Community Newsletter
June 2021
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How you've helped your neighbors in need
on their road to self-sufficiency.
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Despite a Challenging Year, Tax Assistance Program Proves a Success
Beverly Bootstraps was able to pivot our tax program again this year, offering free tax return assistance for low-income families and individuals. Starting early and under the direction of Eileen Finnegan, Program Coordinator, the tax staff committed to the program's success. Working hand-in-hand with IRS staff to develop a remote process that was secure, efficient, and accurate resulted in 329 tax returns being filed. Our hard-working tax volunteers processed over half of a million dollars in Federal refunds. Nearly 50% of the money refunded to our tax clients came through tax credits, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), which provides tax breaks to low-income workers, especially those with children. All the money refunded directly benefits our clients and our community.
Jean*, one of our clients living on a fixed income talked with our tax staff during an intake meeting. She was concerned that she would not have enough money to stay in her home, given the rise in rents. Our staff helped Jean apply for the Massachusetts "Senior Circuit Breaker" tax credit. This credit is designed to help seniors on a fixed income remain in their homes as rents and real estate taxes rise. After helping prepare her return, Jean was happily informed that she would be getting a much-needed $924 tax credit.
We are so thankful to our dedicated staff of volunteers who helped clients like Jean. We are especially thankful to Eileen whose dedication to the program ensured its success. And to you - without your support, we would not be able to offer our important programs and services.
*Name changed for privacy
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Beverly Bootstraps Expands Service Area
We are pleased to announce that our service area has been expanded. We will now offer critical resources to families and individuals in Hamilton, Wenham, Beverly, Manchester, and Essex. We are community-funded and supported and will continue to serve those in need in our current service area.
This decision to expand has been part of our strategic plan and came after collaborating with Accord to offer case management services there. We realized more of our services could be utilized in Hamilton and Wenham. Since we already work with Manchester, it was a natural extension to start working with Essex as well since they share a school system
All of us at Beverly Bootstraps are excited about this expansion and to have the opportunity to help improve the lives of more people in need in our expanding community.
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Kicking off the 20th Anniversary of the Back-to-School Backpack Drive
Our Back-to-School Backpack program helps families who need assistance getting their kids ready for back-to-school so they are prepared for academic success on the first day. Donations of brand-new backpacks and school supplies are now being requested. Click here to download a flyer >>
This year, there are two ways you can help. The first is to shop using this list of supplies: www.bit.ly/Supplies_2021 and drop off donations at any of our three Community Collection Nights:
Tuesday, July 13 from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Manchester Community Center, 40 Beach Street, Manchester
Wednesday, July 14 from 5 pm – 7 pm at the Winthrop School, 325 Bay Road, Hamilton
Thursday, July 15 from 5 pm – 7 pm at Beverly Bootstraps, 35 Park Street, Beverly
Alternatively, if you prefer to shop online, visit www.roonga.com/beverly backpacks2021 and supplies will be shipped directly to Beverly Bootstraps. All orders must be placed by July 21. Distribution to clients will be via a curbside pickup in August.
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What Does Over 1400 boxes of Cereal Look Like?
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Keller Williams Realty Builds Up our Shelves
In honor of RED Day, Keller Williams Realty of Beverly, helped Renew, Energize, and Donate within our community. We are proud to have been a recipient of 424 pounds of much-needed toiletry items for our Food Pantry. The love they poured into our community will be felt by those who need it most. Thank you!
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Drive-Thru Food Drive a Big Success
Thank you to all who donated food at last weekend's Drive-Thru Food Drive. We received a total of almost 2700 pounds of food! With the help of our dedicated volunteers, the donations have been organized and are ready for distribution. We are so grateful!
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Help local kids in need to prepared for the start of school by participating in our Back-to-School Supply Drive.
Purchase supplies off of this list: www.bit.ly/Supplies_2021 and drop off donations at any of our three Community Collection Nights:
Tuesday, July 13 from 5 pm – 7 pm
Manchester Community Center, 40 Beach Street, Manchester
Wednesday, July 14 from 5 pm – 7 pm
Winthrop School, 325 Bay Road, Hamilton
Thursday, July 15 from 5 pm – 7 pm
Beverly Bootstraps, 35 Park Street, Beverly
The month of June
Stop & Shop, 37 Enon Street, Beverly
We are excited to have been selected as a recipient for the Stop & Shop Bloomin' for Good Community Program. For the month of June, any bouquet with a red circle sticker ($9.99), purchased at the Beverly Stop and Shop located at 37 Enon Street, gives $1 back to Beverly Bootstraps!
The month of June
Stop & Shop, 37 Enon Street and 224 Elliott Street, Beverly
For the month of June 2021, Beverly Bootstraps will receive a $1 donation from each purchase of the $2.50 reusable Community Bag at the Stop & Shop stores located at 37 Enon Street, and 224 Elliott Street, Beverly MA.
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To learn more, click on these handy links: |
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Beverly Bootstraps has always been committed to social justice. Helping people who might not have their basic needs met or an opportunity to avail themselves of education, for whatever reason or life story, is at the core of our mission.
We proudly serve, work with and employ individuals regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality. Further, we ask our community and world to do better and work towards justice and equal opportunities.
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