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Greetings!
After nearly 17 years, this will be my final newsletter message as CEO of Community Teamwork. As I reflect on my time here, what stands out most is not any one position or moment, but the evolution of this organization and its unwavering courage and commitment to responding when our community needs us.
When I joined Community Teamwork, our family shelter program served 63 families. As the need for housing support grew, so did our response, eventually reaching more than 250 families on any given day. At that time, we did not operate shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness. During the pandemic, Community Teamwork answered the call by developing services that supported more than 100 guests each night. In the upcoming weeks, we will open our first permanent emergency shelter for women in Lowell.
We also recognized that young people experiencing housing instability and food insecurity need services designed specifically for them. Today, our Youth Opportunity Center has supported thousands of young adults. Community Teamwork has also expanded into clinical and behavioral health services through the Rita O’Brien-Dee Center for Behavioral Health and Development, strengthening the support available to children and families throughout our Early Education programs.
These initiatives are especially close to my heart because I had the privilege of witnessing and participating in their development. They represent what Community Action is meant to be: listening to the community, identifying gaps in services, building partnerships, and responding with purpose.
None of this work happens because of one person. It is made possible by dedicated staff, thoughtful Board leadership, committed funders, trusted community partners, and the individuals and families who allow us to be part of their lives. I am deeply grateful to each of you for your collaboration, trust, and commitment to our shared mission.
Community Teamwork has shaped how I understand service, leadership, and the responsibility we have to one another. While my role is changing, the Community Action mission will always remain part of me.
I leave knowing that Community Teamwork is in strong hands and will continue to evolve alongside the community it serves. Its 30+ programs and services will continue creating opportunities, responding to emerging needs, and living out the promise of being a Catalyst for Change.
This is not goodbye. It is a heartfelt thank you, and I look forward to continuing our shared work of addressing poverty and strengthening communities.
With deep gratitude,
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Carl Howell, CEO
Community Teamwork
| | West Parish Church of Andover Donates Fresh Vegetables to Residents at Summer Street | | |
For the past several weeks the men and women living in our Summer Street permanent supportive housing have fresh vegetables thanks to the generosity of the West Parish Church in Andover. Each year the members plant a large, organic garden filled with fruits and vegetables and donate the harvest to local pantries and nonprofits. This year Community Teamwork is lucky to be one of the chosen nonprofits.
Thus far the residents have enjoyed summer squash, beans, zucchini, tomatoes, jalapeños, garlic, eggplant, beets, fresh herbs such as oregano, parsley, rosemary and lots and lots of basil!
Shawn Jalbert, Manager of Supportive Housing, said that he always welcomes fresh produce for the residents at Summer Street.
“When residents do not have to worry about where their next meal is coming from, it takes a significant amount of stress off them and allows them to focus on other important tasks that might otherwise go unfinished,” Jalbert said. “Food security gives residents one less thing to worry about and creates a more stable environment.”
Jalbert along with the members of the house, have made spaghetti sauce using most of the tomatoes they’ve received with Jalbert sauteing some of the squash to add to the sauce. Most of the basil has been used to make pesto and many of the other vegetables have been roasted or sautéed or given directly to residents so they can prepare them however they choose.
"Having fresh food available that we can use to plan meals for the week has been incredibly helpful," said Shawn. "We cook several times a week, most weeks, and it can sometimes be difficult to find meals that everyone can agree on. However, one thing that everyone seems to agree on is a nice bowl of pasta! Being able to turn the donated vegetables into sauces, sides, and complete meals allows us to provide residents with fresh, nutritious food while making the most of everything we receive."
These meals have become something that residents look forward to and enjoy together. It is more than just providing food—it helps create a sense of community, comfort, and stability within the building.
Thank you West Parish Church of Andover!
| Join Us for a Free Fair Housing Training | |
Join us to learn about Fair Housing rights and what to do if you believe you or someone you know has been impacted.
Online event
Tuesday, September 29 • 6 PM - 7 PM EDT
Whether you're a tenant, landlord, community member, or social services provider, this training is a great way to learn more information and gain knowledge on protected characteristics, laws, and what to do if you believe you or someone you know is discriminated against or have their Fair Housing rights violated
It is a free training for all to learn about tenants’ rights, protect characteristics, and how to identify when someone’s fair housing rights are being violated. To register, please use this Eventbrite link https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1996301262816?aff=oddtdtcreator
Please help share this training with your contacts and/or clients that may be interested in attending. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Leakena Lunde via email at LLunde@commteam.org or directly at (978) 654-5672.
We look forward to seeing everyone then!
To learn more about our Fair Housing Program, visit:
www.commteam.org/fair-housing-program
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First Cohort of our Early Learning Apprenticeship Program
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Community Teamwork's Early Learning Apprenticeship Program, made up of a group of 14 apprentices, recently came together for orientation at Middlesex Community College as they kicked off their first college course together and began an exciting journey toward their Early Childhood Education Certificate.
Through CTI Early Learning’s Registered Apprenticeship Program, apprentices will:
• Have their tuition and course materials fully paid for
• Earn while they learn with full-time employment
• Be paired with a mentor for support and guidance
• Gain valuable college education and on-the-job experience
• Complete their coursework and earn an Early Childhood Education Certificate
CTI Early Learning is proud to be a Registered Apprenticeship Program through the Massachusetts Department of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), creating a pathway for our early educators to grow their skills, advance their careers, and continue doing the important work they love.
Shawna Doran, Vice President and everyone in the Child & Family Services Division are so excited to watch this group learn, grow, and support one another along the way.
Congratulations to our first cohort! We can’t wait to see where this journey takes you!
| Early Learning ~ Community in the Classroom | |
A huge THANK YOU to Michael Brucato, Business Development Manager at Teaching Strategies, for visiting our children at the Parker Avenue Early Learning Program as a recent Community in the Classroom guest!
Michael shared the joy of reading by spending time with our children and reading a story aloud. As an added surprise, he generously donated $550 worth of children's books and materials to support literacy and learning in our classrooms!
We are so grateful for community partners like Michael and Teaching Strategies who help inspire a love of learning and make a meaningful impact on the lives of young children.
Interested in being a Community in the Classroom guest?
We are always looking for community members, businesses, and organizations to share their careers, talents, hobbies, or favorite books with our children!
Contact Shawna Doran at sdoran@commteam.org to learn more.
Other guest visitors have included Chris Gordon - VP Community Resources at CTI, and Amy Whitehead-Pleaux - Head Start Collaboration Office Director with the Massachusetts Department of Early Education & Care and many others!
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LOWELL FARMERS' MARKET 2026
Join us Every Friday, through October 9th
All of your favorite fresh produce, artists, beverages and more! Here's our calendar of upcoming events. There's something for everyone.
Note: The Lowell Farmers' Market has been cancelled Friday, 9/25/26 due to the potential of inclement weather conditions.
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The Financial Literacy Academy
at the Financial Education Center
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Financial Literacy Academy is Back in September!
We’re excited to welcome you back for another season of learning, growth, and building stronger financial futures!
Mondays & Wednesdays
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Join us to gain practical knowledge and tools to help you make informed financial decisions, strengthen your financial wellness, and reach your goals.
See the flyer for more details and registration information.
We look forward to learning and growing together!
To learn more about the programs offered at the Financial Education Center, visit:
https://www.commteam.org/program/financial-education
| | Workshops at The Financial Education Center | | Ask A Financial Coach Coffee Hour | | |
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, September 29th
Time: 10 AM - 11 AM
Location: CTI - 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.
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Financial Literacy and Well-Being
Learn money skills that will help you reduce stress, build confidence
and take control of your life.
Thursday, October 1st, 6-7pm, MicroSoft Teams
Microsoft Teams meeting Join: Thursday, Oct. 1st from 6-7PM https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/244473868228020?p=Q7PX6kFL0xR1rPwDiu
Meeting ID: 244 473 868 228 020, Passcode: 68wC6QK2
Informational Flyer
Educación Financiera y Bienestar
Aprenda las habilidades financieras que le ayudan a reducir el estres, aumentar la confianza y tumar control de su vida.
Microsoft Teams meeting Join: Martes, Septiembre 29, 6-7 PM
https://teams.microsoft.com/meet/238497615789908?p=rt7fRDvf3qlM4WVM5Y
Meeting ID: 238 497 615 789 908, Passcode: Cv9j5uf9
Folleto informativo
Questions or accommodations? Contact: Jose Rodriguez, Jrodriguez@commteam.org
(978) 654-5758
To learn more about the programs offered at the Financial Education Center, visit:
https://www.commteam.org/program/financial-education
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Wondering how to plan for success? Our Fall Workshop Series continues with Building a Business Budget on November 17th!
RSVP today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1999615106612?aff=oddtdtcreator
Space is limited RSVP today!
Reserve your spot - use the QR Code below
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Thank you to all Supporters of the
Lowell Women's Shelter
| | Please click the following video link (or image above) and watch the NEW video to learn more. | | Child & Family Services is Recruiting! | | Child & Family Services Newsletters | | 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 | | | | |
