Current Programs and Activities
Past Programs and Activities
Nos é Ke Nos
Celebrating & Supporting Elder Cape Verdean Women in New Bedford
Since 2020, a grant from the Association for the Relief of Aged Women (ARAW) has supported Nos é Ke Nos — a monthly social program created especially for elder Cape Verdean women living in New Bedford public housing.
A Warm, Welcoming Community
Facilitated by dedicated volunteer Elise Andrade, the group gathers women from Boa Vista and Bay Village apartments. Many members face language barriers and social isolation, but this program creates space for connection, comfort, and cultural pride.
• Sessions held in English and Cape Verdean Creole
• Home-cooked Cape Verdean snacks & treats
• Bingo, crafting, and participant-guided activities
Elise has cultivated a vibrant, joyful environment where participants are valued and supported. These monthly gatherings have become a cherished lifeline for social connection and cultural affirmation.
Empowering Through Community
Nos é Ke Nos helps elder Cape Verdean women recognize their importance in the community. Their experiences matter — and contribute meaningfully to New Bedford’s cultural fabric.
Culturally Tailored Support
With ARAW’s support, the Cape Verdean Association of New Bedford (CVANB) provides programming that celebrates immigrant identity, honors the low-income senior experience, and builds deep connections among women who share culture, history, and resilience.
Participants are also connected with ARAW resources and public services as needed. ....Nos é Ke Nos – Because We Are Us. Together.
In the Future
CVANB intends to continue and expand the successful Nos é Ke Nos program model, opening it to city-wide participation. In the future CVANB’s Island Park and the Cultural Center will serve as programming spaces to create a safe and trusted space for activities for elderly women. We deeply appreciate the ARAW program for its support and importance in the New Bedford community!
For more information, please contact CVANB.
Exploring Pano Worskshop
Exploring Pano Workshop is an 8-week experience for middle school students to introduce them to the arts and crafts of textiles through the lens of the national symbol of Cape Verde, pano cloth - AKA Panu di tera, cloth of the earth, and the textile history of New Bedford. The workshop will be led by Art Educators Sheila Duarte Andrade and Pat Regan. This workshop series will be offered as an afterschool program at Dennison Memorial Community Center at the beginning of January 2025. Exploring Pano is made possible through New Bedford Creative's Wicked Cool Places grant program.
Past Programs and Activities
Thank You
Our St. Nicholas Day celebration was a resounding success, bringing together children, families, volunteers, and community partners for a joyful and memorable afternoon. Thanks to the generosity, teamwork, and enthusiasm of everyone involved, the event exceeded our expectations and truly reflected the spirit of community.
We are grateful for the generous in-kind donations from our community partners:
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Domino’s Pizza South End - Pizzas
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Honey Dew Donuts on Route 18 (owner Walter Moniz) – Hot Chocolate
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PAACA / RISE Center – Common Ground Café – Cookies
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The Environmental Justice Group led by Eldric Abreu & the Healthy Neighborhood Study - Storytelling and reading
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Jennifer Gomes - Face Painting
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Our Lady of the Assumption Church – for the facility use and volunteer support
We were also honored to welcome Miss New Bedford, Dolly Mendes, and City Councilor Shane Burgo as special guests.
Activities & Crafts
Children made Christmas cards, completed Cape Verdean crossword puzzles and word searches created by Eydie, and received the smaller edition of the Cabo Verdean Coloring Book by Meclina Gomes. We also donated copies of the coloring book to OLOA’s Grades 1–4 Religious Education classes, where teachers will use them to help introduce students to Cabo Verdean culture. Each child also received a bag of candy to take home.
If you haven’t already, check out the photos posted on our Facebook page!
International Women's Day
CVA-NB annually celebrates on March 8th, International Women's Day (IWD), one of the most important dates of the year to:
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Celebrate women's achievements
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Raise awareness about women's equality
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Advocate for women's issues
Annual events have included panel discussions, keynote speakers, and film followed by facilitated discussion, networking events, and awards events.
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Attendance: Over 100 people at each event from 2015-2019
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Partners: Women's Fund, YWCA Southeastern MA, Bristol Community College, UMass Dartmouth, Women's Center, and Bristol County Commission on the Status of Women
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Locations: Whaling Museum, UMass Dartmouth, Bristol Community College, YWCA Southeastern MA, Wamsutta Club
International Women's Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender parity. Significant activity is witnessed worldwide as groups come together to celebrate women's achievements or rally for women's equality. CVA_NB is proud to co-sponsor this event each year.
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