Programs for Springfield's Inner-city

Bringing North End Neighborhoods
into the 21st Century

For over 20 years, Brightwood Development Corp. (BDC) has been a stable and energetic source of progress for the people, businesses and social interests that make up Springfield’s traditionally poor North End. Brightwood continues to search for new opportunities to assist this neighborhood as it enters the 21^st century.

Among current programs and services:

    Minority Employment Program

Provides job development and job placement for unemployed and underemployed members of the North End (Brightwood) community. BDC works with employers to identify and match job openings with the employment skills of qualified job seekers. The Minority Employment Program is funded through the city's Community Development Block Grant Program.

    Neighborhood Development

Highlighted by technical assistance and micro-lending to minority owned and  small neighborhood businesses. Through its Caribe Management Corporation subsidiary, BDC engages in residential and commercial property ownership, development and management. Over 300 units of housing and four major commercial properties operate and flourish as a direct result of BDC involvement.

    Homes Program

Purchases North End private homes in foreclosure, rehabs and resells them as affordable housing to first-time home buyers. Many previously rundown, tax delinquent houses in this section of Springfield have been returned to productive ownership since the start of this program in 1995.

 Contact: Laura Marino, Vice President
               (413) 734 - 2144