Spring 2026

News & Updates

Welcome Home Friends and Supporters,

At Welcome Home we do three things. Initially, household items come in to our space, and then, our volunteers pack these items for those we serve. Lastly, we welcome those who come to pick up their items, and in addition, offer a choice of five framed prints, vases, bowls, throw blankets, and numerous other items that help make housing feel like home. The dignity of our volunteers, and those we serve, is at the center of everything we do.

Thank you for all you do to make Welcome Home successful. Our work really matters.

Warmly,



Julie Plaut Mahoney and Mindy Peckler, co-founders

and The Welcome Home Team

We kindly ask that you forward this newsletter to colleagues, friends and family;

follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @Welcomehomemass;

and spread the word about us to businesses and organizations.

The more items we receive, the more homes we can fill

with the most basic household necessities. Thank you.

Volunteer Nan Niland and Welcome Home Highlighted in New York Times Article:

How a Healthy Mind-Set Influences Longevity

Read Article Here

Welcome Home's

Annual Mother's Day Fundraiser

Begins May 1

Mother’s Day is Sunday, May 10, 2026. Support our work and honor the special women in your life with a donation to Welcome Home between May 1 - 8. In return, your honoree will receive a beautiful email in recognition of your gift. See our website for details beginning on Friday, May 1.

The Eisenberg/Kirson/Simon Families have generously agreed to match

the first $10,000 that is donated to Welcome Home during this fundraiser.

We thank the Eisenberg, Kirson and Simon families

for their commitment to Welcome Home.

Microwave Donations by Ilene Solomon

We rely on relationships and partnerships to fill our shelves with the home goods our clients request. Used small appliances are donated in limited numbers and are expensive to purchase. They are also requested by most of our clients. Ilene Solomon of Coldwell Banker Realty, Newton, MA donates one new microwave every time she sells a home. With help from generous donors like Ilene, we provide a way for clients to prepare meals for their families. Contact Ilene at: ilene.solomon@nemoves.com.

If you would like to partner in a similar way, please contact us at 617.454.4795 or welcomehomemass@gmail.com.

One Big Boat Podcast Interview with

Welcome Home Founders

Welcome Home Founders Julie Plaut Mahoney and Mindy Peckler were recently interviewed on the One Big Boat podcast. Thank you to Last Minute Productions in Needham, MA, and Host Jay Dobek for sharing Welcome Home's mission.

One Big Boat, "We're all in this together," is a podcast devoted to non-profits. Each episode features an interview with a leader of a non-profit organization.

New Partnership with Opus Newton

Opus Newton from 2Life Communities is a new continuing care retirement community for older adults. After opening in September 2025, their 200+ residents moved from Greater Boston (including a large number from Newton, Needham, and Brookline) but also elsewhere in New England and from out of state.

Their residents have a 10 hour a month volunteer commitment within the Opus community and are looking forward to collaborating with programs like

Welcome Home to help out in the broader community as well. 

Thank you, Opus Newton!! And welcome to our community!

MONTH OF APRIL

Bag Fundraiser at Stop & Shop

171 Watertown Street, Watertown, MA



The Stop & Shop Community Bag Program makes it easy for shoppers to support their communities and environment by buying durable, reusable shopping bags.

Welcome Home will receive $1 of every bag you purchase in April;

just purchase your reusable Community Bag at

Stop & Shop, 171 Watertown Street in Watertown, MA.

(No paperwork or forms to fill out. D0nation is automatic for the month of April.)

Are you looking for a place to donate?

Ways to Support Welcome Home

Donate Gently Used or Unused Home Goods

Did you know we accept random pillow cases, as well as top and bottom sheets with no match? Schedule your dropoff appointment.

Coordinate a Donation Drive

Organize a drive in your workplace, place of worship, club, school or neighborhood.

Email us for more information.

Need a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, Eagle Scout or Community Project?

Host a donation drive, organize a fundraiser or discuss other ideas for your project with us.

Email us to explore ideas. We'd love to partner with you, your family or your group.

Purchase New Home Goods

Purchase online or in person an extra set of

bedding, towels, cookware, silverware or dishes the next time you are shopping.

Purchase Items from our Wish List

Visit our Online Wish List.

Give through your Donor Advised Funds

Our tax ID is: 32-0609377

Write a Check

Did you know a fee is charged by our credit card donations service when donations are made online?

Why not write a check and have 100% of your donation go directly to Welcome Home?

Please mail checks to: P.O. Box 590351, Newton Center, MA 02459

Ask for a Company Match

Check with your employer to find out if they will match your donation. Many companies do.

THANK YOU

to the businesses and organizations

that have recently supported us!

Ambesonne, Apple Orchard School, Franklin School, Lasell Village

See a list of all of our supporters here.

Mark's Moving & Storage,

the Official Mover of Welcome Home

Also offers portable, warehouse, final mile, and record storage solutions to address all your needs.

www.welcomehomemass.org

welcomehomemass@gmail.com

617.454.4795

For GPS Directions: 29 Dunstan Street, West Newton

(look for our loading dock)

Mailing address: P.O. Box 590351, Newton Center, MA 02459

Tax ID #32-0609377

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn @Welcomehomemass

Editor: Julia Hamilton

Comments and suggestions may be sent to welcomehomemass@gmail.com