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November 2019 E-NEWS
LEV'S CORNER
I got to end last week attending my first ever Feed The Spirit celebration for the Amherst Survival Center. This amazing event raises funds to support the 200+ people who walk through our doors every day. And, this event provides an opportunity for a room full of our financial supporters to connect with each other, to see the impact we collectively have, and to commit to our shared work moving forward.
We often say that it takes a village for the Center to run, and it is true. We could not open without the 700 volunteers who offer their time and talent each year. We could not feed more than 6,000 people annually without the amazing donations of food from families, synagogues, farms and stores. Our community store racks would be empty without your outgrown clothes or unneeded housewares. We could not offer fellowship and community without the kindness, compassion, and respect of folks eating, shopping, and visiting-- helping each other with carts, sharing the last whatever, or offering a listening ear, a helpful resource, or a joke.
And... try as we might, we can't pay the electric bill with surplus zucchini. We can't buy diapers with our volunteer's elbow grease. We can't repair the freezer with dignity and respect. Comparative to many non-profits of our size, we rely heavily on financial contributions from individuals, contributions large and small. It was a stunningly beautiful and powerful night to connect with so many supporters of the Center, new and old, who every day, month or year commit their dollars to the kind of world they know is right. On Friday night, in that event barn, we had 188* people who know that access to food is a basic human right. We had 188 people who know that together we have enough. We had 188 people who know that our whole community is stronger, when everyone is seen, everyone is valued, and when everyone has a voice. They showed this with contributions to buy milk, meat, and beans for a neighbor they've never met; to fund our community meals where people come to break bread; and to help us buy and give away items like underwear and warm socks.
The challenges we face as a community are many. There is real urgency felt by the senior who is choosing between food and heat, by the parent who can't buy groceries because they just bought insulin for their kid, or by the person trying to figure out where they will sleep. The challenges are many, and I feel deeply grateful for all of us who know that we can do better. That we can, and that we must.
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--Lev Ben-Ezra
*My apologies for an overly enthusiastic typo as I prepared my remarks for Friday. We had an amazing 188 people at the event, not the 288 people I stated. We were thrilled with the attendance, which was more than sold out, and almost double the number of attendees at our previous Feed The Spirit events.
Below you'll find some upcoming events and special activities happening in the Center this month.
Thank you for your continued support, partnership, and engagement. Please share this e-news with someone who may be interested in our programs.
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THANK YOU FEED THE SPIRIT SPONSORS!
We are so lucky to live in an area with so many local businesses who are committed to our community and to our success.
Thank you to our
Ringmaster Presenting Sponsor, Specialty Bolt & Screw. Thank you,
Blue Heron Restaurant, for the amazing dinner you donated, and thank you,
Quonquont Farm for the stunning space.
We were honored by the generosity of our:
- Tightrope Walker Sponsors: Beacon Communities, Easthampton Savings Bank, Florence Bank, Pelham Auto Group, PeoplesBank
- Acrobat Sponsors: Horizon Beverage, Renaissance Builders, Yoga Center Amherst
- Juggler Sponsors: Andrew Associates, Duke's LLC, Gazette Printing, Robert L. Stern Financial Services, Suite 3
When you frequent any of these businesses, please thank them for their support!
A very special thank you to the
EVENT PLANNER EXTRAORDINAIRES:
S
usan Crim, Jan Eidelson, Lisa Queenin, Sylvia Smith, Barbara White, Erika Zekos
These sponsorships, the donation of in-kind good and services, and the tremendous volunteer planning efforts greatly amplify the funds raised at the event and mean that all contributions go directly to the critical services we provide!
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New Program Director!
We are thrilled to welcome Carleen Basler into her new role as the Program Director at the Amherst
Survival Center!
Over the last four years as our Volunteer Coordinator, Carleen has grown our volunteer program, supported all of our program areas, and has taken leadership on key organizational initiatives. Throughout her professional life in education, politics, and community organizing, Carleen has had a focus on the social justice issues core to our mission. She brings her
collaborative approach, strong communication and problem-solving skills and excellent rapport with our participants and volunteers. She also brings a strong track record of helping organizations and institutions improve their cultural inclusiveness. We are excited about the continuity that Carleen offers, as well as her awesome new ideas for program development and operations. Y, Ella se habla español, 她说一点普通话.
Welcome, Carleen, into your new roll! We are thrilled to have your leadership in this new capacity!
(And yes... we will be hiring for a new Volunteer Coordinator. That will be posted on the website shortly. Keep an eye out!)
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VOLUNTEER ORIENTATIONS
- November: Wednesday 11/20 at 1pm
- December dates TBD
Don't want to wait? Need a different date? Contact Carleen!
Weekly shifts, monthly shifts, one-time and group opportunities.
For more information: contact Carleen Basler,
click here, call 549-3968 x111, or email volunteer@amherstsurvival.org.
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Enjoy live music and a delicious lunch.
Music with Jacki
Music with Jay
Tunes@Noon: Northampton Flutes
Friday, Nov. 22, 12-1 pm
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MONTHLY FOOT CLINIC
First Friday of the Month, 11AM-1:30PM
Nov 1 & Dec 6
Registered foot nurse Debra Deane is providing foot care on the first Friday. Open to all. Sign ups required. Sign up in the front office, by calling
x102 or emailing info@amherstsurvival.org
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Wednesday, Nov. 6 ~ 1:00-2:00PM
MOBILE FOOD PANTRY
Important, Location change: Unfortunately, SouthPoint Apartments isn't able to continue hosting the Mobile FoodBank. We are working to find a new South Amherst location. In the meantime, to avoid canceling the mobile, we will temporarily relocate it to the Amherst Survival Center, 138 Sunderland Rd., North Amherst, PVTA Bus #33.
All are welcome. Each household gets fresh produce (fruits and vegetables) plus extras, in addition to their shop at our onsite Food Pantry. P
lease bring your own bag(s).
The Mobile Food Program happens the first Wednesday of the month in partnership with the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
Volunteers are needed from 12-3pm. If you're interested, you can sign up here.
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SEWING REPAIR WORKSHOP
Thursdays, Nov. 7 & 21 ~
2:00-4:30PM
Now, two times per month! Community members are welcome to bring in special projects (clothing repair, curtains, etc.), get expert guidance, and have access to sewing machines and most of the needed supplies.
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We are OPEN on Monday, Nov. 11th (Veteran's Day).
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MOVIN' TO THE MUSIC w/ ROBIN
Mondays, Nov. 11 & 18 ~ 11:15AM-12:00PM
Join Robin for a fun, supportive movement and fitness experience. All abilities welcome!
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Saturday, Nov 16 ~ 9:30AM-11:30AM
THE FOOD PANTRY & COMMUNITY STORE ARE OPEN!
3rd Saturday morning of the month.
Last shopper registered at 11:15AM
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Join us on Wednesday, November 27th, 1:00-2:30PM
ANNUAL THANKSGIVING MEAL
A Community Potluck, at the
Immanuel Lutheran Church,
867 North Pleasant Street
This event features a delicious spread, including vegetarian options. All are welcome!
Food donations not registered in advance will not be accepted.
Because the meal is donated/prepared by community members, it is not Board of Health certified.
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SPECIAL ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We want to recognize the following businesses, organizations, and groups that have made a donation, conducted a drive, or volunteered their time in the past month. If you frequent any of these businesses or know folks from these groups, please help us extend our appreciation!
If we missed your group, please let us know!
THANK YOU...
- Amherst Montessori Schoolfor conducting a food drive
- CAIA for donating bread to Fresh Food Distribution
- UMassFive College Federal Credit Union for conducting a very successful Halloween costume drive
- UMass Delta Kappa Delta for volunteering their time to package diapers into allocations for the Food Pantry
- Businesses that generously contributed food and raffle prizes for our Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, including Bub's BBQ, Atkins Farms, Many Hands Farm, and Sei Bella Hair Salon
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Amherst Survival Center | PO Box 9629, 138 Sunderland Road | North Amherst, MA 01059
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