Community Economic Development Center

08/17/2026

GBH News recently highlighted the impact of detention on the mental health of immigrant families. CEDC's Executive Director, Corinn Williams, shared what she and our team see firsthand at CEDC all too regularly these days - the fear and uncertainty families are experiencing, and the need for trusted, community-based support.

https://www.wgbh.org/news/local/2026-08-14/despite-need-for-immigrant-mental-health-support-mass-lacks-resources

Photo credit: Sarah Betancourt, GBH News

06/27/2026

Come on down to North Front Street for delicious food and lots of family-friendly activities!

The grill is on and the corn on the cob is cooking at Patio de Comida this afternoon, Saturday June 27 across from the Community Economic Development Center at 235 N. Front Street, North End New Bedford! Arrive hungry - serving until 6:00 pm.

06/11/2026

Glad we could be there to advocate for fair access to transportation!

06/05/2026

Every day at CEDC, we continue to fight for hard-working immigrants, like Lessy Ramos. We were there fighting hard 19 years ago at the Bianco raid, and we are here today, filing habeas petitions so that parents can stay with their children, and people can continue working to build a better future for their families.

Lessy Ramos, 41, says authorities have given her one month to make a plan to leave the country.

06/02/2026

If you need these items, please stop by today!

05/26/2026

We're so excited to bring this former theater back to life, and more importantly, to offer much needed affordable housing, health care services, financial services, legal services, and more in the heart of the Ave! Love The Ave

Thank you for the continued support from MassHousing, Bristol County Savings Bank, MassDevelopment, LISC Massachusetts, Rep. Antonio F. D. Cabral, Chris Hendricks, Mayor Jon Mitchell, Senator Mark Montigny

The renovation of the North End landmark will include one- and two-bedroom units for low-income families, as well as a community clinic, credit union branch, and legal assistance for migrants.

05/15/2026

Thank you Bristol County Savings Bank for this investment in New Bedford’s North End!

New Bedford can count on us! We’re supporting the transformation of the historic Capitol Theater into the Capitol Resilience Hub with a $100,000 multi-year grant. The Hub will help revitalize a portion of Acushnet Avenue — featuring six new apartments, a healthcare clinic, access to ESOL programs and legal/financial services, plus the new Community Economic Development Center headquarters. Learn more about this initiative https://ow.ly/Zz0s50YXQqU

05/04/2026

CEDC staff were excited to participate in recent Operation Clean Sweep Earth Day clean-up efforts in our neighborhood. Love The Ave

04/15/2026

We are so grateful to the MassHousing Neighborhood Stabilization program for a $1.5 million grant to support new affordable apartments that we are developing on Acushnet Ave at the former Capitol Theater space!

Thank you to Rep. Antonio F. D. Cabral, Rep. Chris Hendricks, Sen. Mark Montigny, and Mayor Jon Mitchell for your continued support of this transformative project on Acushnet Ave!

Love The Ave

04/10/2026

CEDC helps many immigrant parents in our community with caregiver affidavits, so they can have some peace of mind that their children will be cared for if they are unexpectedly separated. This legal document gives a trusted adult the ability to care for a child if a parent can’t, from school enrollment to medical decisions.

In this video from New Bedford Light - A community-news organization, CEDC staff member, Bismarelis, explains why this is such an important step to take today.

New Bedford area advocates say parents who fear deportation or are leaving the U.S. should appoint guardians for their children, including older teens. Notic...