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Dear Friends,
Honoring Our Legacy, Protecting Our Future
August marks a pivotal moment in our nation’s history — the anniversary of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. This groundbreaking legislation ignited the creation of Community Action Agencies across the country, including Community Teamwork, and launched a movement that has transformed millions of lives.
During first decade alone, poverty in the United States declined significantly. This pivotal legislation birthed programs that have stood the test of time:
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Head Start, which has prepared over 40 million children for school and life.
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Job Corps, which has trained over 2 million young adults for the workforce.
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And over 1,000 Community Action Agencies, which now serve more than 15 million people each year.
This act also laid the foundation for critical safety net programs like SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, LIHEAP, and the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), all of which continue to uplift individuals and families facing economic hardship.
Today, these programs remain vital and are under threat. Over the past several months, we’ve raised concerns regarding proposed federal cuts that will dramatically reduce the reach and impact of the assistance we can provide. That’s why, on August 14th, Community Teamwork joined our fellow Merrimack Valley Community Action Agencies and Congresswoman Lori Trahan for a press conference calling attention to these urgent threats and reminding our community of what’s at stake.
Here in our region:
- 13,000 households stayed warm this past winter thanks to LIHEAP.
- Over $9 million in fuel assistance supported not only families in need, but also local vendors, HVAC contractors, and regional businesses — strengthening our local economy.
- CSBG funding powers our Resource Center, the “front door” to Community Teamwork, where over 5,000 individuals and 2,000 households annually come to find help, hope, and opportunity.
- This year alone, our Resource Center connected community members to nearly 11,000 services, both within CTI and through partners across the region.
CSBG is the "Action" in Community Action. Its flexibility allows us to meet real-time, community-specific needs, not just fill programmatic boxes. It allows us to show up in the moments that matter most. As we honor the legacy of the Economic Opportunity Act and the transformative power it unleashed, we must also fight to protect its future.
Here’s how you can help:
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Share your story: how have these programs helped you, your family, or your community?
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Raise your voice: contact your local, state, and federal elected officials to let them know these programs are not optional. They are essential.
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Stay connected: follow Community Teamwork’s updates and help spread the word.
It takes a community to ensure we all thrive — and we can’t do it alone. Together, let’s make sure these programs continue to serve and empower our neighbors for another 60 years.
With gratitude and determination,
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Carl Howell, CEO
Community Teamwork
| | On August 14th, Community Teamwork joined fellow Merrimack Valley Community Action Agencies at a Press Conference at the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council in Lawrence, to bring attention to the devastating effects Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) and Heating Assistance (LIHEAP) funding cuts will have on our communities. | | Pictured left to right: Joe Diamond, Executive Director of MASSCAP, Congresswoman Lori Trahan, Vilma Martinez-Dominguez, CEO Greater Lawrence Community Action (GLCAC), Carl Howell, CEO Community Teamwork, and Kerri Perry, CEO Community Action Inc. Haverhill | | We Need Your Help ~ Please Complete the Community Assessment Survey | | |
Every three years, in its capacity as a Community Action Agency, Community Teamwork conducts a Community Needs Assessment to gather information on the causes and conditions of poverty directly from the communities we serve. We use this information to derive the greatest needs facing our community, which in turn drive our Strategic Plan.
Please complete the survey by October 17th and enter to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!
Thank you for participating – Your input is invaluable!
Please click on the links below to start the 5 minute Survey:
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More than just a place to shop, the Lowell Farmers' Market is a true community gathering space where neighbors connect, kids play, and everyone can enjoy the best of local food and culture.
We feature fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, fun activities for kids, and a welcoming space for all. We proudly accept SNAP, WIC, and HIP, making fresh, healthy food more accessible to everyone in our community.
We're proud to run the Lowell Farmers' Market at Community Teamwork, where local businesses can try out their ideas or showcase their products.
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This year’s Market features returning favorites and exciting new vendors:
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Farm-Fresh Produce from Phalla’s Produce and Bitz N Peace Farm
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Delicious Eats from Eggroll Café, Brew’d Awakening, and fresh juices by Pure Temple Cuisines
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Craft Ice Cream by Black Sheep
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Handmade Goods from Wax & Scent, Designer Chic (jewelry & dreamcatchers)
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Locally Brewed Mead from Bliss Point Meadery
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Pet Treats from Live Free & Bark!
- Brew’d Awakening coffee truck
- Blue Rabbit Ceramics
- My Moody Monster
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We’re looking for you to join us at our Lowell Farmer’s Market every Friday now through October. We are also looking for food vendors at our Food Truck Festival on September 19th. | | | | | Come by, support local, and enjoy great food, community vibes, and everything that makes market season special. | | |
Community Teamwork had a great afternoon at Fenway on Saturday, August 2nd. Over 275 CTI employees, friends, and family came together to cheer on the Sox. The weather was a perfect 75 degrees, though it definitely felt closer to 88 in the bleachers, but that didn’t stop us from having a great time.
With such a large group, CTI was honored as a Leader of the Pack and had a representative on the field for the pre-game ceremony.
CTI's Engagement Committee is already looking forward to planning another Saturday game next season and might even scope out some seats with a little more shade 😎.
Featured Picture: Michele Horn, Program Manager of CTI's Volunteer Center - shown with the Red Sox mascots on the Jumbotron – Representing CTI as a Leader of the Pack!
| | The Financial Literacy Academy is back! | |
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Help Us Build Emergency Housing
Dedicated to Women
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Since 2020, nearly 40 percent of the individuals served in Community Teamwork’s
emergency shelter program have been women, and nearly half of those women were older than 45 years old.
They are mothers. They are sisters. They are aunts. They are friends. And they all need a second chance.
And we need your kindness to help give them that chance. We are hoping you can make a gift to support this project. Click this link to support this project: Community Teamwork Giving Page
And please watch the video to learn more.
If you have already given to support the shelter, we thank you. Together we can ensure that the women in our community have a safe, temporary place to stay as they rebuild their lives.
For more information about how to support the Women's Shelter, please contact Margot Regan, Director of Development at maregan@commteam.org or at 978-654-5813.
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Tax Credits will Provide Flexible Funds for Non-Profit Community Development Corporations
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In July, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $13.2 million of Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) to 54 Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and Service Organizations (CSO) across Massachusetts.
Community Teamwork is one of the community partner awardees and will be the recipient of $300,000 in award credits! Read the full article here.
Donations of $1,000 or more, or multiple donations totaling $1,000 or more in a calendar year, may qualify you to receive a 50% tax credit/refund under the Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC). For information about the CITC, click here, or contact: Margot Regan, Director of Development, maregan@commteam.org; 978-654-5813
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DONATE BY MAIL:
Community Teamwork
155 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01852
ATTN: Margot Regan
| | Child & Family Services Newsletters | | Home Modification Loan Program Updates | HMLP will be hosting a webinar for construction contractors September 17. Register at cedac.org/hmlp-for-contracto | | Thank You to our 2025 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 | | | | |
