Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), the city's lead agency for youth and family support, has named three new directors for its community centers in Charlestown, Hyde Park, and Mattapan. In an announcement made yesterday, the city welcomed James Burke to lead the BCYF Charlestown Community Center, Johnnie Kindell as director of the BCYF Hyde Park Community Center, and Raymond Heath as the chief of the BCYF Mattahunt Community Center.
Mayor Michelle Wu praised the appointments, saying, "Our community centers are the heart and soul of our neighborhoods." In a statement obtained by the City of Boston's news page, she expressed confidence that "their dedication to our communities will serve residents well." The BCYF's focus is on connecting families with resources and opportunities that can be influential throughout a child's life.
The new directors will oversee program development, budget management, building maintenance and the implementation of operational policies, as explained by Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of BCYF. Rivera highlighted the diverse experiences and skills that James, Johnnie, and Raymond bring to their respective community center positions. Additional vacancies for center directors remain open, urging interested individuals to visit the City of Boston Career Center for more details.
Burke is a longtime Boston resident who grew up in the city and started his BCYF career as a teen. "I'm excited for the opportunity to provide Charlestown with relevant and effective programming," Burke told the City of Boston. He notes his focus will be on meeting the historic community's diverse needs through relationship building. Kindell, a former Boston Public Schools employee, is making his return to BCYF where he began working in 2002. "It is a privilege to be part of a team with such a stellar reputation," Kindell said regarding his appointment.
Heath has a personal connection with the BCYF centers, having spent numerous days swimming at the Marshall Community Center in Dorchester after school. He recalls former Center Director JD Dawson's efforts to create a sanctuary for the local youth. "He was a community person who made kids feel like we belonged," Heath told the City of Boston. Heath is committed to providing a similar experience for the children now placed under his care in Mattapan. A ribbon-cutting event for the renovated BCYF Mattahunt Community Center is scheduled for April 25, with Mayor Wu expected to be in attendance.
