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Hello friends and neighbors,
March has been an incredibly busy and meaningful month here at the Council. While we were hard at work planning for our Party for the Pantry, we also faced an unexpected challenge; the Council Thrift was recently disrupted by flooding following this year’s harsh winter weather.
Despite these hurdles, Party for the Pantry was a tremendous success! Thanks to the overwhelming generosity of our supporters, we officially unlocked the $100,000 match for our food pantry.
The timing of this support couldn't be better. This week, we will begin essential weatherproofing work to protect the Council Thrift from future damage. This shop is a cornerstone of our mission, contributing 32% of our total revenue. Every dollar generated at the Council Thrift funds our vital community programs, including the food pantry.
Thank you for everything you do to help us foster a stronger, more supportive community.
Warmly,
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Sandra Robinson
Executive Director, Needham Community Council
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Community Highlights
Each month we are amazed and so grateful for the generous support we receive. March was filled with many acts of kindness to benefit the Council, including:
St. Joseph’s School celebrated St. Joseph’s Day by collecting food and personal care products for our Food Pantry.
45 local businesses donated merchandise or gift cards to our Party for the Pantry.
Kindergarteners at the Sunita Williams School donated 100 boxes of mac ‘n cheese to celebrate the 100th day of school.
Restaurant Associates at SharkNinja donated 88 lbs. of cereal and snacks to our food pantry.
Freddy, a 7th grader, collected 45 lbs. of food and $1,100 outside of Roche Brothers and donated it to the Council.
Needham Council for Arts and Culture partnered with local artists to create Needham Artists Flourish, selling artwork at local businesses, with proceeds benefiting the Needham Community Council.
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We are Hiring Office Support
The Needham Community Council is currently hiring a 3-day a week (Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday) office support staff position.
Please see the job description and send resume & letter of interest to Sandra Robinson by Monday, April 27th.
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Food Pantry Update
The Council Thrift construction will not impact food pantry distribution thanks to our wonderful team.
This past month we supported 418 food pantry visits, which included 69 home deliveries and 2 emergency visits.
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Extracurricular Scholarship Program
Extracurricular activities and youth development programs play a vital role in helping children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Research consistently shows that access to high-quality programs outside the classroom creates lasting benefits well beyond childhood.
Through the Council’s scholarship program, children of food pantry customers are participating in a wide range of activities—from dance, soccer, and horseback riding to driver’s education.
Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Needham Community Council’s extracurricular scholarship program continues to grow. Already this fiscal year, the Council has awarded $12,000 in scholarships to 30 children, helping ensure that cost is not a barrier to participation.
| | | Dementia Care Partners Support | | | Click on image to enlarge | |
Memory Cafe
Tuesday, April 28th, 10:30 AM–12:00 PM
Join us at the Needham Public Library for our April Memory Café! Enjoy friendly conversation, light refreshments, and an engaging, energetic singing experience led by board-certified music therapist, Ken DoRosario.
Registration is requested but not required — all are welcome. To register or learn more, please contact Program Manager Stephanie Knoch.
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Care Partner Consultation
These one-on-one sessions are designed to provide support, guidance, and resources for individuals caring for a loved one living with dementia. Care Partner Consultations are available Monday through Friday with Stephanie Knoch, MSW, LCSW, CDCP, and can be held virtually, in-person, or by phone.
Interested in an in-person consultation? In-person consultations are available every Thursday from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM at the Center at the Heights. To schedule an appointment or learn more, please contact Stephanie at (781) 444-2415 or sknoch@needhamcouncil.org.
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Beginner ELLs Have Something to Say!
The students were a little nervous about the idea of inviting tutors to class to practice conversation, but they were soon enthusiastically testing out the language skills that they acquired this year and talking away. Thank you to ELL Tutors Celia Carboni, Michele Coviello, Isabelle Dussault, Mackenzie Fuller, Margie Glazer, Kathleen Kerr, Denise Koljonen, and Michael Normile for spending an evening with the Beginner Class.
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ELL Walk & Talks
It’s Spring! Walk & Talk dates have been announced. English language learners at all skill levels are invited to practice English conversation while walking around Needham with ELL tutors. The group meets at the front door of the Council at 10:00am.
Walk & Talk dates are Wednesday April 8 , 15, and 29, May 13, 20, and 27, and June 10 and 17. Email ELL Program Manager Sheila Roberts to register.
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Citizen Preparation Group
A Citizenship Preparation Group meets weekly on Thursdays at 9:30am. If you are an ELL interested in preparing for the citizenship test, please email ELL Program Manager Sheila Roberts.
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Tech& Tutors is Springing with Activity
From personalized tech assistance at the CATH and Housing Authority to engaging tech talks led by local high school students, our Tech & Tutors program is here to help older adults confidently embrace the digital world.
We invite you to view our calendar for a full list of upcoming sessions or visit our website for more details. Don’t miss our newest highlights: the Hands-on Robotics Showcase with high school students and our Basics of Technology Training course!
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The Robots are in the House!
Wednesday, April 29th
Join the Needham Community Council’s Tech Teens from the Needham High School Robotics Club for a hands-on robotics showcase! See student-built robots up close and learn how engineering, coding, and teamwork come together.
In addition to the showcase, teens are available to provide tech assistance. Remember to bring your phone – computer – tablet and questions and the Tech Teens will help you.
Location: at the CATH, 300 Hillside Avenue, Room 104, 3:15 - 4:15 PM.
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Basic Technolgy Training with Karen
Join the Tech & Tutors Program for a four-session training course designed to help participants master the fundamentals of everyday technology.
When: Thursdays | 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Dates: April 16 – May 7
Where: Center at the Heights (CATH), Room 211
Weekly Curriculum:
- April 16: History of the Internet & Tech Terms
- April 23: The Cloud & Online Security
- April 30: Signing In & Web Browser Basics
- May 7: File Management & Digital Etiquette
Sign up for ALL or Any at the CATH, MyActiveCenter.com or call (781) 455-7555 with any questions.
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🌷Spring Sale This Week
April Showers Brings Thrift Prices at our Annual Spring Sale!
The Council Thrift may be closed for repairs downstairs but, fear not, we have you covered with some great buys upstairs! Come and shop for your spring fashion at our pop up on the second floor of the Needham Community Council.
Sale Hours:
Thursday, April 9 at 10am - 6pm
Friday, April 10, 10am – 4pm
Saturday, April 11, 10am – 2pm
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Antiques Sale Success
We are thrilled to share that this year’s Antiques & Collectibles Sale was a fantastic success, bringing in nearly $20,000! Heartfelt thanks go out to Connie, Stacey, Maria, Gretchen, and every volunteer who lent a hand. To our wonderful patrons: thank you for shopping with us and helping us reach this amazing milestone.
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Volunteer of the Month
Our own Bruce McCleod is answering the call out West and moving to California. We will miss him in the Food Pantry! He has been distributing food to our customers since 2019 and has volunteered over 350 hours! If you know Bruce, then you know he is always good for a laugh, a good story, a bit of trivia or a good golf tip! No matter what you chat about, you leave in a better mood!
Thank you for all you do! And, best of luck Bruce!!
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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 & Sunday
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Office
Monday - Friday
8:30 am - 4 pm
Closed Saturday & Sunday
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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. | | | | |
