• What they do: The CEDC empowers low- and moderate-income individuals and families in New Bedford through a variety of programs. They offer small business assistance, financial literacy training, homebuyer education, and help with tax preparation, among other services. They also support many of the immigrant-owned restaurants and food businesses featured on our North End Food Tour, helping them grow, stabilize, and thrive. In addition, CEDC activates public spaces through their Patio de Comida, a weekly summer celebration of immigrant entrepreneurship and community featuring food, music, and family-friendly activities

• How they impact the Southcoast: By fostering economic stability and growth, the CEDC helps individuals achieve self-sufficiency and strengthens the overall economic health of New Bedford. Their work directly translates to more thriving families and a more robust local economy.

• Learn more and support: https://www.cedc nb.org/

Community Economic Development Center (CEDC)

Delicious De Anita’s at Patios De Comida: Photo by Pamela Shwartz

New Bedford Festival Theater

New Bedford Festival Theatre

• What they do: New Bedford Festival Theatre brings professional-quality musical theater productions to the Southcoast, showcasing local talent alongside seasoned performers. They also offer educational programs and workshops for aspiring artists.

• How they impact the Southcoast: Festival Theatre enriches New Bedford’s cultural landscape with professional-quality productions that employ more than a dozen local performers each season, alongside visiting artists. Their tuition-free Summer Academy gives high school students hands-on training with industry professionals, opening doors to future opportunities in theater. By supporting working artists and nurturing emerging talent, Festival Theatre helps sustain a vibrant, thriving arts community on the Southcoast.

• Learn more and support: https://www.nbft.org/

• What they do: 3rd Eye Youth Empowerment engages, unites, and activates the community through hip-hop culture and mentorship to become transformative leaders.
  
  3rd EyE was founded in 1998 by three New Bedford youth looking to do something positive and creative in their community. Almost three decades later, the driving force of this all-volunteer organization continues to be youth and young adults who are interested in developing skills in leadership and community building.
  
  Opportunities include experiences within the 5 Pillars of Hip Hop (MCing, DJing, dance, graffiti/visual art and knowledge) as well as ongoing mentoring, networking, organizing, event planning, and community outreach. Also check out their Free Walls (publicly accessible open space for artists to create 24/7) located in Wings Court in downtown New Bedford and on the corner of Acushnet Avenue and Deane Street in the North end. (psst.. these free walls are part of the North End and Downtown New Bedford Food Tours!

• How they impact the Southcoast: By investing in our youth, Third Eye Unlimited is building a stronger future for New Bedford. They help guide young individuals towards positive choices, reduce crime, and cultivate the next generation of leaders and engaged citizens.

• Learn more and support: https://thirdeyeunlimited.org/

Buzzards Bay Coalition

• What they do: The Buzzards Bay Coalition is a non-profit organization dedicated to the restoration, protection, and sustainable use of Buzzards Bay and its surrounding watershed. They work on behalf of the watershed's residents and visitors to improve the Bay’s health through sound science, land protection, advocacy, and outdoor exploration programs open to all.

• How they impact the Southcoast: The health of Buzzards Bay directly impacts the lives and livelihoods of all Southcoast residents. The Coalition protects and restores vital ecosystems to improve water quality, restores open space for passive recreation, and provides free or low-cost outdoor exploration programs for all ages. Their work supports our industries, businesses and families by improving physical and mental health and quality of life for all throughout the Southcoast.

• Learn more and support: https://www.savebuzzardsbay.org/

photo by Leia Onofrey @leiaonofrey

• What they do: Youth Opportunities Unlimited taps into the wonder and curiosity of young people, encouraging them to seek adventure and learn in natural, meaningful ways. Through hands-on, adventure-based experiences and intentional empowerment, Y.O.U. helps participants ages 9-14 build a strong sense of self, develop essential life skills, and uncover their passions. Whether they’re riding bikes, cooking alongside community chefs, connecting with nature, or simply exploring the world around them, Y.O.U. embraces the South-End Peninsula as their “classroom,” allowing natural curiosity to guide the learning journey.

• How they impact the Southcoast: Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.) gives New Bedford kids access to biking, nature, and hands-on learning that builds confidence, curiosity, and real-world skills. By serving youth who often lack these opportunities, Y.O.U. strengthens families, mentors, and the larger South Coast community—making it a powerful local organization worth supporting.

• Learn More and support: www.younb.org.

Our Sisters' School

• What they do: Our Sisters' School is an independent, tuition-free middle school for girls from lower-income families in New Bedford. They provide a rigorous academic program, character development, and a supportive environment to help girls thrive and to prepare them for high school and beyond.

• How they impact the Southcoast: By offering high-quality education to underserved girls, Our Sisters' School breaks cycles of poverty and empowers young women to become future leaders and contributors to our community. They are building a stronger, more equitable New Bedford - one graduate at a time.

• Learn more and support: https://oursistersschool.org/

Dartmouth Natural Resource Trust (DNRT)

• What they do: The DNRT is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural resources, open space, and agricultural lands of Dartmouth, MA. They manage numerous walking trails, offer educational programs, and work to maintain the natural beauty of the region.

• How they impact the Southcoast: The DNRT safeguards the natural environment that makes the Southcoast so special. Their efforts provide invaluable recreational opportunities, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure future generations can enjoy the beauty of our local landscapes.

• Learn more and support:https://dnrt.org/