Board of Directors
L-R Tom Blackburn, Frederick Ndabaramiye, Rob Sylvain, Anaam Jabar, Dory Waxman Apphia Kamanda Mpay, Ina Demers, Peter Markoe
The Bayside Opportunity Center has announced the formation of its inaugural board of directors, marking a significant milestone in the organization's mission to serve the Portland community.
The center, which aims to secure a location at 28 Portland Street in the heart of Bayside, is dedicated to fostering goodwill, collaboration, and compassion among residents. Whether lifelong locals or newcomers to Portland, the Bayside Opportunity Center envisions a welcoming space where community members can connect, collaborate, and find new beginnings.
The newly formed board will guide the organization toward its goal of opening the center in 2026. Leaders say the location on Portland Street was chosen intentionally, with a belief that bringing people together can strengthen one of the neighborhood's most challenging corridors.
The Bayside Opportunity Center (BOC) is a new community center dedicated to building a more just and inclusive local economy in the Bayside neighborhood. We provide skills-based training, resources, and a central community space to empower residents and help them achieve economic stability and success. By signing this petition, you are supporting our mission to create a vibrant and prosperous Bayside for all.
Who we are
BOC Executive Director Tom Blackburn addresses the community honoring the late Deborah Van Hoewyk, a founding member of the BOC and tireless advocate for the immigrant community in the Bayside Neighborhood.