01/03/2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Youth Rise for Neighborhood Empowerment Launches Online Business & Community Directory for Mattapan Corridors
Mattapan, MA, January 3, 2026 — Today, Mattapan Tech proudly announces the launch of a new online Business & Community Directory through its Youth Rise for Neighborhood Empowerment initiative. https://mattapantech.org/mattapandirectory.html, the directory highlights local businesses and organizations located along the Blue Hill Avenue, River Street, and Morton Street corridors, strengthening visibility, connection, and economic opportunity within the Mattapan community.
This innovative project was planned, designed, and developed by a team of eight youth, ages 14 to 19, who led the concept from vision to ex*****on. Through hands-on collaboration, the youth gained real-world experience in digital tools, research, community engagement, and project management, demonstrating the power of youth leadership in neighborhood revitalization.
Youth Rise for Neighborhood Empowerment is a youth-driven initiative focused on building community capacity and economic resilience in Mattapan. Core components of the initiative include:
Peer leadership development
Technical assistance for local businesses and organizations
Business promotion and digital visibility
Computer literacy training
Digital navigation and access support
The online directory serves as a living resource for residents, customers, and partners seeking to support local enterprises while helping businesses expand their digital footprint.
“This project reflects what happens when young people are trusted as leaders and creators,” said Karrie Ann Jean, Mattapan Tech Chief Operating Officer. “Our youth didn’t just build a directory, they built a platform that uplifts Mattapan and strengthens connections across our neighborhood” Nelie Rosena Francois, Mattapan Tech Executive Assistant said”
Mattapan Tech Youth Rise for Neighborhood Empowerment initiative is financially supported by grants of the City of Boston Workforce Empowerment, SuccessLink, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Advancement, Boston Youth Development Fund, Boston Digital Equity, State Street Foundation, HarborOne Foundation and by the Commonwealth Of Massachusetts Senate and House Earmarks.
The directory is part of Mattapan Tech’s broader commitment to digital equity, workforce development, and youth empowerment, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to opportunity for residents and small businesses alike.
Media Contact:
Julie Cherry
Project Manager, Youth Rise for Neighborhood Empowerment
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://mattapantech.org/mattapandirectory.html
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This directory highlights local businesses, services, and community institutions that form the economic and cultural backbone of Mattapan. By supporting these businesses, residents help strengthen local jobs, youth workforce pathways, and neighborhood empowerment.
