|
Dear Neighbors,
As summer approaches, the Council shifts gears—while many of our programs use this time to plan for the busier months ahead, our food pantry ramps up to meet increased demand.
During the school year, many children benefit from consistent access to nutritious meals and snacks. But when school is out, the loss of those meals—combined with reduced benefits and high food costs—can make summer a difficult time for many local families.
Starting next week, we’re expanding our reach. In addition to regular food pantry visits, the Council, in partnership with the Needham Community Farm, will once again bring fresh, healthy food directly to our neighbors through our Mobile Market, operating every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer and early fall.
Together, we can ensure that children in Needham have access to nutritious food this summer. Please consider making a gift to support a Needham neighbor in need—every donation, big or small, makes a difference.
| | | |
Welcome, Kate Tedoldi
The Council is pleased to welcome Kate to our team.
Kate is no stranger to the Council, volunteering her time at the Food Pantry. We are pleased that in addition to volunteering, Kate is bringing her talents to the Accounting office. Her skills, positivity, and compassion will be invaluable in supporting our mission!
Welcome, Kate!
| |
Partnerships
The Council is always grateful—and often amazed—by the steady support we receive from our community.
From generous donors of all ages, like a young brother and sister who gave recently, to longtime supporters, your kindness keeps us going. A few recent highlights:
🌟 A young man chose the Council for his Mitzvah project and collected hundreds of pounds of food and household goods from family and friends.
🌟 Another young neighbor has donated over 200 lbs. of food on his own over the past two years.
🌟 Girl Scout Troop 64025 made a cookie and financial donation, a welcome treat for our Food Pantry households.
🌟 Needham Community Farm shared freshly harvested lettuce for our pantry customers to enjoy.
🌟 Veterans at VFW Post 2498 ran a food drive and donated several bags of groceries.
| | English Language Learning | | |
Interested in Becoming an ELL Tutor?
We are always looking for more tutors! Dates set for fall training and refresher:
ELL Tutor Training Fall dates: Wednesday Oct 8, 15, 22
ELL Tutor Refresher Night: Wednesday Nov 5
Please contact sroberts@needhamcouncil.org if you are interested.
| | | ELL Conversation Groups News | | |
ELL Tutor Heidi took her conversation group outdoors for a tour of Peter Hauscha's garden, a regular stop on the town's annual Garden tour.
Ruska, Vivian, Lidia and Max enjoyed some sunshine while learning new vocabulary about gardening as well as beekeeping.
| |  | |
Calling all advanced beginner and intermediate learners.
Beverly’s Friday 11:00 am conversation group will continue to meet at the Council throughout the summer. If you are interested in joining this special conversation group, please email Sheila, Program Manager.
| | | |
Mobile Market is Back
During the school year, many children benefit from consistent access to nutritious meals and snacks. But when school is out, the loss of those meals—combined with reduced benefits and high food costs—can make summer a difficult time for many local families.
Starting next week, we’re expanding our reach. In addition to regular food pantry visits, the Council, in partnership with the Needham Community Farm, will once again bring fresh, healthy food directly to our neighbors through our Mobile Market, operating every Tuesday and Thursday throughout the summer and early fall.
| | |
Technical Assistance
Did you know that Tech help is available at the Center at the Heights (CATH) and Needham Housing Authority (NHA)?
Here is the Schedule:
CATH
Tuesdays: 2:00 - 3:00 pm (Bruce)
Thursdays: 1:00 - 3:00 pm (Stefano)
NHA – Linden/Chambers
Wednesday, June 18, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, July 16, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
NHA – Seabed’s Way
Wednesday, June 25, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
Wednesday, July 23, 2:00 - 3:00 pm
If you can’t attend a session at the CATH or NHA, but need assistance with your phone, email, iPad, tablet, or computer, please contact Karen, program manager.
Karen is happy to schedule a 20-minute one-on-one help session at the Council.
| | | |
Tech Classes Back this Fall!
The Tech & Tutor program’s technology classes are designed to help you get the most out of your devices. This fall, we’ll be offering hands-on sessions focused on:
Whether you're just getting started or looking to sharpen your skills, these classes are good for learners of all levels. Stay tuned for the full schedule — we look forward to seeing you in class!
| | |
Special Sale
Summer Solstice
June, 20, 21, 23 & 24
Now that it will be extra sunny,
How about saving some extra money?!
Scratch the silver dot in the sun,
To uncover your shopping discount fun!
Shop! Save! Support!
All proceeds directly fund the programs at the Needham Community Council.
| |
Monthly Volunteer Spotlight
Congratulations to all our Seniors on their graduation this past week!
We’d like to give a special shoutout to Desdin, a recent graduate and dedicated student volunteer.
Desdin began volunteering in our Food Pantry in 2023 and has consistently shown up on Saturday mornings to help prepare the pantry for food distribution or set us up for the week ahead. His reliability, strong work ethic, and team spirit have made a significant impact on our weekly operations. We will truly miss his positive attitude and contributions!
Best of luck, Desdin — we know you’ll go far!
| | Important Dates and Hours | | | |
Juneteenth
In observance of Juneteenth, the Needham Community Council and the Council Thrift will be closed, Thursday, June 19.
Summer Hours
Summer Hours Start June 20 - The Needham Community Council and the Council Thrift will close at noon on Fridays.
July 4th Hours
Food Pantry and Council Thrift are closed on July 3, 4, 5, and 6. Reopens on Monday, July 7.
NCC Office closes at noon on Thursday, July 3, and is closed on Friday, July 4. Reopens on Monday, July 7.
| | |
|
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
| | Neighbors Helping Neighbors | | |
Music on the Lawn
Enjoy an outdoor concert brought to you by the First Parish in Needham, Unitarian Universalist.
When: Sunday, June 22
Where: 23 Dedham Avenue
Time: 4:00 pm to 5:30 ish
Featured musical guests include:
- First Parish Players
- Fresh Air
- ICONix & Friends,
- Not Dead Yet
This is a free concert. First Parish in Needham suggests that you make a gift to the Needham Community Council. The rain date for this event is Thursday, June 26 at 6:00 pm.
| | | | |
Needham Community Council
570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-2415
office@needhamcouncil.org
Connect with us
| | 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. | | | | |
