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Greetings!
September marks the turning of seasons, closing summer’s chapter and opening autumn’s. It also invites us to pause and reflect on where we’ve come from and where we are headed together.
This month begins with Labor Day, a holiday many of us welcome as an extra day of rest, but one that is rooted in struggle and courage. In the late 19th century, at the height of the Industrial Revolution, workers, many of them immigrants and the extremely poor, endured 12-hour days, seven days a week. Even children as young as five labored in mills, mines, and factories. Out of that hardship grew a movement for dignity and fairness, with the rallying cry: “Eight hours for work, eight hours for rest, and eight hours for what we will.”
Labor Day reminds us that progress for working people has always been hard-won. And it connects directly to the struggles many face today. Across our region, families are stretched thin, working multiple jobs, facing soaring costs of housing, food, and childcare, and still falling short of stability. At Community Teamwork, we honor this history by striving to ensure that those we serve, and those who work alongside us, have a fair chance at dignity and opportunity. It is why we advocate tirelessly to elected officials and funders for policies that ensure all families and staff can thrive.
September also brings Hunger Action Month, a national reminder that hunger is not distant, it is here in our neighborhoods. Despite the rising need, funding for nutrition programs has been cut, leaving too many families to choose between paying rent and putting food on the table. Our programs, alongside the Merrimack Valley Food Bank, provide vital nutrition to children, families, and young adults. But food insecurity is not just a statistic, it is a daily trauma we are called to address with urgency, compassion, and resolve.
This is our work, and it is our calling. Integrity demands that we do it honestly, with transparency and fairness. Equity requires us to fight for systems that provide opportunities to all, not just some. Compassion drives us to see not just the need, but the human being behind it.
As the leaves begin to turn, let us carry forward the spirit of Labor Day and Hunger Action Month, not as single-day or monthly observation, but as reminders of the work still ahead. I ask each of you, whether as staff, partner, or community member, to join us in advocating, serving, and leading with courage.
This season, let’s do more than mark the change. Let’s be the change, together.
With gratitude and determination,
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Carl Howell, CEO
Community Teamwork
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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Leased Housing
Software System Down 9/5-10/8
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City of Lowell Hosts Recovery Block Party
Recently, the City of Lowell hosted a Recovery Block Party in front of the Eliot Church, located at 273 Summer Street in Lowell.
This event was a public gathering to celebrate recovery - featuring music, dancing, games, food, prizes, and more. It was free and open to everyone. Staff from CTI's Housing and Homeless Services Division were on hand with information about our programs.
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Pictured: Staff from the Division of Housing and Homeless Services
Front Row: Katelynn Travers – Director of Individual Homeless Services (Residential Programs – Housing and Homeless Services - H&HS), Meryah Montalvo – Case Manager (Housing - H&HS), Melissa Harley – Case Manager (Residential Programs – H&HS)
Back Row: James Hogan – Case Manager (Individual Housing – H&HS), Shawn Jalbert – Manager of Supportive Services (Residential Programs – H&HS)
For more information about our Housing Support Programs, visit: www.commteam.org/program/housing-supports
| | YouthBuild of Greater Lowell Works on Gazebo Rehabilitation in South Lowell | | |
During the summer months, the construction team at YouthBuild of Greater Lowell (YBL), led by Christina Shanahan and Alexander Perry, took on the challenge of rehabilitating three deteriorating gazebos in South Lowell’s community parks. Muldoon Park, Sweeney Park, and Ducharme Park, all heavily used spaces in need of attention.
In the spring, the City Manager’s Office approached YBL about taking on the work, inspired by past successful collaborations such as the softball field dugouts and the City of Lights wooden decorations. The YBL Construction team agreed, but first, students had to complete their training. By June, 21 students had worked their way through the course curriculum and were ready to bring their skills to the field.
Throughout the summer, the students poured their energy into transforming the gazebos into structures the city can once again be proud of.
Read the full article which also includes more pictures:
Gazebo rehabilitation in South Lowell - The construction team at CTI's YouthBuild Program
| | We Need Your Help ~ Please Complete the Community Assessment Survey | | |
Every three years, in its capacity as a Community Action Agency, Community Teamwork conducts a Community Needs Assessment to gather information on the causes and conditions of poverty directly from the communities we serve. We use this information to derive the greatest needs facing our community, which in turn drive our Strategic Plan.
Please complete the survey by October 17th and enter to win a $100 Visa Gift Card!
Thank you for participating – Your input is invaluable!
Please click on the links below to start the 5 minute Survey:
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Lowell Farmers' Market
Friday 1-5pm, 350A Dutton St. Lowell
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More than just a place to shop, the Lowell Farmers' Market is a true community gathering space where neighbors connect, kids play, and everyone can enjoy the best of local food and culture.
We feature fresh, locally grown produce, handmade goods, fun activities for kids, and a welcoming space for all. We proudly accept SNAP, WIC, and HIP, making fresh, healthy food more accessible to everyone in our community.
The Lowell Farmers' Market at Community Teamwork, is a place where local businesses can try out their ideas or showcase their products.
This year’s Market features returning favorites and exciting new vendors:
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Farm-Fresh Produce from Phalla’s Produce and Bitz N Peace Farm
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Delicious Eats from Eggroll Café, Brew’d Awakening, and fresh juices by Pure Temple Cuisines
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Craft Ice Cream by Black Sheep
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Handmade Goods from Wax & Scent, Designer Chic (jewelry & dreamcatchers)
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Locally Brewed Mead from Bliss Point Meadery
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Pet Treats from Live Free & Bark!
- Brew’d Awakening coffee truck
- Blue Rabbit Ceramics
- My Moody Monster
Here are some pictures from a couple of recent events at the Market:
Paws at the Market
| | After School Food Festival | | Come by, support local, and enjoy great food, community vibes, and everything that makes market season special. | | The Financial Literacy Academy is back! | | Join the Financial Literacy Academy and learn about budgeting, credit, identity theft, banking and more. | | |
EMERGENCY FUND
Every now and then an unexpected expense pops up, a flat tire, a broken appliance, a medical bill, the list can go on and on.
In those moments do you have funds that you can fall back on?
Budgeting a portion of money for an emergency fund is a great way to alleviate stress if an unexpected expense occurs.
You can start by saving up to $1000, then as time goes on it is important to try and have enough money to cover three months' worth of expense.
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SMART GOALS
SMART Goals seems like a funny term!
SMART stands for S-specific, M-measurable, A-achievable, R-realistic and T-timely.
If you want to take a goal and make it a reality it is important that you add detail to that goal. By making a regular goal into a SMART goal, you have more guidance to help you achieve this goal.
Let's make the goal of buying a car and make it a SMART Financial Goal.
S-specific: I want to buy a used SUV.
M-measurable: I will achieve this goal by saving $6000.
A-achievable: I have to put aside at least $300 a month.
R-realistic: It is realistic to save $300 a month as long as I can save $150 a pay check.
T-timely: I will be able to buy a used SUV in about 20 months by saving $300 every month.
If you would like some help building a budget to put aside money for an emergency fund or guidance on making your goals into SMART goals, reach out to one of our Senior Financial Literacy coordinators:
For English reach out to Brenda Jimenez at bjimenez@commteam.org
For Spanish reach out to Mildred Sena de Disla at msenadedisla@commteam.org
For more information about the Financial Education Center, visit: www.commteam.org/financial-education
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Help Us Build Emergency Housing
Dedicated to Women
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Since 2020, nearly 40 percent of the individuals served in Community Teamwork’s
emergency shelter program have been women, and nearly half of those women were older than 45 years old.
They are mothers. They are sisters. They are aunts. They are friends. And they all need a second chance.
And we need your kindness to help give them that chance. We are hoping you can make a gift to support this project. Click this link to support this project: Community Teamwork Giving Page
And please watch the video to learn more.
If you have already given to support the shelter, we thank you. Together we can ensure that the women in our community have a safe, temporary place to stay as they rebuild their lives.
For more information about how to support the Women's Shelter, please contact Margot Regan, Director of Development at maregan@commteam.org or at 978-654-5813.
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Tax Credits will Provide Flexible Funds for Non-Profit Community Development Corporations
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In July, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $13.2 million of Community Investment Tax Credits (CITC) to 54 Community Development Corporations (CDCs) and Service Organizations (CSO) across Massachusetts.
Community Teamwork is one of the community partner awardees and will be the recipient of $300,000 in award credits! Read the full article here.
Donations of $1,000 or more, or multiple donations totaling $1,000 or more in a calendar year, may qualify you to receive a 50% tax credit/refund under the Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC). For information about the CITC, click here, or contact: Margot Regan, Director of Development, maregan@commteam.org; 978-654-5813
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DONATE BY MAIL:
Community Teamwork
155 Merrimack Street, 2nd Floor
Lowell, MA 01852
ATTN: Margot Regan
| | Child & Family Services Newsletters | | Home Modification Loan Program Updates | | Thank You to our 2025 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 | | | | |
