February 2023

NEW ELL Groups Begin Soon!

English language learning program is starting up with all new group classes for every level of learner. With a variety of classes from conversation groups to citizenship classes, in-person or on-line, there is something for everyone. Check out the classes below and sign up to attend - FREE and OPEN TO ALL!

Beginner & Beginner + Group


Fridays at 11 am

In Person at the Council


Begins in February

Join us to practice vocabulary and conversation

Intermediate Citizenship Group



Saturdays at 9:30 am

In Person at the Council


Begins January 28th

This class will help you prepare for the US Citizenship interview and test. Students should have an intermediate level of English and possess a green card.

Beginner or Intermediate Conversation Group



Wednesday at 6:30 pm

Via Zoom


On-going class, join in a casual class to practice vocabulary and conversation.

All groups are led by experienced and dedicated volunteers

Sign Up for any of these classes HERE

💻 Free Technology Support

Tech Teens and Tech Tutors

Feb. 21-24, 10AM - 2PM

Tuesday, February 21 - Friday, February 24

10AM - 2PM at The Center at the Heights


Many of us are not "digital natives." We did not grow up with computers or cell phones, so it's like learning a whole new language. Let us help you speak the language! Our High School students have grown up speaking "Tech" and those of us in the industry went to the "School of Hard Tech" and learned it on-the-job.


We are joining forces and will be on site at the Center at the Heights to help you with your devices! Whether you want to learn how to send a text, take a selfie or pair your bluetooth speaker, we'll be there to help. Oh, and we'll have SNACKS!


To make a reservation, and help us, help you, please use the button below:

Tech Week Reservation

Karma of Clothing is Back!

We are excited to relaunch the Karma of Clothing project. Participants receive a $100 gift certificate to shop for new to you clothes from The Council Thrift. During the appointment time you will work with a personal stylist and a team to put together a wardrobe of approximately 20 pieces that will work for your life style.


 This amazing gift of style is brought to us through a grant from The Dressing Well Foundation.

Karma of Clothing will run one Saturday a month

by appointment only. Open to all Food Pantry customers, sign up by completing an application below. You will be contacted in advance when space is available.


Apply for a Consultation

SNAP Benefits Changing

Starting in March 2023, the emergency funds available for SNAP will be ending. This will impact your benefit amounts. To learn more about the changes please view the video here or review the flyer with other resources available.

SNAP Flyer with Additional Resource - scroll down for different language options
Watch Video about Extra SNAP Benefits Ending

If you find you are in need of more food support, you are entitled to two visits per month and we encourage you to do so. Please plan early so you can ensure a spot on the sign up.

Sign Up for your Next Food Pantry Visit HERE

We've updated our list of items that are in a "Typical Box" and items that are available by request. Please see the new list below.

Updated List of Typical Items in a Food Pantry Order

We Appreciate Feedback

Start Survey Now

If you've not already, please give us feedback on how we are doing! What is working? What is not? Where should we make changes? Please take some time and complete this new survey. Your comments will help us plan for the future and better support you.

Medicine, Nursing or Health

Scholarship Program Available

Are you pursing a degree in medicine, nursing or health profession? You may be eligible for a $4,000 scholarship from the Metrowest Health Foundation.


Apply Here

Reading the Newsletter

Gift Cards Drawings are BACK!

Enter to Win a Gift Card Here

Important news about the Food Pantry will be in the each monthly newsletter. We want to reward you for reading the newsletter by entering you in a drawing to win a gift certificate.


Each month look for a new link to enter yourself in the drawing, so read your email and find the link!

Belle of the Ball Referrals Available

Do you have a high school junior or senior student who plans to attend a prom this year? The Bell of the Ball can help her look her best with gowns, shoes and accessories.


Referrals are now being accepted and we can help! Please call the office for details 781-444-2415

More About Receiving a Dress

Plan Your Next Food Pantry Visit

FOOD PANTRY WILL BE CLOSED


Monday, February 20th for Presidents Day


Schedule your February Food Pantry Visits NOW

Sign Up Here
Kids' Corner

Heart Snail Craft

What you need:

  • pink, green and black construction paper
  • black marker
  • glue
  • scissors



Cut out three hearts that fit inside each other.


Cut two small hearts and two black lines.


Cut out a snail body like the photo below







Glue the hearts back to back and the antennae on the head.


Draw two eyes with the marker.

February Sweet and Tart

Baked Lemon Chicken


3 pounds chicken breast, cut into pieces

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

2 cloves garlic

4 teaspoons thyme, fresh (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)

3 cups onion, thinly sliced

1 1/2 cups chicken broth (or water)

1/4 cup lemon juice

1 lemon, sliced into 10 slices, seeds removed


Combine pepper, garlic, and thyme.


Lay chicken pieces into a 11x13 baking pan. Sprinkle seasonings over chicken.


Combine onions, broth, and lemon juice in a saucepan. Heat to a boil.


Pour hot lemon mixture around chicken. Top each chicken piece with a lemon slice.


Bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees until golden brown.



Chocolate Dipped Strawberries


Just in time to celebrate Valentine's Day, a festive, easy and yummy treat!


1 lb strawberries

1 bag of chocolate chips

Toppings of choice (optional)

nuts, coconut, sprinkles


In a bowl, microwave chocolate chips in 30 second intervals, stirring in between until smooth.


Wash and dry strawberries


Dip strawberries through the chocolate and place on wax or parchment paper or a plate.


Sprinkle with toppings if you desire.


Let cool.



Hours

Council Thrift & Donation Hours


Monday & Friday 10 am - 4 pm

Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm

Saturday 10 am - 2 pm


Closed Wednesday

Office Hours


Monday - Friday

8:30 am - 4 pm


Closed Saturday & Sunday

The Council will be Closed

Monday, February 20th for Presidents Day




Stay Connected


Needham Community Council
570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-2415
Visit our Website
Instagram  Facebook  Twitter  Youtube