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Dear Friends,
As we enter Black History Month, I want to take a moment to reflect not only on the achievements and contributions of Black Americans but also on the undeniable truth that Black History is American History. The struggle for justice, equality, and civil rights has never existed in isolation—it has shaped and strengthened the broader fight for human rights across all communities, influencing movements for gender equity, disability rights, immigrant protections, and economic justice—woven into the very fabric of our nation’s struggles and progress.
When we reflect on the civil rights movement, we must recognize that its impact extends far beyond Black communities. The fight for justice, freedom, and equality has shaped policies and protections that have uplifted all historically marginalized groups. From the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments—which ended slavery, granted citizenship, and secured voting rights—to the 19th Amendment that expanded suffrage to women, to the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Title IX in 1972, each milestone has strengthened the broader fight for gender equity, immigrant rights, disability advocacy, and LGBTQ+ protections. The struggles for justice are interconnected, and the victories of the past continue to pave the way for today’s fights against poverty, systemic discrimination, and social inequities. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. so powerfully said,
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly."
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At Community Teamwork, our mission is built on the principles of the Civil Rights Movement. We know that when one group’s rights are threatened, all of us are impacted. That’s why we remain steadfast in our commitment to serving the most vulnerable. In today’s climate, where we see shifts in federal and state policies that are evoking fear, anxiety, and uncertainty for so many, we reaffirm our commitment to advocacy. As always, we will remain vigilant in tracking policy changes, analyzing their impacts, advocating for policies that uplift, rather than harm, the communities we serve.
In celebration of Black History Month and our commitment to learning and reflection, Community Teamwork has arranged for staff to participate in a voluntary special field trip and guided tour at the Museum of African American History in downtown Boston on Beacon Hill. This is a unique opportunity to come together as a community, deepen our understanding of Black history and culture, and celebrate resilience. We encourage you to take part in meaningful experiences such as these, as we continue to educate ourselves, honor our shared history, and build a more just and inclusive future.
To our Board of Directors, staff, donors and supporters —thank you. Your dedication to our mission and your unwavering compassion toward those we serve make all the difference. You continue to show up, advocate, and support those in need. Let us move forward in the spirit of resilience, unity, and action—knowing that we are not alone in this fight. Together, we continue the legacy of those who came before us, ensuring that justice and opportunity are not just ideals, but realities for all.
We recognize that these are times of immense change, uncertainty, and frustration. Yet, history has shown us that in moments of adversity, communities like ours rise stronger. We have always been, and will continue to be, a force for justice and compassion.
“If one really wishes to know how justice is administered in a country, one does not question the policemen, the lawyers, the judges, ... One goes to the unprotected—those, precisely, who need the law’s protection most! - and listens to their testimony.”- James Baldwin
With gratitude and determination,
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Carl Howell, CEO
Community Teamwork
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Chronicle Visits YouthBuild of Greater Lowell | |
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5 for Good: YouthBuild provides education, hands-on training opportunity to youth ~ YouthBuild apprentices learn construction and other trades with wraparound supports
Click this link to view the shorter YouthBuild segment that aired on WCVB in January. (Erika Tarantal, Anchor/Reporter)
Click this link to view the longer WCVB Chronicle segment that features interviews with YouthBuild Global President and CEO John Valverde and Community Teamwork's YouthBuild of Greater Lowell students—Ariana Pacheco and Calvin Delgado.
John Valverde said, "No one should be defined only by their zip code,” he said. “YouthBuild exists to provide that pathway to change the trajectory of these young people's lives."
YouthBuild has 11 locations in Massachusetts, including YouthBuild Lowell. Participants are working toward high school diplomas or the equivalent. They receive hands on instruction in building and other trades (culinary) and are supported with wraparound case management services.
It's really about lifelong learning for them, leadership that's possible for them, and the way they begin to give back to their community,” Valverde said. Calvin Delgado who entered YouthBuild after dropping out of High School, is now working full-time." I have no clue what I would be without YouthBuild,” he said. “It's honestly helped me out so much."
Thank you to CTI leadership ~ Carl Howell - CEO, Siobhan Sheehan - YouthBuild Program Manager, Chrissie Shanahan - Construction Supervisor, Anna Jabar-Omoyeni - Culinary Arts Supervisor, and all of their amazing, committed team who believe in the power and potential of all young people to make a difference and those who stand with them to #BuildBrighterFutures
To learn more about Community Teamwork's YouthBuild program, visit www.commteam.org/program/youthbuild
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Head Start Celebrates 60 years!
Join us in celebrating 60 years of Head Start by signing the birthday card!
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On May 18, 2025, Head Start will celebrate its 60th anniversary. [See Head Start timeline]. Sixty years ago from this date President Lyndon Johnson signed the law creating Head Start.
Sixty years ago from this date President Lyndon Johnson signed the law creating Head Start. The premise of Head Start is simple: every child, regardless of circumstances at birth, has the ability to reach their full potential.
Community Teamwork is proudly celebrating Head Start’s 60th birthday by spreading the word about the monumental impact Head Start has had on children, their families, their communities, and the country.
To wish Head Start a Happy Birthday - Click HERE or scan the barcode in the image below.
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#HappyBirthdayHeadStart
#HeadStartAwareness
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Common Ground Development Corporation Breaks Ground at
Dracut’s New Affordable Senior Housing
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Edward Augustus -Secretary of Housing & Livable Communities (EOHLC), Colleen Garry - State Representative (36th District), Tony Archinski - Chair, Dracut Board of Selectmen, Patti Kirwin-Keilty - Chief of Staff for State Senator Ed Kennedy | |
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In celebration of Dracut’s commitment to affordable housing, Common Ground Development Corporation, the affordable housing development arm of Community Teamwork, held a Groundbreaking ceremony at the new Greenmont Senior Housing location at 1530 Bridge Street, Dracut.
Greenmont Senior Housing consists of a 3-story building with fifty-six 1-bedroom rental units. It will provide safe, affordable, and accessible housing for seniors and persons with disabilities. The main entrance includes a management office, mailroom located near the entrance, and a large lobby/waiting area. In addition to residential units, the building provides community rooms, shared laundry on each floor and tenant storage. The site also includes outdoor seating areas, walkways, and a fenced-in pet area. All fifty-six units will be affordable and available to tenants with incomes under 60% of the area wide median income therefore qualifying under the provisions of the Low -Income Housing Tax Credit Program (IRC, Section 42).
Common Ground Development Corporation is also committed to providing additional tenant services which will provide Residents the ability to age in place. Services will be available from Peabody Properties, AgeSpan (formerly Merrimack Valley Elder Services), Community Teamwork Inc., and the Dracut Council on Aging, and will include a Residential Service Coordinator to assist Residents with access to medical, transportation and other service needs.
Funding for this project is being provided by Boston Financial, Citizens Bank, MA Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, Community Economic Development and Assistance Corporation, Massachusetts Housing Partnership and the Town of Dracut. The project, along with the architect, BWA Architects, is committed to building green and complying with Energy Star Homes Program and LEED Silver status.
About Common Ground Development Corporation
Common Ground Development - Community Teamwork
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Carl Howell - CEO of CTI, Sec. Augustus, Rachelly Bartolotta - Director of Common Ground Development Corp., Allison Lee - Supportive Housing Project Manager CEDAC, Gene Clerkin - Senior Vice President and Regional Manager Citizens Bank | |
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Crew from Consigli Construction
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Community Teamwork participates in Congresswoman Lori Trahan Case Worker Clinic at the Lowell Senior Center | |
Congresswoman Lori Trahan recently visited the Lowell Senior Center to participate in another casework clinic. Several organizations were there to answer constituent questions - including CTI, AARP, Veterans Association, National Grid, Health Connector, Commonwealth of Massachusetts Office of Attorney General, MCC Law Center, MA State Deleration, and several others.
This clinic offered one-on-one assistance to connect folks to the support, resources and organizations they need - e.g., social security benefits, veterans benefits, passport issues, and so much more.
Thank you to Congresswoman Trahan and everyone who joined today and helped make it happen!
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CTI Table: Michelle Horn - Program Manager Volunteer Center, Barbara Warren - Deputy Director Energy & WIC, Linda Delouchrey - Assistant Director Fuel Assistance. Eddie Martinez - Case Manager, and JoAnn Howell - Director Resource Center
City of Lowell Mayor Daniel Rourke, State Representatives Vanna Howard and Tara Hong were also amongst the officials in attendance.
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Volunteer Income Tax Assistance | |
Community Teamwork's Financial Education Center offers FREE tax return preparation for individuals and families making under $67,000.
You have 3 filing options available February 3rd through April 8th:
Online: www.getyourrefund.org/cti
Drop Off: Monday-Thursday, 10am-5pm; Friday/Saturday, 9am-1pm
In Person: Schedule an appointment - call 978-935-6505 or 978-995-0739
For more information -
Visit: www.commteam.org/volunteer-income-tax-assistance-vita
Call: Brenda Jimenez, 978-935-6505 | Mildred Sena De Disla, 978-995-0739
Email: bjimenez@commteam.org | msenadedisla@commteam.org
Community Teamwork
165 Merrimack Street
Lowell, MA 01852
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Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) | |
Massachusetts households can now apply for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) to help cover heating costs for the 2024-2025 winter season. It is also known as Fuel Assistance. Keep your home warm and safe this winter – apply online or through your local agency: www.commteam.org/fuel
Don't ever go cold because of a faulty furnace. HEARTWAP is a year-round program serving #HEAP eligible households with heating system repair, replacement and maintenance services.
Community Teamwork
45 Kirk Street, 2nd Floor Lowell, MA 01852
Fuel Assistance
Ph: 978-459-6161 - Fax: 978-458-8594
fuelassistance@commteam.org
Energy Conservation Programs
Ph: 978-654-4904
energyprograms@commteam.org
For more information about HEAP and our Weatherization programs click here
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The HEAP Brochures are available in various languages:
English, Spanish, Khmer, Portuguese
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If you are outside of Community Teamwork's service area, you can locate your local agency here. | |
Child & Family Services Newsletters | |
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LaLa Books Shares the Love with
Community Teamwork
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Lala Books is again Sharing the Love with Community Teamwork this February. Throughout the month, Lala is gathering puzzle books for adults in Community Teamwork programs. Shop online with coupon code SHARE2025 to receive 10% off each puzzle book from the list that you buy, or stop by the store to shop. The books will be delivered to CTI at the end of the month.
Here is the link to shop online: https://www.lalabookstore.com/event/share-love-book-drive
We thank Lala Books and the Greater Lowell Community for their continued and generous support of the adults and children we serve.
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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. | | | | |
