, express their thoughts and challenge one another through participation in setting goals, achieving personal success and sharing their newly-gained knowledge. For more information, contact:

Contact: Monica Castro
Phone: 508-997-4889
E-Mail: Monica.Castro@newbedford-ma.gov

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