Dr. Geralde Gabeau, executive director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute, takes us through her perfect day in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood.
This article was originally published on Boston.com. The story was written by Annie Jonas.
Nestled in the southern part of Boston, Mattapan is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood with a rich history and a strong sense of community.
Over the years, Mattapan has become a focal point for many immigrant groups, including the Haitian community; the neighborhood has the largest Haitian population in the state, offering a welcoming environment to immigrants and Haitian-Americans.
One of the leading voices for the Haitian community in Mattapan is Dr. Geralde Gabeau, a respected Haitian leader who has dedicated over 20 years to improving the lives of immigrants in Massachusetts. As the founder and executive director of the Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI), she has been a tireless advocate for the integration and empowerment of Haitian immigrants.
Gabeau lived in Mattapan for 20 years before moving to neighboring Hyde Park, where she currently lives. But Mattapan remains a strong presence in her life.
“It’s almost like my entire life is here in Mattapan. I’m definitely more connected to Mattapan than Hyde Park,” she said.
She loves the neighborhood for its community and ability to transport her to her home country, Haiti.
“When I step outside from the office, and I’m standing in Mattapan Square, it’s almost like you’re in Haiti, because we have so many people speaking the language.” she said. “If you have not seen someone for a long time, just come and stand right here in Mattapan Square, and then you find that person. It’s almost like that corner that brings people together, and it’s also very lively.”
From visiting her favorite Haitian bakeries, to walking along the scenic Neponset River, here’s how Gabeau would spend a perfect day in Mattapan.
Morning: A river walk, breakfast, and community
Gabeau starts her morning with a walk in nature along the Neponset River Greenway trail.
The greenway is an 8.2 mile long, multi-use trail that spans the neighborhoods of Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, and Milton. The greenway is slated to receive $9 million in state funds to expand deeper into the area west of Mattapan Square, according to the Dorchester Reporter.
The trail offers Gabeau an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, and helps prepare her for a busy, intense day of work.
“You are here in this very busy city, but you also have the feeling of being outside of the city by just walking next to the river,” she said.
After her walk, Gabeau will head to one of several Haitian bakeries in Mattapan Square for breakfast. She’ll go to either Le Foyer Bakery (132 Babson St.) – a local institution nearing 50 years in business – or La Baguette Prime Bakery (637 River St.) for patties (a flaky puffed pastry commonly filled with beef, fish, or chicken) and akasan (a creamy, chilled drink made from corn flour, star anise, cinnamon, and milk).
For an American-style breakfast, Gabeau enjoys Brothers (1638 Blue Hill Ave.) in Mattapan Square.
After breakfast, Gabeau will head to IFSI to work. Spending time at the organization is her “favorite,” she said. It’s not only a place where she gets to spend time with her community, but it’s also her vocation.
“I always say it’s what I’m called to do. Finding myself here with my community, with my people, my staff and community leaders, is a joy.”
Afternoon: Church, lunch, and parks
Gabeau’s work can be quite intense, she said, especially recently. Between helping newly-arrived families with immediate needs like accessing food and clothing, to finding housing and medical care for others, Gabeau’s days are “always long and heavy.”
To take a break from the stresses of the day, she’ll head to the Church of the Holy Spirit (525 River St.). It’s a place where Gabeau and the community can find a bit of respite and relaxation amidst the chaos, she said.
“It’s almost like a little sanctuary for our families, finding the warmth of the priests and all of the people at the church,” Gabeau said.
Next, Gabeau will grab lunch. She used to go to Daily Table (formerly at 474 River St.), a nonprofit grocery chain, for a green smoothie or salad, but the store closed in January after opening in the spring of 2023.
Other options include Kwench Juice Cafe (1587 Blue Hill Ave.), Cafe Juice Up (1290 Blue Hill Ave.) and America’s Food Basket (926 Cummins Hwy.), which offers prepared foods and grocery items.
After lunch, Gabeau will visit the Mattapan branch of the Boston Public Library (1350 Blue Hill Ave.). The library boasts world language collections in French, Haitian-Creole and Spanish, and Gabeau said she’ll take the time to show newly-arrived families the library and the resources it offers.
To bring her afternoon to a close, Gabeau will visit some of the neighborhood’s parks and community gardens – and there are plenty to choose from: Edgewater Food Forest (640 River St.), a community garden managed by volunteer stewards; Woolson Street Community Garden (44 Woolson St.), and Hunt Almont Park (40 Almont St.), to name just a few.
While the community gardens aren’t active in the winter, come spring they will be alive with blooming plants, vegetables, and activity. Come summer, the Mattapan Food and Fitness Coalition (MFFC) will host the Mattapan Square Farmers Market, which has brought healthy and fresh food to the neighborhood for the past 18 years. The farmer’s market is open from July through October.
Evening: Dinner and a walk
Normally, Gabeau will cook dinner at home, but if she’s out in Mattapan Square, she’ll stop by a Haitian restaurant for dinner.
Gabeau recommends Toutwèl Restaurant (643 River St.) or Las Vegas Express Restaurant (1592 Blue Hill Ave.). Some popular Haitian dishes include griot (fried pork shoulder) and tassot cabrit (fried goat meat). Pikliz, a spicy pickled vegetable condiment, is traditionally served on the side with meat and fried food.
After dinner and a long day spent in her community, Gabeau will often walk back to her home in Hyde Park from Mattapan. It’s a solid 40-45 minute walk, but Gabeau is not deterred; instead, she views it as another way to wind down and relax.
“Because of the work that I do, walking is really relaxing for me. It’s a nice way for me to enjoy the community, and also to take care of myself,” she said.
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