WBZ Cares: St. Mary's Center for Women and Children Has a Long History of Helping
BOSTON (CBS) - The WBZ Cares Campaign continues for the month of July. Each month, WBZ Newsradio 1030 highlights a worthy non-profit organization, and tells the story of what it does for the community.
This month, WBZ profiles St. Mary's Center for Women and Children in Dorchester, which provides housing, education and services for young women and their children.
St. Mary's Center has been helping women and children for more than two decades, but it's history dates all the way back to the 1870's, when an infant was left on the doorstep of a local church.
"For many years, it became this special place where women and their children could be raised and receive care and support," said Susan Keliher, St. Mary's Vice-President for Development and Communications. "The facility greatly expanded, and became St. Margaret's Hospital, where many Bostonians came into the world, including Senator Ted Kennedy, and our current Mayor."
"I was born here, so I have a little connection to the hospital, " said Boston Mayor Marty Walsh. "Back in 1967, I was born in this hospital."
The operations of St. Margaret's Hospital were moved to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in Brighton in 1993, and St. Mary's has occupied the site on Cushing Ave. in Dorchester exclusively since then.
Mayor Walsh was among those attending a ribbon-cutting ceremony for St. Mary's latest program, Mass Maternity First Home, providing housing for homeless families.
"I know that the mothers and the kids that are here are in a safe environment," said Mayor Walsh. "I know that the programs that are here are all about making sure mothers and families have an opportunity to live independently, and be able to get on their feet."
Young mom Marisa Centeio is among those who have benefited from the programs at St. Mary's Center.
"Now I am proud to say I am a great cook, and a great single parent, and a hard worker, " said Marisa at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. "I received my high school equivalency through the Women's Learning Center, and I will be attending the nursing program at Roxbury Community College in the fall."
To donate to St. Mary's Center for Women and Children, go to their website at stmaryscenterma.org.
Related: WBZ Cares Campaign