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Greetings!
This month marks the 62nd anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, the landmark legislation that launched the Community Action movement and forever changed how our nation confronts the hardships experienced in communities. From President Johnson’s vision to Sargent Shriver's implementation of Community Action Agencies across the country, including Community Teamwork, with a simple but powerful belief: communities are strongest when every person has the ability to succeed.
President Johnson’s vision has transformed millions of lives.
The first decade following the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act saw one of the most significant declines in poverty in our nation's history. It also gave rise to programs that continue to strengthen families and communities every day:
- Head Start, preparing more than 40 million children for success in school and beyond.
- Job Corps, equipping more than two million young adults with the skills to build meaningful careers.
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More than 1,000 Community Action Agencies, now serving over 15 million people annually in communities across America.
The legislation also laid the foundation for many of the programs families continue to rely upon today, including Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
Together, these investments have helped generations of individuals and families build greater stability, opportunity, and independence.
Greater Lowell witnesses that impact every day.
Last winter, nearly 9,000 households received LIHEAP assistance, including more than 1,300 emergency heating assistance awards, reflecting more than a twofold increase over the previous year. Through our Resource Center, supported in large part by CSBG funding, more than 5,500 individuals and 2,000 households turn to Community Teamwork each year as their first stop for guidance, support, and opportunity. This year alone, our team has connected community members to nearly 11,000 services, both within Community Teamwork and through our network of community partners.
These numbers tell an important story, but they never capture the whole picture. Behind every statistic is a child beginning school with confidence, a senior able to remain safely in their home, a family avoiding homelessness, or an individual taking the next step toward employment and stability. That is the legacy of Community Action.
As we celebrate 62 years, we also accept that the work is far from finished. Communities continue to face rising costs, housing insecurity, and economic uncertainty. At the same time, many of the programs that make this work possible continue to face funding pressures and growing demand.
We do not only want to honor the vision that began in 1964, but we need to ensure it remains strong for the generations that follow. Together with our staff, Board of Directors, partners, elected officials, donors, volunteers, and community members, we will continue advocating not only for the resources our communities deserve but for policy changes that enable hardships to continue. We remain steadfast in our mission to create opportunities, strengthen families, and build thriving communities.
For 62 years, Community Action has proven that when we wish to make our communities stronger, it requires investing in all the members of those communities. Thank you for being part of that legacy and for helping shape its future.
Warmly,
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Carl Howell, CEO
Community Teamwork
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Northern Bank Check Presentation | |
Teresa Evangelista,Northern Bank SVP, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Management, and Ana Bojos-Gonzalez, Northern Bank Retail Services Manager and Assistant Vice President, present Community Teamwork with a $25K donation to provide funding towards programs in Middlesex County to assist low to moderate income individuals and families with shelter, food insecurities and basic necessities. Specifically, Community Teamwork will use this donation to help fund the buildout of our new Women’s Shelter.
Pictured left to right is:
Lisa Wholey – CTI Chief HR Officer, Ann Sirois – CTI Chief Administrative Officer, Ana Bojos-Gonzalez – Northern Bank Retail Services Manager & Assistant VP, Carl Howell CTI CEO, Teresa Evangelista – Northern Bank SVP, Head of Retail Banking and Branch Management, and Kayombo Kamawu – CTI CPO
We are deeply grateful for Northern Bank’s continued support.
| Early Learning Program ~ Head Start | |
A huge thank you to Hearts in Art for visiting our James Houlares Center as part of our Community in the Classroom initiative!
Our children had such a meaningful and creative experience working together to create beautiful pictures and cards for children who are in hospitals. Through art, kindness, and connection, Hearts in Art helped our students learn the power of giving back and brightening someone else’s day.
Hearts in Art is a youth organization dedicated to spreading education and awareness about community service to younger generations through the arts, and their visit truly inspired our classrooms.
Thank you for sharing your time, creativity, and compassion with our students — we loved having you with us!
Please show them some love and follow them on Instagram: @heartsinartt (https://www.instagram.com/heartsinartt?igsh=MWRyenFuNTd6ZjZvNQ==)
Other guest visitors have included, Michael Brucato - Business Development Manager at Teaching Strategies, Chris Gordon - VP Community Resources at CTI, and Amy Whitehead-Pleaux - Head Start Collaboration Office Director with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care.
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YouthBuild Lowell Carpentry Partners with the
Lowell Youth Leadership Program (LYLP)
| Recently, YouthBuild of Greater Lowell Construction teamed up with LYLP for three days of teamwork and mentorship. YBL students worked with campers to build their own small carpentry project to take home, including wooden caddy's, coat racks, and treasure boxes. Students did an excellent job sharing their skills and making it a positive experience for everyone! | | |
Youth Services Hosts 3rd Annual
Youth Family Resource Festival at Shedd Park
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The festival transformed Shedd Park into a vibrant community hub, offering a mix of interactive activities, educational programs, and family-friendly entertainment.
The event not only provided entertainment but also served as a resource hub where families could learn about local services, connect with support networks, and engage in positive youth development activities.
The event was part of Youth Services’ broader mission to connect youth with resources, promote healthy relationships, and strengthen family ties.
Some of the organizations on hand to share their program and resource information included Youth Villages (Intercept, LifeSet), LARE Institute, Mass Hire Lowell - Young Adult Career Center, Lowell Alliance (Lowell Votes Partners), Lowell Police Department Youth Services (boxing, basketball, football, swimming), CTI Early Learning Programs (Head Start, Early Head Start & Home Based), and more!
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WIC Day at Lowell Community Health Center | Every Tuesday is WIC Day Lowell Community Health Center from 1pm-4pm right in the main entrance. Come find out more information about getting registered and keeping your benefits up to date. No appointment needed. Looking forward to seeing you! | Congratulations to all of our CTI Graduates of the MASSCAP Management Training Program | |
Founded in 2014, the MASSCAP Training Center offers training and resources to enhance the ability of community organizations to serve their customers, develop their staff and boards, improve operations, expand capacity, and comply with funder requirements.
The MASSCAP Training Center offers onsite and online learning opportunities to help Community Action Agencies and other community organizations meet and exceed standards, from staff and board development to organizations management, program planning, and so much more.
Our CTI Graduates of the MASSCAP Management Training Program:
Yina Cordero - Toddlers' Corner Center Director, Nate Derov - IT Manager, Melissa Centeno - HCEC Program Manager, Ancel Tejada - Director of the Entrepreneurship Center, Maria Zaroulis - Emergency Services Director (Youth Services), Gabrielly Oliveira - Lead Intake Housing Spcialis
Some of the other CTI attendees included Karen Frederick former CEO, Kayombo Kamawu - CPO, Bob Seymour - VP Security & Information Technology, Lisa Wholey - Chief Human Resource Officer, and from MASSCAP Joe Diamond - Executive Director
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LOWELL FARMERS' MARKET 2026
Join us for Every Friday, through October 9th
All of your favorite fresh produce, artists, beverages and more! Here's our calendar of upcoming events. There's something for everyone.
| | The Financial Education Center Continues Workshops ~ Let’s Talk Finances Over Coffee | | |
Smart Money Talk. Real Life. Over Coffee.
Tired of money conversations that feel confusing or overwhelming? Join us for a laid‑back coffee hour with a financial expert who breaks it down in plain language.
Event Snapshot
Date: Tuesday, August 18th
Time: 10 AM - 11 AM
Location: CTI - 17 Kirk St., Lowell, MA 01852
Free coffee & light refreshments
What You’ll Get
• Straightforward money tips you can actually use
• A relaxed, judgment‑free space to ask questions
• Clear explanations — no financial jargon
• Tools and resources to help you take your next step
We’ll Talk About
• Budgeting without the stress
• Saving money when life is expensive
• Credit scores: what really matters (and what doesn’t)
• Common money myths — busted
• Your questions, answered (anonymous questions welcome)
Who Should Come?
• People who want to feel more confident about money
• Anyone who’s ever said: ‘I should probably know this stuff’
• All experience levels welcome
Free to attend • Open to all
Come for the coffee. Leave with clarity.
Questions or accommodations? Contact: Jose Rodriguez, Jrodriguez@commteam.org
To learn more about the programs offered at the Financial Education Center, visit:
https://www.commteam.org/program/financial-education
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Hannaford Bags 4 My Cause Program
to Benefit CTI in August
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When shopping at Hannaford on Rogers Street in Lowell during the month of August, don’t forget to grab a new reusable Community Bag! For each $2.50 reusable bag sold throughout the month of August, Hannaford will donate $1 to Community Teamwork. This program is only happening at the Hannaford at: 777 Rogers Street in Lowell, MA
So, grab that new bag and support the good work happening here at CTI!
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Thank you to all Supporters of the
Lowell Women's Shelter
| | Please click the following video link (or image above) and watch the NEW video to learn more. | | 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 | | | | |
