The late Joseph M. Tierney, who served as Boston City Council president in the 1980s, grew up in the sprawling Old Colony public housing development in South Boston. He died in 2009, but his legacy lives on at the Tierney Learning Center (TLC) located at The Anne M. Lynch Homes at Old Colony.

“My father was someone who never forgot where he came from and realized the importance of community programs like this,” said Tierney’s daughter, Deirdre Tierney Pulgini. “They really made a difference in his life. Being the first to go to college, then to law school, and then deciding his life would be about public service and helping others. I feel as though his legacy and mission are carried on here.”

Jennifer Boylan, left, and Deirdre Tierney Pulgini in the atrium of the Joseph M. Tierney Learning Center.

The center opened in 2012 to provide Old Colony families with the resources needed to learn, grow, and connect on a no-cost basis. The center operates with the support of The Beacon Communities Charitable Fund and offers services from early childhood education to senior programming. 

“Our families understand that there is support and that we care about their children, and we care about them as a whole and as a unit,” says Jennifer Boylan, the community engagement director of program implementation at Beacon Communities. “We want to make sure the entire family thrives and feels supported,” she said. 

There is a diverse population of more than 1,400 living at Old Colony, many of whom need assistance in furthering their children’s education and their families’ economic mobility. The youth enrichment programs at TLC allow for both. 

Students in Sandra Gomez’s class enjoy snack time after playing basketball outside.

One of the most popular youth services is the YMCA After School and Vacation Program, which is licensed by the state’s Department of Early Education and Care. Currently, 45 children ranging in age from 5 to 13 are enrolled in the after-school program, where they get homework help and participate in activities that encourage physical and emotional wellbeing. 

Pulgini’s son Jack, who lives in Southie, is one of many involved in the afterschool program. The recent Boston College graduate and his friends tutor students who need extra support. So far, they have received positive feedback from both the children’s families and their schools.

“Beyond that, they are making connections with the kids, building relationships, and providing so much more,” said Pulgini. “They are mentors and role models. I know my father would be so proud of Jack’s commitment to the children at The Tierney.”

It is Jack and his friends and the Tierney staff’s commitment that make the center such a special place, said Boylan. “It’s remarkable to see how many kids stay throughout the entire time,” she said. “It’s amazing to see how many families, even after they age out, still come back. Their kids come back to check in and at the end of the day, that is what you want. Our return rate speaks for itself. All the kids who are eligible to stay, stay.”

One reason the kids return year after year is because of the various events held at the center, which include Halloween parties, Friendsgiving, Christmas celebrations, fun runs, and trips to Canobie Lake Park. 

While the center celebrates happy times, knowing that each kid comes from a low-income household, they also prioritize discussing life’s adversities as well. This is done through Doc Wayne, a non-profit organization that utilizes a sports-based curriculum to address mental health.
“Doc Wayne is a social-emotional, really recreational learning. They are there to support the kids during the after-school program,” Boylan told the Reporter. “They’ll do chalk talk where they pick a topic and it’s a discussion they have with the kids. If any are having a hard time, the interns, counselors, and therapists know how to de-escalate and support them.”

The most recent sport Doc Wayne has used to help TLC kids is swimming. While this may seem like just another regular activity, given Old Colony’s proximity to the ocean, “a lot of the kids did not know how to swim. … We wanted to be able to give that resource,” said Boylan, in, she added, a safe, supportive environment.  

In addition to sports, TLC prioritizes art and implements art projects throughout each of its programs to encourage creativity and imagination in all age groups. 

Milagros “Milly” Peña has lived in South Boston for over 22 years and has worked at the Tierney since 2012. While she is the assistant resident service coordinator for Beacon Management, she is also passionate about her role as an art teacher.

“This is their place, this is where I’m going to protect them and teach them and guide them not only in their education but through life,” said Peña.

Sandra Gomez holds the same title as Peña and together the two appear to be the heart of the Tierney. “Milly has seen the program blossom and has been part of the growth and has been an amazing team member in making the kids feel like this is home,” said Boylan. “Sandra has been here for around five years. The kids really respect them and trust them, and they have such passion and love.”

A recent addition to the center is the teen programming that targets young adults ages 14 to 18 every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. and offers volunteer and employment opportunities, homework help, and college application assistance. 

“This is a group of people we really needed to try to engage and grow and that’s been relatively new over the past couple of years,” said Pulgini. “To have a place that really supports the families through education and programming helps them realize their potential and break the cycle of poverty.”

In addition to youth and teen services, the center partners with ABCD Head Start to provide full-time educational programming for preschoolers and toddlers. Adults can also use various resources including technology and training programs, food links, and family support programs.
Services do not stop with the adults; senior residents also take part.

“This place is such a resource and I think the staff here is interwoven into the fabric of the community and has such a deep understanding and a deep trust,” said Pulgini. “It helps people realize what they can achieve. We believe in you; we’re going to hold you to a standard, but we believe in you.”

The Tierney and Beacon staff member hope that everyone who utilizes TLC services feels empowered. Boylan said, “They can do whatever they want. Their dreams are possible, and we are here to help them make them possible.”