Welcome to CAPIC
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Don't miss out on financial assistance to help with your energy bills! If you submitted your Fuel Assistance application and it is incomplete, there is still time to complete it! The final deadline to complete your application is June 12th. Contact CAPIC today at 617-884-6130.


CAPIC Board of Director's Meeting
April 20, 2023





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Need help paying your heating bills?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION about APPLICATIONS for the 2022-2023 FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
- Applications will be mailed to EXISTING clients from September 2022 – October 2022
- Applications for NEW clients will open on October 1, 2022. Please see application instructions for more details.


CAPIC is happy to announce that the main office at 100 Everett Avenue, Unit 14, Chelsea will be back open to the general public on Monday, August 8th! We look forward to seeing you in person again.
*Face masks will be required.

CAPIC is on LinkedIn!
You can now follow us on LinkedIn! Get CAPIC news and employment opportunities for all of our programs there! #peoplehelpingpeople #CommunityActionWorks
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CAPIC will closed on June 20, 2022 in observance of Juneteenth.
Message from CAPIC’s Executive Director, Richelle Cromwell:
Enslaved people were not informed until two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed, that they were free. On June 19, 1865 in Galveston, Texas, the message that “You are Free” was delivered to the slaves in that area. The rest of the country reluctantly soon followed suit. On June 19th let’s take a moment to reflect on the significance of the event 157 years ago and continue to address issues of racism and oppression.

CAPIC is excited to share our 2021-2023 Community Assessment Report and Strategic Plan, (CARSP), which serves as a guide for the work we will do over this time period. The report also provides a detailed overview of our service areas, the needs within the communities that we serve, and also highlights our priorities, goals, and objectives.To read CAPIC’s report, click here
The CARSP is based on a comprehensive community needs assessment, that we conducted in 2019. We gathered input from a broad range of stakeholders, including CAPIC clients, social service providers, local partners, public officials, faith community representatives, school officials, and community members. Click here to view the community needs assessment:
It should be noted that CAPIC conducted and completed its community needs assessment survey prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a severe impact on CAPIC’s service area; Chelsea and Revere are two of the hardest hit cities in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This has had devastating effects in both communities. Due to COVID-19, CAPIC was not able to conduct focus groups as planned or conduct in person interviews
Rep. Jessica Giannino Visit with CAPIC’s Head Start Program on March 28th
April 05, 2022Rep. Giannino spent time reading to the children and speaking with staff and families. We are grateful for Rep. Giannino’s continued support of CAPIC and her dedication to the local community.
Message from Rep. Jessica Giannino:
This morning, I started my week bright and early welcoming students and parents at drop off at CAPIC Head Start in Revere. I had the pleasure to meet with some of the parents to discuss their questions and concerns about the district and the state's relationship with CAPIC. I visited the classrooms, toured the facility, and even had the opportunity to read a book and enjoy a few songs with the children.
CAPIC plays such a huge part in my community and I am so happy to continue my relationship with them.



FREE TAX PREPARATION at CAPIC
VITA Tax Program is open!
Drop-offs are being accepted!
CONTACT INFORMATION:
- Program Coordinator: Maria Uribe (bilingual)
- Contact Number: 617-884-6130, ext. 1018
- In office Fridays from 9am to 2pm
- No appointments are needed as we are a drop off service only.
WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING for DROP-OFF:
a) Picture ID
b) Social Security Cards for EVERYONE on your return.
c) Proof of health insurance – 1095B, 1099HC & 1095A (if you have one)
d) W-2’s, 1099’s for interest, dividends, and other income – if any.
e) Annual rent paid for State Return.
f) Annual amount paid for weekly or monthly T- passes (for State return)
g) IF over age 65 – and you are a homeowner, please bring with you the annual amount paid for real estate taxes and annual amount paid for water bills (for State return).
Please watch this informative video from the City of Chelsea that provides information on where to get utility and housing resources in Chelsea. Call CAPIC to learn more about how we can help you. Bi-lingual staff are available to assist.
Utility + Housing Resources Available
Recursos de Vivienda y Pago de Servicios Públicos Disponibles
- TND Connect - (617)-712-3487
- La Colaborativa - (617)-889-6080
- CAPIC - (617)- 884-6130
- Rosie's Place - (617) - 442-9322
Legal Clinic and Emergency Housing
Clínica de Asistencia Legal Y Vivienda de Emergencia
- 781-322-9199 ext. 157
CAPIC’s INTERVIEW with BOSTON 25 NEWS!
CAPIC’s Executive Director, Richelle Cromwell, and Energy Director, Aicha Idhsaine, were interviewed by Boston 25 News yesterday to share their thoughts on the impact of Governor Baker’s COVID-19 Essential Employee Premium Pay Program.
Watch what aired last night by clicking on MORE.
CAPIC Executive Director Awarded 2022 Chelsea Trailblazer Award
January 27, 2022CAPIC is proud to announce that Richelle Cromwell, CAPIC’s Executive Director will receive a Chelsea Trailblazer Award from the Chelsea Black Community (CBC). The prestigious awards will be presented at the Black History Month 2022 Community Celebration on February 24th at 6pm.

Last Friday, December 3, 2021, CAPIC’s Energy Program Director, Aicha Idhsaine, and CAPIC’s QCI Inspector/Lead Energy Auditor Jay Gallant (seen pictured) joined ABCD Boston and Congresswoman Katherine Clark, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, and Dept. of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm to tour a newly weatherized vintage 1880 home. CAPIC’s Jay Gallant lead the tour and highlighted the landmark federal funding for heating assistance and the energy saving work that was done for the home.
CAPIC thanks Congresswoman Clark, Senator Markey, Congresswoman Trahan, Secretary Granholm, and the delegation for supporting the health and safety of under-resourced households. We also thank MASSCAP and DHCD for their on-going support.
CAPIC Fuel Assistance Program Satellite Site in Chelsea
December 02, 2021CAPIC Fuel Assistance Program applications will be accepted in person at the Chelsea Senior Center for this winter’s program at the Center located at 10 Riley Way, Chelsea.
A bi-lingual Fuel Assistance Program staff member will be available from 11:30am to 1:30pm on the following dates:
- 12/03/21
- 12/1721
- 1/07/22
- 1/28/22
- 2/11/22
- 2/25/22
- 3/04/22
- 3/25/22
- 4/08/22
- 4/22/22
The program assists households in paying heating bills from November 2021 to April 2022, and is open to tenants as well as homeowners, whose income is within 60% of the state median income. Heat may be oil, propane, kerosene, gas or electric. For more information please call 617-884-6130.
CAPIC Fuel Assistance Program Satellite Site in Revere
November 23, 2021CAPIC Fuel Assistance Program applications will be accepted in person at the Revere Senior Center for this winter’s program at the Rosetti-Cowan Senior Center located at 25 Winthrop Avenue, Revere.
A bi-lingual Fuel Assistance Program staff member will be available from 10:30am to 1:30pm on the following dates.
- December 8, 2021
- January 12, 2022
- February 16, 2022
- March 16, 2022
- April 13, 2022
The program assists households in paying heating bills from November 2021 to April 2022, and is open to tenants as well as homeowners, whose income is within 60% of the state median income. Heat may be oil, propane, kerosene, gas or electric. For more information please call 617-884-6130.
CAPIC Fuel Assistance Program Satellite Site in Winthrop
November 17, 2021CAPIC Fuel Assistance Program applications will be accepted in person at the Winthrop Senior Center for this winter’s program at the Robert De Leo Senior Center located at 35 Harvard Street, Winthrop.
A bi-lingual Fuel Assistance Program staff member will be available from 9:30am to 12:00pm on the following dates.
- December 1, 2021
- December 15, 2021
- January 5, 2022
- January 19, 2022
The schedule for February 2022– April 2022 will be announced once it has been determined. The program assists households in paying heating bills from November 2021 to April 2022, and is open to tenants as well as homeowners, whose income is within 60% of the state median income. Heat may be oil, propane, kerosene, gas or electric. For more information please call 617-884-6130.
CAPIC’s Executive Director Participating on the Chelsea ARPA Community Advisory Committee
Announcement from the City of Chelsea:
The City of Chelsea has recently established an ARPA Community Advisory Committee of community stakeholders and residents to produce a final Allocation Plan. This committee consists of 20 members: two City Councilors, nine Executives from the City’s active Community-Based Organizations, and nine unaffiliated residents selected through a self-nomination process.
The Community Advisory Committee will evaluate all of the information provided through the community engagement process and, based upon that community input, determine priorities for ARPA spending and ultimately make recommendations for allocating the funds between areas such as affordable housing, food security, entrepreneurship and small business assistance, workforce development including child care and digital access, mental and behavioral health, and environmental investments. The Committee is charged with identifying areas where one-time investments can have long-term benefits to our residents and community. Health Resources in Action will support this effort by providing professional facilitation and advisory services.
ARPA Committee members
- Roseann Bongiovanni - GreenRoots
- Jenny Camacho - Small Business Owner
- Susana Carella - Resident
- Joan Cromwell - Chelsea Black Community
- Richelle Cromwell - Community Action Programs Inter-City
- Cara Cogliano - Chelsea Community Connections Coalition
- Richard Gordon - Small Business Owner
- Rosa Lopez - Resident
- Rafael Mares - TND
- Alice Murillo - Bunker Hill Community College
- Paul Nowicki, Chelsea Chamber of Commerce
- Mohamud Qasim - Resident
- Edgard Romero - Resident and Small Business Owner
- Mayra Romero - Resident and Small Business Owner
- Amanda Rosario - Resident
- Scott Scherffenberg, ROCA
- Todd Taylor - District 1 Councillor
- Gladys Vega - La Colaborativa
- Wendy Velazquez - Resident
- Naomi Zabot - District 3 Councillor
DO YOU NEED HELP HEATING YOUR HOME THIS WINTER? CALL CAPIC TODAY!
Need help paying your heating bills?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION about APPLICATIONS for the 2021-2022 FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
- Applications will be mailed to EXISTING clients from September 2021 – October 2021
- Applications for NEW clients will open on November 1, 2021. Please see application instructions for more details.
STATEMENT REGARDING CAPIC EMPLOYEE ALLEGATIONS
You may see media coverage today about a matter regarding a CAPIC employee, Henry Wilson. We are taking these allegations very seriously. At this time, there is not much I can say about this on-going matter, but I would like to share with you the following statement
“The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office notified CAPIC that CAPIC employee, Henry Wilson was arraigned today on charges related to an inappropriate relationship with a student in the Chelsea Public Schools. CAPIC is cooperating with the District Attorney, Chelsea Police Department, and other agencies who are involved in the investigation as needed.”
It is important to also note that pending court/legal outcomes, Henry Wilson has been suspended without pay and will not be allowed on or in any CAPIC properties.
Sincerely,
Richelle Cromwell
Executive Director
CAPIC
Do you live in Chelsea? Are you feeling financially stressed? CAPIC can help. Please watch this video to learn more, or call CAPIC at 617-884-6130.
CAPIC is proud to be partnering with the City of Chelsea, MassSave and All in Energy to provide residents of Chelsea access to low cost, energy efficient programs. This partnership has allowed us to address some of the inequities that exist for our clients who live in Chelsea.

CAPIC is proud to work for and with the Community Action network across the country and our 23 agencies here in MA, including MASSCAP. We all work tirelessly every day to create opportunities and change lives and communities. #CommunityActionWorks #mapoli
May is here and that means it’s #CommunityActionMonth! All month long we’re celebrating the legacy and ongoing impact of the #CommunityAction Network—helping people and changing lives in every corner of America. #WeR1000Strong #CommunityActionWorks
Fuel Assistance: New Applicant - Online Application
February 24, 2021
Pre-existing fuel clients can contact us by the previously mentioned phone or email for returning application details.
If you’re a NEW APPLICANT, you may use the button found below to apply online:
Fuel Assistance Program’s application deadline extended
February 20, 2021GOOD NEWS! CAPIC’s Fuel Assistance Program’s application deadline has been extended from April 30, 2021 to May 28, 2021. The heating season remains November 1, 2020 through April 30, 2021. Applications can be updated with any changes to household size or income through May 28, 2021. There is also an increase in benefit levels for households that heat with oil and/or liquid propane. Please see the updated Income Eligibility & Benefit Chart attached. Please call CAPIC at 617-884-6130, ext. 1021 for more information.
MoreLearn more about CAPIC’s free virtual VITA Tax Preparation Program.

Help Spread the Word - CAPIC Head Start is Accepting Applications

CAPIC Receives $50,000 Grant from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation for COVID-19 Relief
December 30, 2020
CAPIC, the local multi-service community action agency announced today that it has received a $50,000 grant from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation (EBCF). The grant is part of a commitment from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation to provide financial support to local organizations focused on COVID-19 relief.
The grant will provide critical resources to individuals and families who have been impacted by the pandemic. Funds will provide CAPIC with the ability to address housing and food insecurity issues that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 in CAPIC’s service area which includes Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop.
CAPIC’s Executive Director, Richelle Cromwell, “On behalf of the CAPIC Agency and the CAPIC Board of Directors I would like to thank Eastern Bank for their dedication to the local community and those in need. We are grateful for their on-going support during these challenging times.”
During the early days and weeks of the pandemic, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation began to lend its support as quickly as possible, and it has steadily increased throughout 2020 the amount of unsolicited grants to nonprofit organizations. In total, $11 million in COVID-19 relief grants has been provided to hundreds of local and regional organizations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island in 2020.
The most recent funding supports organizations focused on housing stability, homelessness, food security, and essential services and utilities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.
Fuel Assistance Kickoff Meeting
October 19, 2020 September 10, 2020Fuel Assistance Available
October 5, 2020
CAPIC Executive Director’s Message on Racial Justice
June 19, 2020CAPIC prides itself on the diverse community we serve and our diverse staff, who I believe reflects the best of what CAPIC and community action has to offer. CAPIC stands firm in the belief that all people should be treated equally, with dignity '& respect. We acknowledge that structural race, gender together inequities remain barriers that must be addressed. Community Action has always stood for the promise of equal opportunity for all and has been a voice for those in need.
Community Action was created in 1964 from the efforts of the Civil Rights Movement as part of the federal Economic Opportunity Act in the “War on Poverty”. Since the Agency’s inception, fifty-four years ago, CAPIC’s role in the community has been to identify and address the needs, problems, and concerns of individuals and families, so as to empower them to achieve and maintain self-sufficiency. People of color continue to be suppressed by a lack of opportunity due to the adverse effects of systemic racism. In this role, we must be a strong voice against oppression, hate, and injustice. It is imperative that we strengthen the work that we do by advocating for equal access for all members of our community to education, health, employment, and economic systems. CAPIC will continue to work closely with local government, elected officials, law enforcement, the faith community, and local service providers to support initiatives that strengthen the communities that we serve as well as work to improve the quality of life for all residents.
CAPIC joins the call for unity, justice, peace, reform, and equal opportunity for all. CAPIC stands in solidarity with those who seek to promote social justice and equality. I encourage staff share their thoughts and ideas on how we can continue to grow and be a voice for those in need. It is our responsibility to condem all forms of violence and racism and to speak out rather than remain silent. We are always stronger together.
COVID-19 Information:
Good News!
CAPIC is happy to announce that CAPIC’s Weatherization, Heating System Assistance and Appliance Management Programs have resumed field operations. CAPIC Energy Program staff and CAPIC vendors have all received extensive training on proper COVID-19 safety guidelines. The safety and well-being of our staff and clients is our top priority; all staff will be wearing appropriate PPE for all appointments. Call CAPIC today at 617-884-6130 to schedule your energy audit!
DONATE TO COVID-19 EMERGENCY RESPONSE
If you would like to help CAPIC provide emergency assistance with access to food and basic necessities, housing, and other household expenses for those impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, please consider making a donation.
During this difficult and rapidly changing time, CAPIC is focused on the health and well-being of our clients, staff, volunteers, and communities. As a result, we are adapting the way we normally conduct business and will continue to provide essential services to the best of our ability. We thank you for your continued support and we will continue to be here for those in need.
Donate here
CAPIC’s main office in Chelsea will remain closed to the general public until further notice, per Governor Baker’s stay-at-home advisory. Staff will be available via phone and email but there will be NO IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS OR WALK-INS for home heating assistance, volunteer tax prep program, SUDS Program, or emergency services. Please call 617-884-6130 to make alternate arrangements for service. We thank you for your cooperation during this critical time.
The Fuel Assistance and Heating System Programs continue to operate. Staff are available via phone and email, however, there will not be any in-person appointments or walk-ins until further notice. Clients are still able to reach a live person for fuel assistance from 8:30AM – 4:30 PM Monday – Friday at 617-884-6130. Spanish-speaking staff are available to assist via the phone/email as well. Clients who are experiencing a no-heat heating system emergency or a non-working refrigerator emergency should call CAPIC’s emergency line at 617-884-6130, ext. 1042.
CAPIC’s SUDS/Mobile Outreach Program continues to work remotely with the City of Chelsea Navigators, North Suffolk Mental Health Association Recovery Coaches and the SELAH Resource Center to provide comprehensive support and resources to individuals in Chelsea. If you are need of support please call 617-884-6130, ext. 1041, between the hours of 8am-4pm Monday-Friday.
We thank you for your continued patience and cooperation as we continue to navigate through this unprecedented time. CAPIC remains committed to serving the communities of Chelsea, Revere, and Winthrop to ensure that the needs of all residents are being met.
HEAD START LEARN AT HOME PROGRAM AVAILABLE
October 1, 2020CAPIC is proud to announce that Gladys Valentin-Agneta, SUDS/Mobile Outreach Program Director, received the Department of Public Health Commissioner’s Leadership Award.
September 10, 2020Head Start Summer Program
August 10, 2020A weekly packet with books, supplies and activities are delivered to 50 children each week. Parents and children participate in live classes via Zoom and phone calls with their teachers. While we all miss being together, it is wonderful to see the joy of learning continuing and know that our children will be ready for kindergarten in a few short weeks! #HeadStart
Fuel Assistance Program Important Notice
June 24, 2020CAPIC Community Needs Survey
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CAPIC Head Start is Grateful for our Partnership with Red Cross
May 06, 2020Citing the increased need, Red Cross spokesman Jeff Hall said their food donations are now made on a weekly basis to Leading Through Empowering Opportunities (LEO Inc.) in Lynn and Community Action Programs, Inter-City Inc. (CAPIC), which serves families in Chelsea and Revere.

Families First Sees Overwhelming Success in Chelsea
February 10, 2020
This program made Families First history. Beyond reporting the highest graduation rate that we’ve seen in the Power of Parenting program to date, five parents had perfect attendance and 100% of parents reported that they are highly likely to recommend the program. “I think the comfort level of the language capacity was huge,” said our program partner. “It was a major barrier breakdown for community members.”
It is evident that programs like this are both appreciated and needed in the area. Next year, Families First plans to expand the number of programs offered in the City of Chelsea, engaging even more parents and benefiting even more children during the important early years of life.

Point in Time Homelessness Count
January 31, 2019

CAPIC is proud to play a role in working to eliminate homelessness and provide critical, direct services to homeless individuals in need.
Chelsea/Revere Family Network

CAPIC’s Chelsea/Revere Family Network is proudly recognized as one of Raising A Reader MA's first program partners. The partnership began in 2006 and remains as strong as ever - a staple in the Chelsea community. CAPIC is grateful for the work and support that Raising A Reader has provided for Chelsea and Revere families.
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You Work Hard. Heat is expensive. Get help from CAPIC to help keep you warm, safe & healthy this winter.
CAPIC ANNOUNCEMENT - New Executive Director
October 15, 2019
CAPIC Head Start is Now Accepting Applications
July 09, 2019Head Start Center Locations:
Chelsea:
65 Nahant Avenue
Rose Street
45 Pauline Street
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