The Women's Lunch Place has been serving hot meals to Boston's poor and homeless women for more than 25 years. Located in the basement of the Church of the Covenant, this non-profit organization is a daytime shelter focused specifically on providing a safe environment for women to eat, take naps, shower, wash clothes, make phone calls, search for jobs, and seek both legal and medical assistance. The organization is comprised of a small, full-time staff and a large group of volunteers, including medical doctors and psychiatrists. Group activities such as art projects, exercise, and trips to beach are also an important part of the program. The Women's Lunch Place is privately funded and collaborates with a number of other agencies, including DMH, often receiving support from local businesses and restaurants. Once a month, it celebrates birthdays with a special donation of gifts from Tiffany's.
Like its neighbor the Boston Common, the Public Garden is known for breaking historical ground. When it was created in 1837, it was credited as America's first public botanical garden. Because it's right next the the Common, the two are often indistinguishable and most tourists and even some residents don't realize they are visiting two different parks.
Together with the Common, the Public Garden makes up nearly 75 acres of green space in the heart of downtown Boston. Most tourists flock to the Garden for a spin around the pond in the famous Swan Boats, in operation since 1877. The boats welcome riders between April and September every year. But the Public Garden's charms are much more varied and deep than the Swan Boats -- the impeccable landscaping and peaceful, timeless atmosphere provides Beacon Hill residents with a year-round urban oasis. But for $2.75 a pop, a Swan Boat ride could be a worthwhile 15-minute reprieve even for native Bostonians.
Saturdays, especially during the summer, are exceptionally busy at the Garden -- and watch out for ubiquitous newlyweds and their snap-happy wedding photographers ignoring signs not to walk on the grass!
No cycling or rollerblading and definitely no walking on the grass!
A nationally recognized nonprofit, Lesson One works with schools to help children develop skills that will benefit them for the rest of their lives. Staff members work with teachers and parents to teach kids everything from anger management and self control to how to cooperate and take responsibility for their actions. Lesson One focuses on creating an environment where children want to learn, with approaches that vary between programs for individuals and changing the entire culture of a school.
The program has successfully transformed schools with behavioral problems, violence, and an out-of-control attitude into places where students are respectful, trusting, and on their way to becoming successful adults.
The Pierce-Hichborn House is located in the heart of Boston's historic north end. It is a national landmark. The Pierce-Hichborn House is shown by appointment only.
