James Tzitzon, 10-year president of AHEPA Acropolis Chapter 39 and president of the board that controls AHEPA Apartments on Buttonwoods Avenue, explained the lofty purposes and mission of those groups Monday night on 97.9 WHAV’s Open Mike Show.
Tzitzon, a retired Massachusetts State Police trooper, told listeners and viewers that AHEPA—short for American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association—has been in Haverhill since 1924. That was only two years after the founding of the national organization founded to respond to bigotry and racism spreading through American society. The groups also helped Greek immigrants assimilate into society.
He also discussed how the group entered the housing business, building 54 units for low-income seniors on the site of the former Hale Hospital. Income from the apartments pays for maintenance and also generates extra to give back to local charitable groups.