Jeanne Sinatra
East Boston Collaborative for Families

What is your overall impression of the MAPP process?
It’s my first time involved with this process, and I’m just learning as I go. It’s hard to compare to any other process; it’s very unique. I like the MAPP process because it looks at health broadly. It really takes into account all the factors that contribute to health, like if a neighborhood has enough parks and places for recreation. I’ve been involved with all the different pieces. It’s a long process. We’re moving forward but we need to collect more data. I’m interested in seeing what the next steps are.

What are some major concerns for the neighborhood?
East Boston has a large immigrant population, and providing educational opportunities to the different immigrant groups is a concern. Increasing the variety and frequency of ESL classes allows more immigrants to succeed. Success is also a part of individual and community health. There is definitely more that can be done for newer immigrant and non immigrant residents, alike.

If someone was moving to East Boston, what would you tell them?
The composition of the neighborhood is always changing, due to the large immigrant population. There’s always something new and exciting happening. Even with all the change it feels very much like a neighborhood. I feel very safe living here. I was born and raised in East Boston. And I’ve continued to live here. It’s my home. Both sets of my grandparents were immigrants, migrating from Ireland and Italy. The neighborhood is welcoming to and supportive of new comers in general.

What do you like to do in East Boston around the holidays?
Gather with friends and family. I have a large family, and we enjoy cooking a big feast for the holiday. We stay true to the Italian tradition of celebrating the feast of the seven fishes.

Jeanne Sinatra is the Training Manager for the Education and Training Institute at East Boston Neighborhood Health Center. She is a lifelong resident of East Boston. Her favorite spot in the neighborhood is Piers Park, down by the waterfront.