Raymond Heath has been named director of the BCYF’s Mattahunt Community Center in Mattapan. Born and raised in Dorchester, Heath is the former program supervisor at the Gallivan Center and an alumnus of the Marshall school and community center in Dorchester, where he was a student and member in his youth.

Heath got his start at Boston Centers for Youth & Families through his mentor, JD Dawson, the former Marshall director, who made the facility a sanctuary for kids like Heath.

“He was a community person who made kids feel like we belonged,” Heath said of Dawson. “I want to give kids a safe place to express themselves, have fun, learn new skills with a sense of community. There’s nothing compared to being at a community center that’s the lifeblood of the neighborhood. I’m grateful for the opportunity to do the work I love and thankful for getting the privilege to serve the Mattapan community in any way I can.”

A ribbon cutting for the newly renovated Mattahunt facility is scheduled for Thurs., April 25, at 11 a.m., with Mayor Wu expected to preside.