Last week, the Brigham community joined festivities grounded in gratitude and kindness. Employees across our main and distributed campus locations enjoyed fall-themed treats and helped pay our thanks forward by casting their vote for one of three local, non-profit organizations to receive a $10,000 charitable donation from the Brigham in appreciation of their partnership.

“It’s critically important that we express gratitude for the work that our colleagues do, as well as for the work of organizations to ensure our communities and all of their members, particularly those who would benefit the most from our support, thrive,” said Bernard Jones, EdM, vice president, Value-Based Care, Public Policy, and Administrative Operations. “Our Brigham family lives and works in these very same communities and we are thrilled to combine the recognition of our employees and investing in the work of amazing organizations.”

A Great Outcome for All

After a day of voting and counting, the ‘winner’ was determined: Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI). The runners-up, City Life/Vida Urbana and Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition, will each receive $5,000 donations from the Brigham.

Dedicated to supporting new immigrants and refugees, IFSI provides access to foundational resources, including housing, food, health, academics, employment, advocacy work and legal services. The Brigham most recently collaborated with IFSI when immigrant populations and refugees from Haiti were struggling with the transition from home to here.

“We’re excited about the work IFSI has done and even more thrilled that staff want to recognize them and their suite of services,” said Claire-Cecile Pierre, MD, associate chief medical officer and vice president of Community Health.

The IFSI, which acts as a one-stop immigration navigator service, was a critical, on-the-ground partner with the Brigham during COVID-19 testing and vaccination in Mattapan earlier this year.

“The Brigham is doubling down on being a better neighbor and supporter of the communities we serve,” said Jones. “I’m grateful the Brigham community engaged in this shared, participatory exercise that has great outcomes for three local organizations.”

The Gift of Hope

When staff from the IFSI learned they had been selected for the $10,000 donation, they passed along messages of thanks to share with the BWH.

“IFSI is so grateful to be chosen by the Brigham community for such a gift. Every day, we welcome so many new families who need help, from food and clothing to shelters. Every gift brings hope to our families,” said Geralde V. Gabeau, MPH, executive director of the IFSI.

Rev. Dieufort J. Fleurissaint, of the IFSI, offered his heartfelt gratitude as well.

“This financial assistance comes at a crucial moment and will be extremely beneficial to support IFSI in its commitment to helping the Haitian migrants’ transition into their next phases in America.”

Promoting Supplier Diversity This Holiday Season

Looking to purchase a holiday gift for your colleagues or loved ones? Through the Mass General Brigham Supplier Diversity Program, we are excited to announce that the following local, diverse businesses from our nearby Boston neighborhoods are available as suppliers in eBuy:

• • Final Touch with Class (Roxbury)
  • Frugal Bookstore (Roxbury)
  • Shanti Indian Cuisine (Roxbury)
  • Soleil Boston (Roxbury)
  • Fresh Zen LLC (Dorchester)
  • Sweet Teez (Dorchester)
  • Fresh Food Generation (Dorchester)
  • Ay’ A Africa Boutique (Dorchester)
  • Dona Habana (Boston