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Greetings!
May is Community Action Month, a time to recognize the power of communities coming together to create opportunity, strengthen one another, and help ensure that everyone has the chance to thrive. Each year during this month, Community Teamwork hosts an event honoring individuals and organizations whose actions reflect the values of Community Action: addressing social, economic, and basic needs while fostering dignity, belonging, and opportunity for others.
At its core, Community Action is built on a simple belief: none of us succeeds alone. Every one of us has benefited from someone opening a door, extending encouragement, offering guidance, or creating an opportunity that helped shape who we are today. Those moments matter. Opportunities help people grow stronger, move forward, and realize possibilities that may have once felt out of reach.
At Community Teamwork, I am fortunate to work alongside hundreds of people who believe deeply in this mission and in our role as a Catalyst for Change. Change is often created through the simplest acts: opening a door, extending a hand, listening to someone’s story, or helping a person take the next step forward in their journey.
This month, I encourage all of us to reflect on the opportunities we have been given and consider how we might pay them forward. Sometimes opportunity is something significant, but often it begins in much smaller ways. A greeting. A moment of kindness. Taking the time to truly see someone who may otherwise feel invisible. Being seen and valued is, in itself, an opportunity to experience dignity and belonging.
Years ago, while working in Baltimore, I often heard the inspirational message from Les Brown at the close of presentations: “If you fall, fall on your back, because if you can look up, you can get up. And if you can get up, you can stand up. And if you can stand up, you can fight for your dream once again.” That message has stayed with me over the years because it speaks to resilience and hope. But it also reminds me of something equally important: when someone looks up, they should be able to see a hand extended toward them, offering support, encouragement, and the opportunity to continue forward.
That is the spirit of Community Action. It is the belief that stronger communities are built when we choose to lift one another up. It is the understanding that meaningful change does not always require grand gestures. Sometimes it begins with compassion, connection, and the willingness to help another person take their next step.
As we recognize Community Action Month, I hope we all look for opportunities to be change agents in our own communities. When we invest in one another, create opportunities for others, and lead with compassion, we help build communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
Warmly,
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Carl Howell, CEO
Community Teamwork
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Congratulations to our
2026 Spring Celebration Honorees
| | Lowell Community Health Center | | | Housing Development Champion | | | lala Bookstore and Community Advocate | |
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Thank you to all of our attendees and supporters of the event.
Stay tuned for more pictures from the event coming soon - Courtesy of Kevin Harkins Photography.
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Thank You to our Event Sponsors
Visionary: Rockland Foundation
Trailblazer: United Way of Massachusetts Bay, Cambridge Savings Bank
Sustainer: Will & Renee Soucy - Acre Crossing, Anonymous Donor, Nancy L. Donahue,
Fred C. Church Insurance, Northern Bank, OneDigital, Philadelphia Insurance Companies, Don & Alana Garcia Jr. - Suffolk Place, Washington Savings Bank
Advocate: Davis Square Architects, The Morrison Foerster Foundation, J & J Contractors, Inc.,Lowell Five Bank, Salem Five Charitable Foundation, The Peabody Companies
Partner: Allegrone, Belltower, Grassi, Greater Lowell Community Foundation, Northern Bank, Bernadette & Robert Wheeler
Friend: Mickey Cockrell, Eno Martin Law PLCC, Facing East Photo, Hyphen, Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union, Middlesex Community College, New England Outdoor - Custom Built Structures, Partners in Child Development, United HealthCare Partners
www.commteam.org
| | Common Ground Development Corporation | |
Common Ground's Broadway Supportive Housing II (Lowell) project was formally awarded $3,400,000 in subsidies and $485,328 in state and federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credits; New construction of 25 studio apartments for individuals experiencing homelessness.
The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced more than $44 million in awards for 11 supportive housing projects across Massachusetts that will create or preserve 401 homes for seniors, veterans and individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Supportive housing combines affordable housing with services such as health care, mental-health support, and job training to help residents live stable, independent lives.
See link below for more information.
https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-awards-more-than-44-million-for-housing-for-veterans-seniors-and-families
For more information about Common Ground Development Corporation, visit
www.commteam.org/common-ground-development
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Community in the Classroom at CTI's
Early Learning Program
| We were so excited to welcome more of our Community in the Classroom guests to our classrooms to engage with our students. | | |
Huge thank you to Professor Kev from UMass Lowell for bringing the energy to the James Houlares Center as part of Community in the Classroom!
He had everyone hooked while reading Pete the Cat Makes a Pizza—from giggles to full-on participation, our kids were ALL IN. Moments like this make learning so joyful and memorable.
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We had a very special guest join us for Community in the Classroom—CTI’s very own Chief Executive Officer, Carl Howell! 🐛📚
It was such a fun and exciting moment to see our learners light up during the visit. Carl spent time with the children and brought The Very Hungry Caterpillar to life through a wonderful story time that had everyone fully engaged from start to finish.
Moments like these are what make our classrooms so special, connecting children with leaders in our community in fun, meaningful, and memorable ways.
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We had an amazing Community in the Classroom experience at our Parker Avenue site in Dracut with a very special guest—Caley Zannoni, owner of Discover H2O LLC! 🌊🐠
Caley brought big energy and even bigger expertise as she taught our little learners all about water safety. The children practiced important safety techniques, learned how to stay safe around water, and even “swam” right on the ground—because sometimes you have to start your strokes on dry land before making a splash! 😄
It was incredible to see the excitement, engagement, and confidence building as Caley shared her knowledge in such a fun and kid-friendly way.
A huge thank you to Caley Zannoni for partnering with us and helping our children learn life-saving water safety skills in such a memorable experience. We are so grateful for your time, energy, and commitment to our community! 💙
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Thank you to all of our guests for taking the time to connect with our students and support early learning in such a meaningful way.
Interested in being a guest reader in our Community in the Classroom program? We’d love to have you join us! Reach out to Shawna Doran at 978-654-7126 or SDoran@commteam.org and be part of the magic of reading with our classrooms.
To learn more about our Child Care and Early Education Programs, visit:
commteam.org/program/childcare-early-education
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YouthBuild of Greater Lowell Hosts
State Senator Vanna Howard
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Thank you to State Senator Vanna Howard for taking the time to enjoy lunch and speak with our students on Friday. She was able to answer some of the pressing questions students had about the community and the legislative process.
#lunchandlearn #tacofriday #RamenBar
| | Volunteer Center at Community Teamwork | | |
The RSVP Bone Builders, an initiative of the AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP program through the Volunteer Center, recently expanded with a new class at the Littleton Senior Center. The class opened on Monday, May 11th to a full roster, with so much excitement that a wait list has already formed. We are proud to expand this important opportunity to a new community, now welcoming twenty participants in Littleton.
The Billerica Bone Builders class recently celebrated its one-year anniversary at the Billerica Access Television, where it has remained at full capacity since day one. Participants continue to strengthen their health while forming meaningful connections through the program.
The expansion comes as Bone Builders continues to grow under the leadership of Cynthia Perrone, whose incredible hard work and dedication have been instrumental in bringing the program to more older adults throughout the community. This continued growth would not be possible without her passion, commitment, and countless hours of effort behind the scenes.
And the momentum may not stop there. Stay tuned for what could be coming next!
To learn more about the Volunteer Center, visit:
www.commteam.org/program/volunteer-opportunities
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☕ Let’s Talk Finances Over Coffee
From the Financial Education Center at CTI
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Smart Money Talk. Real Life. Over Coffee.
Tired of money conversations that feel confusing or overwhelming? Join us for a laid‑back coffee hour with a financial expert who breaks it down in plain language.
📌 Event Snapshot
📅 Date: Tuesday, May 26; Wednesdays June 10 & 24 and July 8 & 22
⏰ Time: 10 AM - 11 AM
📍 Location: 17 Kirk St., Lowell, MA 01852
☕ Free coffee & light refreshments
What You’ll Get
· Straightforward money tips you can actually use
· A relaxed, judgment‑free space to ask questions
· Clear explanations — no financial jargon
· Tools and resources to help you take your next step
We’ll Talk About
· Budgeting without the stress
· Saving money when life is expensive
· Credit scores: what really matters (and what doesn’t)
· Common money myths — busted
· Your questions, answered (anonymous questions welcome)
Who Should Come?
· People who want to feel more confident about money
· Anyone who’s ever said: ‘I should probably know this stuff’
· All experience levels welcome
✅ Free to attend • Open to all
Come for the coffee. Leave with clarity.
Questions or accommodations? Contact: Jrodriguez@commteam.org
Let's Talk Finances over Coffee Flyer
To learn more about the Financial Education Center, visit:
www.commteam.org/program/financial-education
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Thinking about starting a business? One of the most important first steps is writing a strong business plan.
Join us for a beginner-friendly workshop where you’ll learn the basics, organize your ideas, and start building a clear plan for your business.
Register Today! Limited seats available: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1989149856768?aff=oddtdtcreator
| | Please click the video link and watch the NEW video to learn more. | | Child & Family Services is Recruiting! | | Child & Family Services Newsletters | | |
Case Manager - Housing Support, Youth Services
Family Service Work Supervisor
Grants Coordinator
Group Leader, C&FS, School Age (P/T)
Home Visitor (Temp up to 6 months) - C&FS
Nutrition Coordinator - C&FS, Family Access
Early Learning Division is Hiring Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Teacher Aides, and more:
Teachers, Assistant Teachers, Teacher Aides: F/T and P/T
Special Career, Excellent Benefits
Sign-On Bonus: $3k Full-Time, $1k Part-time for Teachers and Assistant Teachers only
ENJOY THE VIDEOS ~ GROW YOUR CAREER AT COMMUNITY TEAMWORK
Top Pay and Benefits
Supportive Culture
Teach with Impact
CLICK HERE to see all career opportunities at Community Teamwork
ENJOY THE VIDEO ~ Come Join Us
| | Thank You to our 2026 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 | | | | |
