|
Dear Friends,
As we close out the year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the past 12 months. This year brought its share of challenges, yet it was filled with achievements and milestones that underscore the incredible work we do together. Today, I am proud to highlight just a few of the successes that have been critical to our mission and reiterate the importance of our shared vision and values as we head into 2025.
The past year was a banner year for Community Teamwork in so many ways. Through the hard work of our dedicated team, we successfully secured funding for both our Head Start and Early Education programs. This accomplishment not only ensures that thousands of children and households will continue to receive the highest quality education and care, but it also propelled us to innovate and refine our service delivery model—which I believe will place us among the best in the nation.
In our Energy Conservation Department, we surpassed previous records by weatherizing more homes than ever before. This critical work goes beyond enhancing our region's traditionally older housing stock. It’s about empowering households by reducing their monthly utility costs and improving overall quality of life.
Our YouthBuild of Lowell program celebrated its largest-ever graduating class this year. This milestone speaks volumes about the ambition and determination of the youth in our community. These young leaders are earning certifications in trades and stepping into internships across the city, highlighted by an internship at City Hall. Their success reflects the promise of the next generation and their potential to shape our community’s future.
Additionally, our Housing and Homelessness Services delivered on our commitment to create deeply affordable housing for the most vulnerable members of our community. In partnership with the City of Lowell, we opened a 19-unit apartment building in the South Common, providing much-needed housing and hope to those in need. This project is just one piece of our broader goal to create 300 units of deeply affordable housing.
These achievements, alongside the 58,000 individuals we served across Middlesex and Essex counties, demonstrate the collective power of what we can achieve together. Your dedication, whether as a staff member, volunteer, partner, or supporter, has made these accomplishments possible.
As we prepare to welcome 2025, it is more vital than ever to revisit and recommit to our mission, vision, and values. The challenges we face—rising housing insecurity, unprecedented immigration numbers, increasing costs of living, and inequities in access to housing, healthcare, and education—demand bold action and unwavering resolve.
At Community Teamwork, we are a catalyst for change. Our mission drives us to leverage our programs to create housing, education, and economic opportunities for all. Our vision remains steadfast: to build a community where institutions, systems, and people support everyone’s opportunity to thrive. We live this vision through our core values:
-
Integrity: The foundation of our organization and the promise we have made to our community.
-
Equity: Ensuring all perspectives and contributions are respected and valued.
-
Compassion: Approaching every aspect of our work with empathy, understanding, and kindness.
These values guide us in addressing systemic and economic challenges. They inspire us to collaborate with each of you, our community partners, to continue this vital work. The road ahead may be daunting, but together, we can rise to meet it with courage and determination.
I am deeply honored to work alongside you in our shared fight for equity and opportunity. Your commitment, energy, and passion fuel our progress and bring us closer to achieving our mission.
If you know me, you know I love a good quote. Recently, I came across a poignant reminder from Albert Einstein that feels particularly fitting as we approach the new year:
“The world will not be destroyed by those who do evil, but by those who watch them without doing anything.”
As we look to 2025, let’s ensure our voices are heard and our actions are felt. Together, we have the power to drive meaningful change and build a brighter future for all. Thank you for being part of the Community Teamwork family and for your unwavering dedication to our mission.
We wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Holiday!
Gratefully,
| 
