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Greetings!
As we enter April, this season naturally invites us to reflect on renewal, growth, and opportunity. Spring reminds us that meaningful change often begins with intentional care, thoughtful planning, and a renewed commitment to what matters most. At Community Teamwork, this time of year is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to continue creating pathways to stability and opportunity for the more than 66,000 individuals and families we serve each year.
Renewal is more than a season; it is a commitment to community. It is reflected in our efforts to improve access to early education, expand housing stability, and identify economic mobility opportunities that help individuals and families build a foundation. Every classroom seat we open, every family that stays housed, and any assistance we can provide that helps someone move toward financial stability is part of that renewal, Including the building or our new Women's Shelter which will be open in the Fall. Please watch for our Mother's Day Campaign (see below) for ways you can help support this initiative - with a corporate sponsorship or tribute to your mother or other woman in your life who has inspired you.
This season also brings an opportunity for us as an organization to look ahead with purpose. As we begin planning for our upcoming fiscal year and continue to advance our legislative and community priorities, we remain focused on how we can deepen our impact and respond to the evolving needs of those we serve. Like the familiar reminder that April showers bring May flowers, our commitment this season is often the steady and intentional effort that allows opportunity to bloom in the months ahead.
Spring offers a natural pause for reflection, found in the warmth of the sun and in the visible renewal of trees and flowers all around us. It is a reminder to slow down, take notice, and appreciate both the progress we have made and the work still before us. I am continually inspired by the compassion, commitment, and resilience of our staff, supporters, and community partners who make this mission possible every day. Together, we continue to build a stronger community where everyone can thrive.
I hope this month offers each of you time for your own renewal, whether through reflection, connection with loved ones, or simply taking a moment to appreciate the signs of growth and possibility that surround us. Thank you for your continued support and inspiration.
Warmly,
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Carl Howell, CEO
Community Teamwork
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Mother's Day Tribute Gift
A Safe Place to Begin Again
| | Please watch the video above to learn more. (Click the Image) | |
Meet the Honorees
Sponsorship Opportunities Available!
Sponsorship Packet
Click HERE (https://onecau.se/ctispring26) or scan the QR Code below for tickets and online registration! For more information, and/or to become a sponsor, please contact Margot Regan, Director of Development at maregan@commteam.org or at 978-654-5813.
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Thank You to our Event Sponsors
Visionary: Rockland Foundation
Trailblazer: United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Cambridge Savings Bank
Sustainer: Will & Renee Soucy - Acre Crossing, Anonymous Donor, Nancy L. Donahue,
Fred C. Church Insurance, Northern Bank, OneDigital, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Don & Alana Garcia Jr. - Suffolk Place, Washington Savings Bank
Advocate: Davis Square Architects, Lowell Five Bank, The Peabody Companies
Partner: Allegrone, Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Northern Bank
Friend: Eno Martin Law PLCC, Facing East Photo, Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union, Middlesex Community College, Partners in Child Development, United HealthCare Partners
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CTI Hosts State Lobby Day
Leadership from Community Teamwork hosted a Lobby Day at the Statehouse on April 8th to share how our programs are making a difference for constituents every day - Inviting legislators to connect with our team, learn what’s working and exploring opportunities to strengthen impact together.
CTI shared how we support individuals and families in our communities through:
- Housing & Homelessness Prevention, Early Education & Head Start
- Energy & Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP), Workforce Development & Youth Programs
- Family & Community Services
CTI spokespeople and representatives included Carl Howell - CEO, Nick DiGiammo - Director Youth Services, Meghan Adams Siembor - Senior VP C&FS, Melanie Bixby - VP Child and Family Services, Vanessa Galarza - VP Leased Housing, Sean Wilson - VP Homeless Services , Barbara Warren - VP WIC and Energy, Chris Gordon - VP Community Resources, Heather Ciccarelli - Director of Planning & Resource Development, Ann Sirois - Chief Administrative Officer, and several others.
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Community in the Classroom at CTI's
Early Learning Program
| We were so excited to welcome our first Community in the Classroom guests to our classrooms to engage with our students. | | |
Patricia Sawyer, a retired Head Start preschool teacher who dedicated over 40 years to Community Teamwork, joined our Room 30 preschool classroom at the James Houlares Center and brought the story Froggy Plays T-Ball to life with her expressive reading, silly voices, and contagious energy. The children were laughing, engaged, and absolutely loving every minute!
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Teresa Evangelista, Head of Retail Services – Vice President at Northern Bank, spent time in our Toddler Room at Children’s Village at the Mill, sharing stories all about animals with our curious and engaged learners. Moments like these help bring learning to life and strengthen the connection between our classrooms and the community around us.
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And most recently, we welcomed Massachusetts State Representative Tara Hong to our Blue Room classroom at the Lowell Collaborative Preschool Academy. Representative Hong spent time reading The Big Hungry Bear to our students—and let’s just say, the kids were ALL in! From giggles to wide-eyed moments, it was such a fun and engaging experience that brought the story to life.
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Thank you to our guests for taking the time to connect with our students and support early learning in such a meaningful way!
Interested in being a guest reader in our Community in the Classroom program? We’d love to have you join us! Reach out to Shawna Doran at 978-654-7126 or SDoran@commteam.org and be part of the magic of reading with our classrooms.
To learn more about our Child Care and Early Education Programs, visit:
commteam.org/program/childcare-early-education
| | YouthBuild of Greater Lowell Speaks at Lowell Habitat for Humanity Fundraiser | | |
YBL students and staff were recently asked to speak at a fundraiser in Westford for Lowell Habitat for Humanity, to help reach their goals and raise money for their current build.
YBL students Peter Anaya and Richard McFadden stepped up to the challenge and delivered heartfelt words about their experience with both YouthBuild and Habitat. Both expressed how Habitat has brought the group together as a team, while Peter spoke about his experience as YouthBuild's student intern with the Habitat Construction crew and his goals for the future.
Students were greeted by many friendly faces, including Congresswoman Lori Trahan, who took the time to speak to the students and encourage them before giving their speeches.
| | Miss Chrissy Inducted into the Hall of Fame | | |
Last week at the Massachusetts State House, Construction Supervisor Christina Shanahan, also known as Miss Chrissy, was inducted into the newly formed Hall of Fame for Excellence in Service with the Massachusetts YouthBuild Coalition. Miss Chrissy has been with YouthBuild of Lowell and Community Teamwork for seven years working in the construction department, growing the program into what it is today!
| | Final Call: HEAP Applications April 30th | | |
As the heating season winds down, there is still time to get help with your heating bills. The Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) can help eligible households cover heating costs, and this is your last chance to apply before the season ends.
Take action today and check your eligibility.
HEAP can help eligible households cover heating expenses, keeping your home safe and comfortable as the seasons change. If you are facing a heating emergency, please contact Community Teamwork immediately to apply for assistance. Don’t wait – contact us today!
Fuel Assistance Programs:
📞 978-459-6161
fuelassistance@commteam.org
Apply: www.commteam.org/fuel
Energy Conservation Programs:
📞978-654-4904 |
energyprograms@commteam.org
| | Child & Family Services is Recruiting! | | Child & Family Services Newsletters | | Thank You to our 2026 Newsletter Sponsors | | There are ALWAYS Ways to Help | | If you find yourself in a position to help, your contribution will aid our efforts on every front as we work together to care for our clients and families in their hour of greatest need, and emerge stronger than ever. Please note, Donations of $1000 or more qualify for a 50% refund or credit under the Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Program (CITC). Contact Margot Regan, Director of Development, for more information at maregan@commteam.org, 978-654-5813 | | | | |
