October News from the Needham Community Council

October 2024

NEEDHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS

We had a wonderful time meeting our Needham Neighbors at the Harvest Fair. It was an amazing venue to discuss all the programs that we offer our neighbors that address the under-met needs in Needham.

It was also amazing to highlight the Council Thrift! All the proceeds from the Council Thrift directly fund the Council's programs.

Thank you for your donations and shopping at the Council Thrift. What a great way to shop, save and support while at the same time helping the environment.

Thank you Charles River Chamber for getting the community together!

The Council provides nutritious food to our food pantry households but understands that there are other unmet needs. This is why we offer several support programs, including “Back to School”, “Holiday Hearts”, an Extracurricular Scholarship program, and a Financial Wellness course to help families become financially independent. We ask for your support so that we may sustain these programs which are crucial to ensuring that our food pantry customers are able to be active and full participants within the Needham community.

With Gratitude,

Make a Gift Today

English Language Learning

Citizenship Class

The Citizenship group, led by returning citizenship volunteer tutor Charnay, will begin meeting weekly on Tuesday October 1 from 6:00-7:00pm. This group is for ELLs who will be taking their citizenship test within the next 12 months.

Registration is required for all ELL events. RSVP by emailing Sheila Roberts at

sroberts@needhamcouncil.org

Tutor Training

Become an English language tutor! Fall new tutor training will be held on Oct 9, 16 and 23 from 6:30-8:00pm.

Registration is required for all ELL events. RSVP by emailing Sheila Roberts at

sroberts@needhamcouncil.org

ELL September Highlights

Volunteer tutors Beth, Lisa, & Mary Ann are walking & talking around Needham on Monday mornings with an enthusiastic group of English learners. Reem launched a new Everyday English conversation group, and Chris is piloting a conversation group for Kimberly’s No English/Low Beginner students so that they can practice the material they are learning in class.

Food Pantry

Financial Wellness

In partnership with Needham Bank, the Council is offering a free 5-week Financial Wellness Class to our food pantry customers and ELL learners. The course starts on October 23rd! Thank you, Needham Bank.

Community Collaboration

Social Workers from the COA and Youth and Family Services will be on-site at the food pantry during the month of October.

The Council Thrift

Harvest of Savings Sale:

October 4 & 5

Bobbing for Bucks! Bob for savings in our basket full of coupon-filled apples! You can get 10 – 50% off your entire purchase at point of sale! Shop, Save and Support our programs!

Council Thrift Coat Sale:

October 24, 25 and 26

Get ready to coat your wallet in cash with all the money you will save at our annual Coat Sale!

Whether you’re braving the chilly winds or just looking to add flair to your winter wardrobe – we’ve got you covered! Hot deals on cool items: Scarves, Gloves, Puffer Jackets, Vests, Wool Coats & Boots.

NEW!! Shop the designer treasures that we have collected all year by stopping by our “Off-Thrift” pop-up boutique! Come to the coat sale and check out high-end designer items of all seasons!

We are so fortunate to have such wonderful customers who shop, save and support the Needham Community Council programs.

Thank You for your patronage!

Mindful Community

Everyday Strategies for Regulation: How to Use Movement and Play

with Elizabeth Warner Ed.M., Psy.D.

When: Thu, Oct. 24, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:30pm

Location: The Center at the Heights (CATH)

This event is for parents and caregivers of preschool and elementary school-aged children. The flyer can be found here.

Registration Link: https://bit.ly/MindfulOct24

Emotions 101: Helping your child name and navigate emotions

with Deborah Farmer Kris, Child Development Expert & Author

When: Thu, Nov. 7, 2024 - 7:00 - 8:30pm

Location: Powers Hall, Needham Town Hall

Practical Advice for Supporting Kids in Navigating Their Feelings and Building Emotional Awareness, Social Competency, and Resilience. The flyer can be found here.

Registration Link:

https://bit.ly/MindfulNov7

Tech & Tutors

Technology Lectures and Support

Teens from the Needham High School technology clubs want to engage with you.

Google Essentials - Gmail, Google Docs, Google Drive, YouTube, and Google Chrome (and if time and attention allow - Settings and Messages)

When: Wednesday, October 9, 2024 - 3:00 - 4:00pm

Location: CATH, 300 Hillside Avenue, Room 211

Internet Safety & Security – How to ensure you are safe and secure when internet browsing.

When: Wednesday, October 23, 2024 - 3:00 - 4:00pm

Location: CATH, 300 Hillside Avenue, Room 211

Support Sessions

When: Saturday, October 12th and Saturday, October 26th - 10:00am - 12:00pm

Location: Needham Public Library, Study Room 1

Need Additional Assistance?

If you need assistance with your phone, email, iPad, tablet, or computer, please contact Karen Zarrow, Tablets & Tutors Program Manager, at the Needham Community Council to schedule a 20-minute one-on-one help session at the Council. Call 781-444-2415 x2020 or email kzarrow@needhamcouncil.org.

Hours and Important Dates

The Needham Community Council follows the Needham Public School calendar.

The Food Pantry will be closed Monday, October 14th.

The Thrift Shop will be closed Thursday, October 3rd, Saturday, October 12th & Monday, October 14th.

Council Thrift & Donation Hours

Monday 10 am - 4 pm

Tuesday & Thursday 10 am - 6 pm

Friday 10 am - 4 pm

Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

Closed Wednesday

Office Hours

Monday - Friday

8:30 am - 4 pm

Closed Saturday & Sunday

Sandra Robinson

Executive Director

Stacey Fallon

Director of Volunteers

Maureen Callahan

Development and PR Director

Meet Our Staff

Meet Our Board

Needham Community Council

570 Hillside Avenue

Needham, MA 02494

781-444-2415

office@needhamcouncil.org

Connect with us

Visit Our Website

The Needham Community Council is a private 501(C)3 non-profit organization which supports people in Needham who have under-met health, educational or social needs, and promotes volunteerism, community and a sense of shared responsibility.