Making an Impact
NewVue Communities’ annual impact reports document our progress in building healthy, inclusive communities across North Central Massachusetts. Each year, we share the outcomes of the families we’ve helped secure safe, affordable housing, the businesses we’ve supported in creating jobs and economic opportunity, and the volunteers who strengthen our neighborhoods through civic engagement. These reports provide transparent insight into how NewVue Communities is impacting communities where residents choose to live, work, and invest.
Our Mission
Our MissionNewVue Communities is led by community members of diverse incomes and backgrounds; we develop quality housing, create economic opportunities, and foster civic engagement in North Central Massachusetts. We envision healthy communities where residents choose to live, work, and play.
Taking Care of Business
Our small business team supports new startups and established businesses seeking to grow. Business owners from across the region have come to us with great ideas, big dreams, and are ready to address the hurdles along the way. These small businesses are strengthening our community and economy.
- 106 businesses were counseled
- 59 business owners of color
- 59 business owners were women
- 134 jobs were created or retained
- Assisted with 15 loans totally $3,443,313
Home is where Our Heart Is
Now, more than ever, the state-wide housing crisis has made our financial coaching, including eviction prevention and foreclosure counseling, critical to the wellbeing of families in our communities. For those in a position to pursue purchasing their first home, our first-time homebuyer class helps those families make smart financial and purchasing decisions.
- 252 families completed First-time Homebuyer Class
- 111 families purchased their first home
- 51% of housing and financial services participants were people of color
- 67 families avoided eviction
- 18 homeowners avoided foreclosure
- $283,763 in assistance funds were distributed
- 11 children were assisted through the Lead Prevention Program
Stewarding our Community
Community Stewards are volunteers that choose to show up, offer their voice, invite others to join, and engage in activities that strengthen communities. People from all walks of life have become part of this positive and inclusive movement that impacts positive change. New in 2025 was the Affordable Housing Steward group bringing together 44 participants from across the region that care about the current housing crisis.
- 282 steward graduates recognized in 2025
- 3,871 volunteer hours were provided by stewards and trainers
- 29 community events/projects were facilitated by stewards
- 5,496 people reached through community education
NewVue’s Commitment to Affordable Housing
In 2025, NewVue Communities maintained its commitment to safe, attractive, and affordable housing. As costs and other challenges increased, so did the determination of our housing development team to pursue more projects to continue addressing housing instability in the North Central Region.
The year brought an opportunity to invite those in the region committed to the issue of affordable housing to discuss trends and potential solutions. The first Affordable Housing Steward Group was launched, bringing experts in the housing field and public officials to share information and hear from participants. This group will work to help NewVue identify possible sites for housing development projects.
In 2025, we had the largest ribbon-cutting turnout to date to help us celebrate the completion of the Fitchburg Arts Community – an artist-preference, 68-unit, three-building campus. A “Walk Down Memory Lane” of photos welcomed visitors and offered a reminder of the many steps that got us to the finish line.
A Community Worth Celebrating
We were so fortunate to have one of our August 28, 2025 Ribbon Cutting speakers be a former student who then taught at the BF Brown School and now lives as an artist resident at the Fitchburg Arts Community. Bill Tolos provided guests, including other former students, with a heartfelt reminder of days gone by and what the beautifully renovated buildings will offer the community in the years ahead. In 2025, we completed the rent up of Fitchburg Arts Committee.
Residences at the Park
A Place Hearts Will Call Home
Residences at the Park, underway in Athol, is past the halfway point in construction and will provide 53 beautiful units for tenants
to call home.
On October 31, 2025, public officials from throughout the Commonwealth joined the NewVue team and project partners to celebrate the start of the construction and highlight what this housing will mean for the Athol area.
2025 Financials (Unaudited)
Summary of Financial Position: December 31, 2025 |
|
| Total Assets | $5,058,870 |
| Liabilties | $555,601 |
| Net Assets | $4,504,269 |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | $5,058,870 |
Summary of Financial Activities: December 31, 2025 |
|
| Operating Revenue | $3,686,308 |
| Operating Expenses | $2,925,194 |
| Change in Net Assets Before Depreciation | $761,114 |
| Non-Operating Revenue and Expenses | – |
| Change in Net Assets with Donor Restriction | $(2,259) |
| Total Changes in Net Assets | $758,855 |
This financial information is from NewVue Communities, Inc. only.
Revenue includes a one-time developer feed for the ten-year Fitchburg Arts Community project completed in 2025.
Our 2025 Leadership and Staff
Our Board of Directors
Christina DiRiRusso
President
Barbara Yanke
Vice-President
Erin Nano
Treasurer
Derek Craig
Assistant Treasurer
Marta Albizu
Clerk
Phil Duffy
Assistant Clerk
Annie Belmer
William Cortezia
Luisa Fernandez
Beatrice Kabaya
Laura O’Kane
Stephanie Page
Evelina Rodriguez
Carolyn Sellars
Our Staff
Ray Belanger
Director of Small Business
Flor Clintrón
Accounting Coordinator
Steve Cook
Director of Design and Construction
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Gabriel Figueroa
Outreach Worker/Lead Prevention Program
Kerry Flathers
Director of Development and Communications
Angelica LaCourse
Outreach Worker
James Linfield
Director of Design and Construction
Jaqueline Mastrangelo
Small Business Developer
Madeline Mendoza
Director of Housing and Financial Services
Annie Montalvo
Outreach Worker
Nasharie Peralta
Community Organizer
Natasha Peralta
Outreach Worker
Brenda Piccard
Senior Housing Counselor
Francisco Ramos
Director of Community Organizing
Gretchen Rodriguez
Outreach Worker
Yenny Sanchez
CLPPP Case Manager
Sarah Tavitan
Small Business Developer
Cathy Walker
Director of Finance and Controller
Milagros Whitfield
Administrative Coordinator
CELEBRATING 45 YEARS OF SERVICE
Our 2024 Impact Report reflects our accomplishments during NewVue Communities’ 45th Anniversary for strengthening communities in North Central Massachusetts. We share these accomplishments with business partners, funders, public officials, those who seek our services, donors, residents, our board of directors and our staff. It is because of the support of so many that we have the impact reflected in this report.
OUR MISSION & VISION
NewVue Communities is led by community members of diverse incomes and backgrounds; we develop quality housing, create economic opportunities, and foster civic engagement in North Central Massachusetts. We envision healthy communities where residents live, work, and invest..
Small Business Technical Assistance
Our small business team supports aspiring and existing small business owners to build sustainable businesses that generate financial revenue, provide the services and products needed by the local community as well as job opportunities.
- 125 businesses were counseled
- 64 business owners were women
- 233 jobs were created or retained
- Assisted with 19 loans totaling $2,962,558
- Assisted with 4 grants totaling $50,000
Housing and Financial Services
Now, more than ever, the state-wide housing crisis has made our financial coaching, eviction prevention and foreclosure counseling critical to the wellbeing of families in our communities. For those in a position to pursue purchasing their first home, our first-time homebuyer class helps those families make smart financial and purchasing decisions.
- 227 families completed First-time Homebuyer’s Class
- 115 families purchased their first home
- 60% of housing and financial services participants were people of color
- 52 families avoided eviction
- 19 homeowners avoided foreclosure
- $1,479,023 in assistance funds were distributed
Community Steward Leadership Program
Amplifying the voices of people from all walks of life elevates issues the broader community views as important. Our community stewards are addressing environmental issues, developing artists, strengthening childcare availability and engaging youth in financial stewardship. 206 steward graduates recognized in June and December 2024 1170 of our 2024 graduates are people of color 50 childcare steward graduates now have inhome licensed childcare businesses 5,266 people reached through community education
NewVue’s Commitment to Affordable Housing
NewVue Communities believes that having a safe, healthy, affordable home is an essential foundation for building a happy life, a strong neighborhood, and a vibrant community. The high demand and low supply of affordable housing has led to a housing crisis in Massachusetts and here in North Central Massachusetts, making housing unaffordable for many. Housing experts predict that Massachusetts needs to build over 200,000 new housing units by 2035 to keep pace with demand, including 6,400 in North Central Massachusetts. NewVue is committed to working together with local, state and federal partners to develop creative solutions to address this crisis so everyone has a place they can call home. The following projects highlighted from our 2024 housing development work are examples of that commitment.
Fitchburg Arts Community
68 Artist-Preference Apartments
- Completed 85% of the three-building campus construction
- Held an applicant lottery with over 700 participants
- Certified 100 artists interested in living at the Fitchburg Arts Community
Residences at the Park
Intergenerational Affordable Housing
Athol received special Community Project Funding of $1,000,000 secured by the Office of State Representative James McGovern
2024 Financials
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | $4,181,073 |
Summary of Financial Activities: December 31, 2024 |
|
| Operating Revenue | $3,098,812 |
| Operating Espenses | $3,092,270 |
| Change in Net Assets Before Depreciation | $6,642 |
| Non-Operating Revenue and Expenses | – |
| Change in Net Assets with Donor Restriction | $28,653 |
| Total Change in Net Assets | $38,295 |
This financial information is from NewVue Communities, Inc. only.
Our 2024 Leadership and Staff
Our Board of Directors
Thomas Gray
President
Evelina Rodriquez
Vice-President
Erin Nano
Treasurer
Christina DiRusso
Assistant Treasurer
William Cortezia
Clerk
Marta Albizu
Assistant Clerk
Barbara Abraham
Derek Craig
Philip Duffy
Luisa Fernandez
Beatrice Kabaya
Emily MacRae
Laura O’Kane
Stephanie Page
Carolyn Sellars
Barbara Yanke
Our Staff
Ray Belanger
Director of Small Business
Flor Clintrón
Accounting Coordinator
Steve Cook
Director of Design and Construction
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Kerry Flathers
Director of Development and Communications
Angelica LaCourse
Outreach Worker
James Linfield
Real Estate Project Developer
Jaqueline Mastrangelo
Small Business Developer
Madeline Mendoza
Director of Housing and Financial Services
Annie Montalvo
Outreach Worker
Nasharie Peralta
Community Organizer
Brenda Piccard
Senior Housing Counselor
Francisco Ramos
Director of Community Organizing
Gretchen Rodriguez
Outreach Worker
Yenny Sanchez
CLPPP Case Manager
Sarah Tavitan
Small Business Developer
Cathy Walker
Director of Finance and Controller
Milagros Whitfield
Administrative Coordinator
Thank you from NewVue
Our 2024 Leadership and Staff
Our Board of Directors
Thomas Gray
President
Evelina Rodriquez
Vice-President
Erin Nano
Treasurer
Christina DiRusso
Assistant Treasurer
William Cortezia
Clerk
Marta Albizu
Assistant Clerk
Barbara Abraham
Derek Craig
Philip Duffy
Luisa Fernandez
Beatrice Kabaya
Emily MacRae
Laura O’Kane
Stephanie Page
Carolyn Sellars
Barbara Yanke
Our Staff
Ray Belanger
Director of Small Business
Flor Clintrón
Accounting Coordinator
Steve Cook
Director of Design and Construction
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Kerry Flathers
Director of Development and Communications
Angelica LaCourse
Outreach Worker
James Linfield
Real Estate Project Developer
Jaqueline Mastrangelo
Small Business Developer
Madeline Mendoza
Director of Housing and Financial Services
Annie Montalvo
Outreach Worker
Nasharie Peralta
Community Organizer
Brenda Piccard
Senior Housing Counselor
Francisco Ramos
Director of Community Organizing
Gretchen Rodriguez
Outreach Worker
Yenny Sanchez
CLPPP Case Manager
Sarah Tavitan
Small Business Developer
Cathy Walker
Director of Finance and Controller
Milagros Whitfield
Administrative Coordinator
APPROACHING 45 YEARS OF SERVICE
Our Impact Report 2023 reflects a year of meaningful accomplishments, and we enthusiastically look forward to our 45th anniversary in 2024. NewVue’s progress would not have been possible without the support of business partners, funders, public officials, those who seek our services, donors, residents and our staff.
OUR MISSION & VISION
NewVue Communities is led by community members of diverse incomes and backgrounds; we develop quality housing, create economic opportunities, and foster civic engagement in North Central Massachusetts. We envision healthy communities where residents live, work, and invest.
OUR RACE EQUITY PLEDGE
We commit to learning and addressing the different levels of racism so we can take action to dismantle those inequities. We believe that our staff should be diverse, equitable, inclusive, and representative of the communities we serve. We believe that our board should be diverse, equitable, inclusive, and representative of the communities we serve. We believe in authentic representation in our programming and services.
Small Business Technical Assistance
Our small business team helped a variety of businesses from farm, salon, and restaurant owners, to fitness, music and nonprofit organizations.
136 businesses were counseled
55% of are clients were business owners of color
226 jobs were created or retained
Assisted with 15 loans totaling $652,500
Assisted with 11 grants totaling $100,572
Housing and Financial Services
Whether it was learning how to prepare and purchase a first home to families needing support to avoid eviction or foreclosure, our housing services staff were ready to lend a hand.
398 households completed our First-time Homebuyer’s Class
115 households purchased their first home
47% of homebuyers were people of color
42 households avoided eviction
66 homeowners avoided foreclosure
$1,531,069 in assistance funds were distributed
Community Organizing: Developing Leaders that Lead
- 165 steward graduates recognized in May and November 2023 graduations
- 122 of our 2023 graduates are people of color
- 50 stewards who have graduated since the start of our program now serve in decision-making positions. Fitchburg Mayor, Sam Squailia has both taken a class and taught a class.
Scheduled to open in January 2025!
Fitchburg Arts Community
68 Artist Preference Apartments
BF Brown School, High School Annex,
City Stables
Construction began May 24, 2023
Closed on financing June 19, 2023
Groundbreaking Celebration November 2, 2023
Currently meeting our goals of hiring 15%
Minority Business Enterprises and 25% Minority Worker Hours
The project was 30% completed on 12/31/2024
Athol: Residences at the Park Athol, MA
Intergenerational Affordable Housing Riverbend and Bigelow Schools
- The project received $1,000,000 in special Community Project funding from the Office of Congressman James McGovern,
- Community arts project brought middle schooler art to the buildings
2023 Financials
Summary of Financial Position: December 31, 2023 |
|
| Total Assets | $4,273,985 |
| Liabilities | $563,866 |
| Net Assets | $3,710,119 |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | $4,273,985 |
Summary of Financial Activities: December 31, 2023 |
|
| Operating Revenue | $3,321,452 |
| Operating Expenses | $2,837,163 |
| Change in Net Assets Before Depreciation | $484,289 |
| Non-Operating Revenue and Expenses | $(209,708) |
| Change in Net Assets with Donor Restriction | $(40,961) |
| Total Change in Net Assets | $233,620 |
This financial information is from NewVue Communities, Inc. only.
Our 2023 Leadership and Staff
Our Board of Directors
Thomas Gray
President
Evelina Rodriquez
Vice-President
Christina DiRusso
Treasurer
Erin Nano
Assistant Treasurer
William Cortezia
Clerk
Marta Albizu
Assistant Clerk
Barbara Abraham
Anwar Arenas
Jay Bry
Derek Craig
Phillip Duffy
Luisa Fernandez
Beatrice Kabaya
Emily MacRae
Laura O’Kane
Our Staff
Ray Belanger
Director of Small Business
Flor Clintrón
Accounting Assistant
Regina Connerty
Lead poisoning
Steve Cook
Director of Design and Construction
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Shannon Erb
Systems Administrator
Kerry Flathers
Director of Development
James Linfield
Real Estate Developer
Jacqueline Mastrangelo
Small Business Developer
Madeline Mendoza
Director of Housing Services
Annie Montalvo
Health Equity Worker
Rosel Paulino
Health Equity Worker
Brenda Piccard
Senior Financial Counselor
Nasharie Peralta
Community Organizer
Francisco Ramos
Director Of Community Organizing
Gretchen Rodriguez
Health Equity Worker
Anne Reitmayer
Director of Finance and Acquisition
Sarah Tavitian
Small Business Developer
Dolores Thibault-Munoz
Deputy Director
Sarah Tavitian
OUR MISSION & VISION
NewVue Communities is led by community members of diverse incomes and backgrounds; we develop quality housing, create economic opportunities, and foster civic engagement in North Central Massachusetts. We envision healthy communities where residents live, work, and invest.
OUR RACE EQUITY PLEDGE
We commit to learning and addressing the different levels of racism so we can take action to dismantle those inequities. We believe that our staff should be diverse, equitable, inclusive, and representative of the communities we serve. We believe that our board should be diverse, equitable, inclusive, and representative of the communities we serve. We believe in authentic representation in our programming and services.
OUR THANKS
Our accomplishments in 2022 would not have been possible without the support of business partners, funders, public officials, those who seek our services, donors, residents and our staff.
Small Business Technical Assistance
Our small business team helped a variety of businesses from farm, salon, and restaurant owners, to fitness, music and nonprofit organizations.
86 businesses were counseled
55 business assisted were business owners of color
75 jobs were created
120 jobs were retained
Assisted with 12 loans totaling $900,000
Assisted with 10 grants totaling $100,000
Housing and Financial Services
Whether it was learning how to prepare and purchase a first home to families needing support to avoid eviction or foreclosure, our housing services staff were ready to lend a hand.
289 households completed our First-time Homebuyer’s Class
113 households purchased their first home
71 households avoided eviction
48 homeowners avoided foreclosure
29 households secured Homeowner Assistance Funds
$556,281 in Assistance Funds were distributed
Stewards in Action: Equity Vaccine Campaign
Not everyone had the same access to the COVID-19 vaccines. Lack of information, transportation, language barriers and, in some cases, fear of our healthcare system resulted in lower-income families or families of color less likely to receive the vaccine. Together with our Health Care For All partners, NewVue’s Health Equity Vaccine Team accomplished the following:
- Reached out to 6,233 individuals
- Made referrals to vaccination clinics
- Distributed thousands of hand sanitizers, masks, wipes
- Educated the community about COVID-19
- Helped families be safe
- Provided translation in Spanish at clinics
Community Organizing
- Mural with Community Mural Institute
- The Thurston Consort
- The Lights Festival at Riverfront Park
- Riverfront Walk with Marion Stoddart
- Riverfront Groundbreaking Ceremony
- River City Rhythm and Rock Festival
Five NewVue Mini Grants were awarded to stewards to offer community projects.
102 new stewards graduated
Fitchburg Arts Community
68 Artist Preference Apartments BF Brown School, High School Annex, City Stables
- State funding approved in early 2022
- City of Fitchburg contributed $450,000 in ARPA funding
- Closing scheduled spring 2023
- Construction schedule: 20 months
- Total Development Cost: $45 million
Liabilities to Assets
This program renovates abandoned homes causing neighborhood blight into affordable homes for sale.
58 Osgood Street Completed
Completely electric; Went under agreement in Jan 2022.
1012 Main St, Leominster
Project completed, Completely Electric
Projects under construction: (To be completed in 2023)
- 4 Upton Street, Fitchburg
- 204 Freedom Street, Athol
Athol Schools Project
NewVue is expanding affordable housing in Athol, MA. In September NewVue was designated as the developer of the Bigelow and Riverbend Schools.
- Fifty-three intergenerational apartments
- New senior housing located in a new building that will connect the historical buildings
Renovation of Our Cleghorn Properties
Our three Cleghorn properties in Fitchburg were one of the first affordable housing projects completed by NewVue decades ago.
- 128 Fairmont Street was renovated to include adding two new accessible apartments and a new laundry room where a former store was located.
- 42 Clarendon Street renovations were completed that also included a new laundry room and modernized kitchen and bathrooms.
- 105 Plymouth Street renovations were begun with modernized kitchen and bathrooms along with a new electrical system and windows.
Accomplishments Across the Agency
Race Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (REDI) Committee: The REDI committee made up of staff and board members was established in late 2021. The committee used 2022 to focus on the needs of the Agency to remain true to our Race Equity Pledge. Some members attended national conferences as well as regional training. A detailed REDI Plan was developed, approved by the board and now serves as a guide in our race equity work.
Community Tax Investment Program (CITC): In 2022 NewVue, was awarded 250,000 tax credits, again, the largest number of tax credits available to a community development corporation. This award is the result of NewVue working diligently towards meeting the goals identified in our Community Investment Plan. The award is also a result of our success in keeping previous CITC donors committed to this important resource development program and engaging new CITC donors. Thank you!
2022 Financials
Summary of Financial Position: December 31, 2022 |
|
| Total Assets | $3,652,994 |
| Liabilities | $176,495 |
| Net Assets | $3,476,449 |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | $3,652,994 |
Summary of Financial Activities: December 31, 2022 |
|
| Operating Revenue | $2,543,819 |
| Operating Expenses | $2,312,827 |
| Change in Net Assets Before Depreciation | $230,992 |
| Change in Net Assets with Donor Restriction | $103,750 |
| Total Change in Net Assets | $334,742 |
This financial information is from NewVue Communities, Inc. only.
Our 2022 Leadership and Staff
Our Board of Directors
Thomas Gray
President
Evelina Rodriquez
Vice-President
Christina DiRusso
Treasurer
Erin Nano
Assistant Treasurer
William Cortezia
Clerk
Marta Albizu
Assistant Clerk
Barbara Abraham
Anwar Arenas
Jay Bry
Phillip Duffy
Beatrice Kabaya
Emily MacRae
Laura O’Kane
Our Staff
Ray Belanger
Director of Small Business
Flor Clintrón
Accounting Assistant
Steve Cook
Director of Design and Construction
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Shannon Erb
Systems Administrator and Evaluation Coordinator
Kerry Flathers
Director of Development and Communication
Meredith Geragthy
Program Officer
James Linfield
Real Estate Project Developer
Jacqueline Mastrangelo
Small Business Developer
Madeline Mendoza
Director of Housing and Financial Services
Anne Mola
Chief Financial Officer
Brenda Piccard
Financial Coach
Francisco Ramos
Director of Community Organizing
Anne Reitmayer
Director of Finance and Acquisition
NewVue helped me buy my first home for my family.
I've participated in the Steward Leadership Program.
Now I'm a NewVue board member. I've seen their impact.
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Thomas Gray
Board President
Board President Our NewVue Communities 2020 Impact Report: A Year of Distancing That Brought Us Together, provides an overview of a year we never anticipated. It was a year of challenges, loss, and hardship for individuals, families, businesses, and communities. During that time, the NewVue Communities team shifted the focus of our work and adjusted our service delivery model to meet the changing needs of residents and small businesses.
In those uncertain times, when distancing mandates remained firmly in place, we saw firsthand the many ways people came together. Nonprofit organizations, elected leaders, city officials, businesses, foundations, and community residents and stakeholders joined forces to collaborate, problem solve, raise money and, most importantly, march for justice.
Existing partnerships were strengthened, and new partnerships were formed. Foundations, at the local and national level, provided flexibility in the use of previously restricted funding. Our stewards spearheaded meaningful ways to support our community. Our national partner,
It is always challenging to capture the breadth and depth of our work in an impact report. It was even more challenging for 2020. We are grateful for the trust of those individuals, families and small businesses who reached out for help during the past year. We thank our partners and donors. We thank our NewVue team, and this year, we thank their families for making so many adjustments—allowing our staff to work remotely and effectively from home.
Please know our gratitude for your interest in our work. Thank you for coming together.
Sincerely,
The Himmad family—homeowners of a Liabilities to Assets home.
Housing Development
Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, our housing development team pushed many of our affordable housing development plans forward during 2020. With assistance from multiple boards and officials in the City of Fitchburg, and support from our legislative delegation to pass special legislation, we fully permitted our 68 artist-preference apartments at the Fitchburg Arts Community.
Our Cleghorn properties, located in the neighborhood where NewVue Communities was founded over forty years ago, received state funding commitment from Department of Housing and Community Development, allowing us to begin the rehabilitation of all three Cleghorn buildings including adding two additional accessible apartments.
The Riverbend and Ellen Bigelow Schools project in Athol benefited from noteworthy progress this past year. The town designated NewVue as the developer and began working with us on the permitting process. The now vacant school buildings will be renovated, and a new connector building will be added that will provide much-needed senior housing. A number of stakeholder meetings were held and in September a community open house was held. A standard for all our development projects, the open house allowed neighbors and other interested members of the community to view the plans, ask questions, and provide recommendations.
The Liabilities to Assets program, designed to renovate abandoned homes causing blight into safe and attractive housing, completed and sold its first home in Leominster and completed a second home in Fitchburg.
Homeownership and Financial Coaching
Over the course of a tumultuous year, NewVue adapted our programs and service delivery models to help residents attain and maintain safe housing. At the start of the pandemic, NewVue was able to quickly move our services to virtual platforms, enabling us to graduate a record-breaking number of households in our First-Time Homebuyers classes. In the latter part of 2020, in response to the overwhelming number of families facing housing instability, NewVue developed our newest service, the Eviction Prevention Program to deliver one-on-one counseling and direct financial assistance to struggling tenants. With the strong belief that our work is best accomplished in partnerships with others, that became even more evident as we worked closely with social service agencies to help tenants remain in safe and familiar housing.
Julecia J. benefitted from our Financial Coaching Program.
Elmer and Delmy Melendez, Restaurant Owners
Small Business Assistance
NewVue shifted our technical assistance from primarily helping create and expand small businesses to a focus on helping small businesses to access resources so they could survive the pandemic and preserve jobs. As each opportunity for funding was released, including PPP loans, and state, local and private funding, our team worked to understand each program’s guidelines and help small businesses connect to the resources best for them. As the economy began to reopen, NewVue added consultation in small business reopening plans. We focused our work on assisting minority-owned businesses and on building an inclusive, equitable small business ecosystem throughout the region. We are grateful to our partners at Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation, which created the largest small business assistance program in the country.
Community Organizing
One silver lining for NewVue in 2020 was the increased participation in our Steward Leadership Program. From across northern Worcester County, stewards lead impactful initiatives addressing pandemic needs and the racial justice movement. Projects included organizing a virtual Night Out event, collaborating with the Fitchburg Art Museum to distribute over $55,000 of food and school supplies, and partnering with the North Central Massachusetts Faith Based Community Coalition to increase the delivery of meals to Fitchburg’s most vulnerable residents. We are proud of the five nonprofit organizations founded last year by stewards. In November, Director of Community Organizing, Francisco Ramos, received The Ricanne Hadrian Award at the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations’ Annual Meeting. Francisco’s work exemplifies the dedication and commitment to building economically and racially just communities through resident engagement.
Community stewards activating fellow volunteers
We Thank Our Supporters
The financial support and advocacy for our programs and projects is critical for us to complete our work. This past year, more than ever, your support allowed us to shift our service delivery to meet community needs while continuing to move forward with strong programs. To our Community Tax Credit and annual appeal donors, foundations, state and local funders, volunteers, and public officials who advocated on our behalf, we thank you for coming together.
2020 Operating Financials
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION, DECEMBER 31 |
2020 |
2019 |
| Total Assets | 5,824,565 | 5,487,650 |
| Liabilities | 73,735 | 105,057 |
| Net Assets | 5,750,830 | 5,382,593 |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | 5,824,565 | 5,487,650 |
Summary of Financial Activities: December 31 |
2020 |
2019 |
| Operating Revenue | 1,926,155 | 1,822,320 |
| Operating Expenses | 1,557,918 | 1,467,536 |
| Change in Unrestricted Net Assets Before Depreciation | 368,237 | 368,237 |
| Depreciation and Amortization | – | – |
| Change In Unrestricted Net Assets from Operations | 368,237 | 354,784 |
| Non-Operating Revenue and Expenses | 32,038 | – |
| Changes in Net Assets with Donor Restrictions | (32,038) | 32,038 |
| Total Changes in Net Assets | 368,237 | 386,822 |
NewVue Communities Operating Financials from the 2020 and 2019 NewVue Communities, Inc. and Affiliates Consolidating Audits.
Our 2020 Leadership and Staff
Board of Directors
Thomas Gray
President
Evelina Rodriquez
Vice-President
Christina DiRusso
Treasurer
Jay Bry
Assistant Treasurer
Barbara Abraham
Clerk
Carol Hicks
Assistant Clerk
Marta Albizu
Anwar Arenas
Philip Duffy
Luis Feliciano
Beatrice Kabaya
Emily MacRae
Erin Nano
Laura O’Kane
STAFF MEMBERS
Ray Belanger
Director of Small Business
Flor Clintrón
Accounting Assistant
Steve Cook
Director of Design and Construction
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Shannon Erb
Systems Administrator and Evaluation Coordinator
Kerry Flathers
Director of Development and Communication
Meredith Geragthy
Program Officer
Jacqueline Mastrangelo
Small Business Developer
Madeline Mendoza
Housing Services Program Manager
Anne Mola
Chief Financial Officer
Brenda Piccard
Financial Coach
Francisco Ramos
Director of Community Organizing
Anne Reitmayer
Director of Finance and Acquisition
OUR CORE VALUES
We promote a results-driven culture that creates exceptional service, experiences and outcomes.
We harness the collective power of residents in our neighborhoods and properties so that together we can accomplish our dreams.
We recognize that the community always comes first, and this value drives our policies and practices.
We are a catalyst for change in the community by being innovative, thoughtful, and proactive.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards.
OUR MISSION
NewVue Communities is led by community members of diverse incomes and backgrounds with a mission to develop quality housing, create economic opportunities, and foster civic engagement in North Central Massachusetts.
OUR VISION
We envision healthy communities where residents choose to live, work and invest.
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Thomas Gray
Board President
DEAR FRIENDS,
Thank you for caring about our work and taking time to review our accomplishments over the past year. 2019 was a special milestone as we completed 40 years of strengthening communities. Our hope is that you enjoy our 2019 Impact Report: Celebrating 40 Years of Commitment to Our Communities and that it inspires you to be a part of our mission.
Over the years, we have learned that little happens without strong partnerships at NewVue Communities. Elected officials, residents, donors, businesses, local colleges and universities, and fellow nonprofits bring great value to our work. As we developed and strengthened partnerships over the years, so has the quality and reach of our programs and services.
We have learned that real and lasting change occurs only when people come together and are part of the solution. You will read about Community Organizing and how we mobilized members of our community, supporting them in discovering their own voice and finding a platform to be change makers. It was a year when city-wide celebrations filled 2019 community calendars and residents young and old joined activities organized in their neighborhood.
Our housing development efforts included the completion of the Carter School Apartments, and we served more clients than years past in our homeownership and small business departments. All our accomplishments are a result of a talented and committed staff who complete their work with our mission front and center. We view each of our programs as a catalyst to generate additional investment, growth and stability within our communities.
For those of you who have been part of our journey thus far—our NewVue Board of Directors, employees, funders, project partners, volunteers, stewards and those who trust us enough to seek services—thank you. For those of you who are just now connecting with our mission, we welcome you. There is great need for your help and support of our work as we enthusiastically approach the next decade of building communities.
There is much more to be done. We invite you to be part of our work that is both meaningful and very rewarding.
Sincerely,
COMMITMENT TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING
2019 HIGHLIGHTS
- The Carter School Apartments adds 39 affordable apartments to our portfolio.
- We now provide affordable housing in 12 buildings in two cities.
- Our total portfolio of rental properties provides for 179 housing units.
This past year we saw the impact of bringing together architects, builders, investors, community members and donors to build additional affordable housing in Leominster. The revitalization of the historic Carter School building has created much-needed and attractive housing that will benefit everyone for generations to come. The Carter School Apartments was one of the most challenging renovations to date. We are fortunate to have a strong housing development team committed to seeing this project through to completion.
Beautiful in its early years as the Leominster High School and then the Carter Jr. High School, it’s final use as a school building ended in 1984. Dormant for close to 25 years, our plan to revitalize the building received strong support from city officials, Carter School alumni and local businesses. While the building’s much-loved historical character remains, the comfortable and spacious apartments now serve as home to individuals and families.
LIABILITIES TO ASSETS PROGRAM
New in 2019, the Liabilities to Assets Program is a state, municipal and NewVue partnership that works to remove blight in neighborhoods through the renovation of abandoned properties and re-selling the affordable single- and two-family homes. Completed last year, the Lorchris Street home, once abandoned and a neighborhood eyesore, has been completely renovated and is ready for a qualifying family to make this house a home.
Showing great promise as a unique and much needed housing program, we added a Director of Liabilities and Assets Program to our team. This pilot program not only eliminates a building causing blight but, equally important, favorably impacts the value of neighborhood homes. NewVue is a partner with the municipalities of Athol, Clinton, Fitchburg, Gardner, and Leominster and has targeted the rehab of 25 houses.
In our first real estate foray out of the Twin Cities, we partnered with the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, MassDevelopment, the City of Gardner and the law firm Morgan Lewis, to improve office space and three apartments to be used for veterans in our area.
AT LEFT FROM TOP DOWN:
Interior view of completed Carter School Renovation
Emby family—first Carter School tenants to receive their keys
Lorchis Street home before and after renovations
COMMITMENT TO HOMEOWNERSHIP
2019 HIGHLIGHTS
- 14 homebuyer education classes held.
- 229 households received pre-purchase education.
- 142 families/individuals bought their first home.
NewVue’s homeownership team surpassed our already high benchmarks for effectively educating and coaching those individuals and families desiring to purchase their first home. The carefully designed curriculum includes a total of nine hours of classroom instruction. Many of the classes were held at NewVue’s Main Street location, however, classes were also held in Leominster and Clinton.
We are very proud that both our housing and financial counselors completed the newly required Department of Housing and Urban Development Housing Counseling Certification. While the requirement is that all counselors be certified by August 2020, our team completed the intensive training and preparation and successfully passed the exams in 2019. NewVue has always strived for quality services and best practices and this certification strengthens our toolkit for assisting individuals facing housing issues, or potentially the victim of a scam or predatory lending practices. Our strong relationships with lenders and realtors provides for expert guest speakers in the classroom and trusted resources as our graduates begin the home purchase process.
COMMITMENT TO FINANCIAL HEALTH
2019 HIGHLIGHTS
- 90 people received individual financial counseling.
- 36 people made measurable progress towards reaching their personal financial goals.
- 27 Financially Fit workshops offered throughout the region.
- 258 adults and youth participated in the Financially Fit workshops.
Financial coaching services continues to see people from all walks of life and the number of individuals seeking classes or one-on-one coaching has grown steadily. Whether it be young adults looking to save for their first car or a family looking to pay off debt and be free of that financial stress, everyone’s story and financial situation results in a custom-made approach to reaching personal financial goals. Discussing money management skills, personal goal setting, strategies to avoid scams, and evaluating one’s relationship with money have been key to the financial success stories we see in our work. Serving as both coach and accountability partner, the counselor’s primary goal is instilling a commitment in clients to develop healthy money habits that last a lifetime.
COMMITMENT TO COMMUNITY ORGANIZING
2019 HIGHLIGHTS
- 9 steward courses held
- 71 new stewards graduated
- 1,000+ volunteers engaged in service
- 4,000+ hours of volunteer service
Our community organizing efforts resulted in the training and graduation of 71 new stewards this year. A program that started with just a community steward model has expanded greatly both in terms of participants and their impact on the community. The steward program grew to include art, public education, health, and junior stewards. With the goal of bringing community members together, those who were once strangers are partnering to provide leadership, a sense of belonging and advocacy to our local communities. NewVue Communities is proud that in 2019, approximately 1,000 volunteers provided 4,000 hours in volunteer service. There are many individuals among us that found time to help beautify a park, help offer a safe and fun Halloween celebration, support cultural events, and simply volunteer where needed.
COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESSES
2019 HIGHLIGHTS
- 94 business counseled
- 67 jobs retained
- 88 jobs created
- $1,362,350 in 16 packaged loans
In March, 2019 Fitchburg State University welcomed our small business team into the newly remodeled ideaLab located on the second floor of the theater block on Main Street in Fitchburg. This shared space, designed by the University as a place to realize ambitions and unleash creativity, serves as a modern and inspirational space for our staff and those they serve. Consultation in marketing, accounting, financing and business plan development continued as the focus of our work. Our team offered both a spring and fall workshop series covering the importance of a business plan, navigating city hall for permitting/approval, preparing financing requests and the value of effective business checklists when starting a business. Serving a wide variety of industries, those operating restaurants, salons, technology companies, health and fitness centers and farms are among our clients for 2019.
COMMITMENT TO STRATEGIC PLANNING AND EVALUATION
OUR GOALS
- Be Regional: Deepen NewVue’s regional footprint
- Home Matters: Strengthen communities through collaboration in housing development
- Achieving Housing Equity: Invest in asset management to ensure access to quality, healthy and affordable housing for all
- Residents Lead: Invest in resident leadership and inclusion in the region
- Close the Wealth Gap: Programing that creates and expands economic opportunity
- Sustainability Matters: Create institutional and financial infrastructure that promotes community voice and engagement
In 2019, our staff and board of directors completed the 2020–2023 NewVue Communities’ Strategic Plan. Including feedback from community members and stakeholders, the goals identified are challenging, inspiring, and meaningful—the way we view our mission and the reason we love our work. We know that thoughtful and strategic planning, as well as ongoing and transparent evaluation of our work, makes us stronger as individuals, as an organization and as a community.
2019 Operating Financials
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL POSITION, DECEMBER 31 |
2019 |
2018 |
| Total Assets | 5,487,650 | 5,170,901 |
| Liabilities | 105,057 | 175,130 |
| Net Assets | 5,382,593 | 4,995,771 |
| Total Liabilities and Net Assets | 5,487,650 | 5,170,901 |
SUMMARY OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES, DECEMBER 31 |
2019 |
2018 |
| Operating Revenue | 1,822,320 | 1,523,705 |
| Operating Expenses | 1,467,536 | 1,494,240 |
| Change In Unrestricted Net Assets from Operations | 354,784 | 29,465 |
| Non-Operating Revenue and Expenses | – | – |
| Changes in Net Assets with Donor Restrictions | 32,038 | 125,000 |
| Total Changes in Net Assets | 386,822 | 154,465 |
NewVue Communities Operating Financials extracted from the 2019 and 2018
NewVue Communities, Inc. and Affiliates Consolidating Audits.
OUR CORE VALUES
We promote a results-driven culture that creates exceptional service, experiences and outcomes.
We harness the collective power of residents in our neighborhoods and properties so that together we can accomplish our dreams.
We recognize that the community always comes first, and this value drives our policies and practices.
We are a catalyst for change in the community by being innovative, thoughtful, and proactive.
We hold ourselves to the highest standards.
Board of Directors
Thomas Gray
President
William Brassard
Vice-President
Christina DiRusso
Treasurer
Jay Bry
Assistant Treasurer
Barbara Abraham
Clerk
Carol Hicks
Assistant Clerk
Marta Albizu
Anwar Arenas
Quenton Chestang-Pittman
Philip Duffy
Luis Feliciano
Beatrice Kabaya
Emily MacRae
Erin Nano
Evelina Paulino
Our Staff
Ray Belanger
Director of Small Business
Flor Clintrón
Accounting Assistant
Steve Cook
Director of Design and Construction
Marc Dohan
Executive Director
Shannon Erb
Systems Administrator and Evaluation Coordinator
Kerry Flathers
Director of Development and Communication
Meredith Geragthy
Program Officer
Jacqueline Mastrangelo
Small Business Developer
Madeline Mendoza
Housing Services Program Manager
Anne Mola
Chief Financial Officer
Brenda Piccard
Financial Coach
Francisco Ramos
Community Organizer
Anne Reitmayer
Director of Liabilities to Assets
Crystal Sirois
Office Administrator