CEDC’s Immigrant Support Network helps immigrants in the New Bedford area get the support they need to navigate daily life and build stability. Multilingual CEDC staff provide help navigating aspects of daily life, including finding housing, securing legal services, applying for jobs and health insurance, and enrolling children in school, among many other day-to-day issues that arise. Services are offered in Spanish, English, Cape Verdean Kriolu, and Portuguese.
Our ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) classes help adults build the English skills they need for everyday life, work, and community participation. We offer small, neighborhood-based classes twice per week for beginner and advanced beginner learners, focused on conversation skills for real-life use. Our experienced staff and volunteers create a welcoming, practical learning environment.
We support small and micro business development by helping entrepreneurs launch and grow businesses. Services include business planning, licensing and permitting assistance, financial education, marketing support, and connections to community resources. Through individualized coaching, our small business development services help entrepreneurs increase income, create jobs, and improve economic stability. Contact Ken Rapoza at 508-979-4684 if you need assistance with your small business.
Every year during tax season, we offer free tax preparation for our community, helping 1,500+ households file accurate tax returns and claim the refunds and credits they are eligible for. We have a trained corps of multilingual staff and volunteers who provide trusted, in-person support to ensure filings are completed correctly. Throughout the year, we help taxpayers with a myriad of tax-related issues, including dealing with predatory tax preparers, applying for ITINs, and responding to IRS letters.
CEDC brings community members together to build collective power and create positive change in New Bedford. We support residents in organizing around issues that matter to them, including housing, public safety, public transportation and access to resources in the neighborhood.
CEDC works to strengthen our neighborhood through place-based revitalization, including the Love The Ave initiative along Acushnet Avenue. We support small businesses, activate public spaces, and bring people together through events like our summer-long food festival, Patio de Comidas.
CEDC’s commercial kitchen is a certified, shared-use space designed to support food entrepreneurs as they start and grow their businesses. The kitchen provides access to professional-grade equipment, safe and affordable workspace, and guidance on licensing, food safety, and ServSafe Certification. It serves as a practical entry point for individuals looking to turn culinary skills into income. If you're interested in using our commercial kitchen space, please reach out to Jess Morgado at jess@cedcnewbedford.org
CEDC offers health and wellness programs to support community members in accessing care and improving overall well-being. We offer community health screenings, Spanish language prenatal and postnatal groups, nutrition and cooking workshops in our shared use kitchen, and on-site mental health counseling and women's wellness groups.
Healthcare Navigators
CEDC’s bilingual Healthcare Navigators help community members access affordable health coverage, connect with care providers, manage follow-up appointments, and generally navigate our complex healthcare system.
