Astound Broadband Powered by RCN Boston announces $50,000 Donation to ABCD

  Boston, MA – April 27, 2022– Astound Broadband powered by RCN, formerly known as RCN Boston, an award-winning provider of high-speed internet, TV, and phone services, announced today a donation of $50,000 to Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD.) ABCD is a nonprofit human services organization that provides more than 100,000 low-income residents in the Greater Boston region with tools and resources to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success.

  Astound Broadband is dedicated to ensuring equitable opportunities for all regardless of gender, ability, religion, orientation, socio-economic, racial, or ethnic background. Following a recent brand transition to Astound Broadband (Astound), the organization has been focusing on its Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) efforts, making internal changes to improve diversity and fairness and extending it to the communities it serves. As part of a company-wide effort that resulted from employee feedback and suggestions, the company has committed to supporting organizations that align with its DEI mission.

  “Astound is committed to supporting organizations like ABCD whose work strengthens our community,” said Sanford Ames, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Astound Broadband Powered by RCN. “ABCD has a wide range of programs and services dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through its ABCD Gateway and WorkSMART programs, specifically, it is providing a pathway for career development with hands-on skills that will help with job preparation.”

  The donation to ABCD will support its WorkSMART program that offers paid internships to Boston high school students in grades 9-12 to provide career opportunities and educational support.

  “We admire Astound Broadband’s commitment to the communities it serves and, specifically, to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are beyond grateful for this generous grant, which will support WorkSMART, a vital program that gives youngsters who were born with no advantages and who face the toughest economic and social barriers a viable path to success in school, at work, and in life,” said ABCD President/CEO John J. Drew.

   “We deeply appreciate this incredible gift from Astound. WorkSMART, a school-based program, creates pathways to higher education and careers by providing supervised and paid work experience with comprehensive case management, mentoring and tutoring support. So many young people will benefit from this amazing support,” said ABCD Director of Workforce Development and Alternative Education Ron Marlow.

  Earlier this year, Astound’s regional brands (RCN, Grande, enTouch, Wave, Digital West) united under the name Astound Broadband (Astound), reflecting both the company’s evolution and its vision for the future. Astound Broadband is at the forefront of the residential connectivity transformation, providing customers with award-winning services in eight of the top ten metro areas in the country. From volunteerism to delivering affordable, reliable internet to underrepresented families through the Affordable Connectivity Program; to expanding its work with women and minority-owned businesses; to investing in hyper-local partnerships that drive economic growth, Astound is committed to doing our part to make a difference in the communities where we live, work and play.

  Astound Broadband Powered by RCN serves the Massachusetts communities of Allston, Arlington, Boston, Brighton, Brookline, Burlington, Charlestown, Dedham, Dorchester, Everett, Framingham, Hyde Park, Lexington, Milton, Natick, Needham, Newton, Peabody, Revere, Roslindale, Somerville, Stoneham, Wakefield, Waltham, Watertown, West Roxbury, and Woburn.

About ABCD

  A nonprofit human services community action organization, ABCD provides low-income residents in the Boston and Mystic Valley areas with the tools, support, and resources to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success. For more than 50 years, ABCD has been deeply rooted in every neighborhood and community, empowering individuals and families and supporting them in their quest to live with dignity and achieve their highest potential. Each year, we’ve served more than 100,000 individuals–elders and families through a broad range of innovative initiatives and long-established, proven programs and services. For more, please visit bostonabcd.org.