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AUGUST 2024
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS
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The Council is thrilled to introduce Maureen Callahan as our Director of Development & Public Relations.
With her prior experience as Representative Denise Garlick’s District Director, she possesses a profound understanding of our customers' needs. This experience, combined with her background in development and strong relationships with local organizations, makes Maureen an incredible asset to our team.
Welcome, Maureen.
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Back to school is a special time in a student's life.
Join us to help fund back-to-school for all learners in food pantry households served by the Council.
The program goal is to raise funds to help purchase gift cards for school supplies for over 205 students. Follow the link below and make a gift to give back to school!
With Gratitude,
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Exciting News for our Volunteers
We are thrilled to announce that the Council has been granted the authority to honor our most outstanding volunteers with the prestigious Presidential Volunteer Service Awards!
This program, led by AmeriCorps and managed in partnership with Points of Light, allows the Council to recognize exceptional volunteers with a letter signed by the President, along with a medal and/or pin. To understand more about the criteria, click here.
This recognition is not only a testament to the incredible dedication and hard work of our volunteers but also a valuable addition to a high school student’s college application. We are proud to be a certifying organization and look forward to celebrating the achievements of our amazing volunteers!
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Like fireworks, July was spectacular!
We took some time to refuel, recharge, and restock in the month of July and still saw a record month in rides, medical equipment loans, and food pantry visits. There was an 18% increase in food pantry visits this July compared to
July 2023.
Thank you to all the supporters who shopped at the Thriftmas in July sale. The sale ran for one week, bringing in a total of $7,239 in sales. All proceeds support our programs!
Thank you for your continued support!
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Back To School
Help our Food Pantry customers from Pre-K to Adult Education start the school year off with everything they need to succeed!!
Donate Today
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Get Ready for Olympic Thrifting!
Mark your calendars for August 15, 16, and 17 because it’s time to go for the gold at the Council Thrift! 🏅
You don’t have to jump through hoops to win big. Anyone can be an Olympic Thrifter by sprinting to the Council Thrift, tossing your favorite finds into a basket, and racing to the finish line! 🏃♂️🏃♀️
Here’s how you can win:
- Spend $25 or more and pick a Gold, Silver, or Bronze medal from our “Sandy’s Cup” (move over Stanley!).
- Each medal gives you a discount off your total purchase:
- Gold Medal – 50% off
- Silver Medal – 30% off
- Bronze Medal – 20% off
So, get ready to shop, save, and support like a champion! See you at The Council Thrift for some Olympic-sized deals!
Proceeds from the sale fund the many programs sponsored by the
Needham Community Council.
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A big thank you to our summer ELL conversation group leaders, Chris Fletcher, Lynn Hotz, Kimberly McCollum, Martha Riquier, and Beverly Schwartz! These volunteers have been extremely welcoming to ELLs and each week allowed new participants to join their groups. Thank you for saying “yes” to every learner wanting to improve their English this summer. | |
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ELL FALL TUTOR TRAINING
The dates for fall training for new and existing volunteer ELL tutors have been announced.
The New Tutor Training will take place on Wednesday Oct 9, 16, and 23 from 6:30-8:00pm.
For the first time, we will also offer a “Refresher Night” on November 6 from 6:30-7:30pm to give our existing tutors the chance to discuss tutoring ideas and experiences.
New and refresher training will be led by Jewish Vocational Services.
Please email Sheila Roberts
to register.
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Drop-in tech & tutor support continues to be available at the Center at the Heights, 300 Hillside Ave, on Thursdays from 9:00 am - 11:00 am. Please note that on Thursday, August 15th, support will not be available.
Classes, workshops, and more drop-in support hours will be available in the Fall.
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Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training Session:
As part of BILH’s behavioral health initiative, Beth Israel Lahey - Needham, will offer two MHFA training sessions this year. These sessions are free to attendees and all in the community are welcome. The first session has been scheduled for Wednesday, August 14th at the Westwood Public Library. More information can be found here.
Community Heatlh Survey:
Beth Israel Lahey Health (BILH) and its member hospitals are doing a Community Health Needs Assessment to learn about the issues affecting people in our communities. This anonymous 15-minute survey will help BILH understand what you think about the quality of life and available resources so they can improve patient care and community services. At the end of the survey, you will have the option to enter a drawing for a $100 gift card. Complete the Community Health Survey here.
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Summer Council Thrift & Donation Hours
Monday 10 am - 4 pm
Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm
Friday 10 am - 12 pm
Saturday 10 am - 2 pm
Closed Wednesday
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Summer Office
Hours
Monday - Thursday
8:30 am - 4 pm
Friday
8:30 am - 12 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
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Needham Community Council
570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-2415
office@needhamcouncil.org
Connect with us
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The Needham Community Council is a private 501(C)3 non-profit organization which supports people in Needham who have under-met health, educational or social needs, and promotes volunteerism, community and a sense of shared responsibility. | | | | |
