Jaqueline Peña

Parker Hill/Fenway

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A resident of Roxbury, Jaqueline Peña came to Boston from the Dominican Republic 35 years ago. “ABCD supported me when I needed it most– through fuel assistance, food security and educational programs,” she said. “Their guidance helped me graduate from the Urban College of Boston.” 

 

ABCD didn’t just change Jaqueline’s life, it changed her children’s lives – they participated in ABCD SummerWorks and also attended Urban College of Boston. 

 

Reciprocity is the main reason that Jaqueline became a volunteer. “I like to give back.” 

 

She participated in the temporary volunteer employment program at the Parker Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Service Center during the COVID-19 shut down. Today, she provides administrative support and client service, and recently joined their advisory board.

 

Jaqueline added, “My favorite part of volunteering is connecting with people. PHF is heavily populated with Latinos, so my bilingual skills come in handy, and it’s close to my house.”    

 

A mother of two adult sons and a former foster parent, Jaqueline also worked for ABCD’s Health Services Safety Net program. 

 

She is honored to be named an ABCD 2025 Community Hero. “When I was homeless and didn’t know any English, ABCD gave me the tools to change my life. This is a full circle moment.”