New dedicated space at the East Boston YMCA will expand free youth programming, wellness initiatives, and community connection
BOSTON, MA (May 11, 2026) – NeighborHealth’s EASTIE Coalition and YMCA of Greater Boston joined partners, community leaders and local youth last month to celebrate the official opening of the EASTIE Coalition Youth Space at the YMCA’s East Boston location, creating a new hub for connection, creativity, and youth leadership.
Located within the East Boston YMCA at 215 Bremen Street, the new space will help the EASTIE Coalition advance its mission to prevent and reduce substance misuse in the neighborhood by creating a new easily accessible home for youth and parents to engage in programs that support wellness and community connection.
“This partnership is about creating a space where our young people can feel connected to each other, their community and their culture” said Nancy Slamet, EASTIE Coalition Director. “We want to cultivate exciting, positive opportunities for them to see that they belong and have the ability to grow into strong leaders, while also learning how to prevent substance use.”
Previously, the EASTIE Coalition youth met in various NeighborHealth administrative conference rooms. By partnering with the YMCA, the group will now be able to offer more consistent access to community, mentorship, and positive activities, such as peace circles, drumming and resilience activities, helping youth build relationships and increase their sense of belonging within the larger community.
“The YMCA has always been committed to strengthening the health and well-being of individuals and families in our communities. Providing a true ‘third space’ for young people to feel safe, seen and supported has been essential in that mission” said Joseph Gaeta, Executive Director of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “Partnering with NeighborHealth on this mission is an exciting continuation of investing in our youth and we are eager to see what we will achieve together.”
The welcome event on Tuesday, April 21 included attendees from the offices of Massachusetts House Representative Adrian Madaro and City Councilor Gigi Coletta Zapata; Jamie Hazard, President and CEO of NeighborHealth; David Shapiro, CEO of YMCA of Greater Boston; and Mimi Gardner, Vice President of Community Partnerships & Health Impact at NeighborHealth.
“Whether it’s feeding families, teaching our patients how to swim, or creating opportunities for fun, connection, and wellness, the YMCA continues to be an extraordinary partner to NeighborHealth in every sense,” said Jamie Hazard, President and CEO of NeighborHealth. “We are excited to see this partnership with EASTIE Coalition bring more opportunities to support youth and advance our shared mission to build a happy and healthy community.”
Remarks were followed by the presentation of Youth Awards, musical performances by East Boston youth, and a community reception.
To learn more about the EASTIE Coalition Youth Space and its programs visit: www.eastiecoalition.org
