Massachusetts

Several years ago when I worked for an admissions office at a Simmons College I was assigned to run a college fair within the Suffolk County House of Correction. The women who were attending the fair were all incarcerated for short term sentences usually relating to drugs or assault charges. Most of them were close to concluding their time there, were still very young (20 to 25) and were trying to figure out what on earth they would do afterwards. Each of them came to my table. I was all idealism and promise, “We can figure out the financial aid situation, just apply and see what happens,” I remember telling them. “You can do anything.” Trouble was: they couldn’t do anything. The majority of them were interested in nursing. Simmons had a strong nursing program. But one by one, each of them informed me that it couldn’t happen, that the major would do no good because they’d never get through CORI to get a job after.

Yesterday at a hearing Governor Patrick called for CORI law reform...  read more »

On Monday, July 14th, The Massachusetts Asset
Development Commission held its first public hearing on the policies, programs and practices that can better assist low and moderate income families to build an retain assets, such as housing, savings and retirement funds. At the hearing, residents from throughout the Commonwealth provided accounts of their personal experiences living and supporting families in today's economy. We'll keep you posted about future public hearings. The following is Tamara's testimony in response to the Asset Development Commission's questions...  read more »