|
Thank you to all our Needham neighbors who attended the Party for the Pantry this past Saturday. The event raised over $100,000 to support the food pantry and assist community members in need. In March alone, we supported 386 food pantry visits, including 74 home deliveries. Saturday night was a perfect way to come together to celebrate, connect, and raise critical funds to support the food pantry.
With the uncertainty surrounding federal funding, your generosity throughout the year and this past Saturday is vital. It empowers the Council to adapt, remain resilient, and navigate the challenging times ahead. We could not do this work without you, and we are grateful for our community.
There is still time to give what you can. Please consider donating to the Needham Community Council today through this link.
With gratitude,
| | It's Volunteer Appreciation Month | | |
Cheers To Our Volunteers
In honor of Volunteer Appreciation Month, we are very excited to announce a special event dedicated to celebrating the incredible contributions of our volunteers. On Wednesday, April 30th, staff and volunteers will come together at the Needham Golf Course to honor amazing individuals who selflessly give their time, energy and talents to make our community a better place.
This event is our way of saying "Thank You for all you do!" to over 250 volunteers who have made a significant impact through their dedication and hard work.
Highlights of the Event:
- Volunteer Awards: Recognizing Presidential Volunteer Award Honorees
- Guest Award Presenter: State Representative, Joshua Tarsky
- Refreshments & Activities: Door Prizes, light fare buffet, music, and more!
Please note that the Council offices and programs, Council Thrift, Donation Drop Off, and Food Pantry will close on Wednesday, April 30th at 1:00 pm for this Volunteer Reception.
| | | Staff & Board Opportunities | | | | |
Join Our Team
Join our team of neighbors making Needham a great place to live, work, and volunteer.
We are hiring:
| |
Community Partnerships
When we think of community, we think not only of those we serve at the Council each day, but the volunteers and donors who make it possible for us to continue serving those in need. We also think of the community partners who have generously supported us or collaborated with us – like Beth Israel Deaconess-Needham for supporting our Transportation Program with a grant so that we can ensure Needham residents can get to their medical appointments. Or the Community Farm, which provides us with fresh produce during harvesting season to include in the bags of food that go out to our food pantry customers each month. Or the schools, local businesses, and girl scout and boy scout troops who run food drives that helps keep our food pantry shelves stocked. We are incredibly grateful for the support we receive. It truly takes a community!
| | English Language Learning | | | | | |
Walk & Talks are Back!
Come join our group for a walk around Needham while practicing your English! Leading the Walk & Talks are Beth Crastnopol, Lisa Perskie and Mary Ann Oldfield. The group will meet outside of the Council. Tuesdays, April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 May 6, 13, 20, 27, and June 3, from 10:30 am -11:30 am.
| | | | | |
New! Parents of Young Children ELL Conversation Group
Parents are welcome to bring their young child to this new conversation group led by Sarah Dunnegan. This is a great opportunity for ELLs with small children to meet other Needham parents while practicing English.
Tuesdays 9:30-10:30am.
| | | | | |
Thank you very much to our substitute teachers, Isabelle Dussault and Michele Coviello, for teaching the Monday beginner class at Linden & Chambers and the evening classes at the Council!
| | |
TODAY, Wednesday April 2
Essential Parenting Conversations and How to Have Them with Michelle Icard
For parents and caregivers of 3rd-9th graders. The registration link can be found here.
Michelle Icard is a nationally recognized author specializing in tweens development, who has been featured in CNN, Today Show,
The Washington Post, Time, People.com (just to name a few).
| | |
It Takes a Neighborhood
The Council was happy to configure and provide a tablet to a food pantry household that did not have access to a television or computer at home. Predominantly, the family is using the tablet to help their daughter learn English and other subjects at school.
"I delivered the gift to my daughter and she was so happy that she had happy tears in her eyes."
| | |
Tech & Tutors & Tech Teens Provide Tech Assistance
From support sessions at the Center at the Heights and Needham Housing Authority to Needham teens from Needham High School technology clubs offering Tech Talks and support sessions, Tech & Tutors provides a plethora of support. More information can be found on our website.
The next Tech Talk is on Wednesday, April 9th, 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm at the CATH (Room 207). The topic will be How to Avoid Scams.
The next Tech Support at the Needham Public Library (Study Room 1) is Saturday, April 12th, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm.
If you have any questions, please contact Karen Zarrow, Tech & Tutors Program Manager at 781-444-2415 x2020 or email kzarrow@needhamcouncil.org.
|
| | Shop! Save! Support! All proceeds directly fund the programs at the Needham Community Council. | |
The Spring Sale
April 3rd - April 5th
Come to the sale event of the season – the annual Spring Sale! Shop for new-to-you items at thrift store prices & build that spring wardrobe. The best selection of spring clothing will be available at the Council Thrift’s April pop-up shop (upstairs at 570 Hillside Avenue in Needham).
Sale Hours:
Thursday, April 3: 10 am – 6 pm
Friday, April 4: 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday, April 5: 10 am – 2 pm
| |
Monthly Volunteer Spotlight
We are truly grateful for the kind, thoughtful, and professional efforts of our volunteer community—without them, the work we do wouldn’t be possible. We value and appreciate the contributions of every volunteer who gives their time and energy to serve the community.
This month we highlight Cathy Byrd. Whether it's pricing donations, delivering holiday gifts, organizing our food pantry, or training students, she brings a giving, uplifting spirit to support the Council. When she is offsite, she is STILL giving to the Council crafting with her grandchildren to make soap and tea towels that they sell at various Needham establishments giving 100% of the proceeds to the Council.
| |
Pathways to Philanthropy
The Needham Community Council is excited to introduce Pathways to Philanthropy, a new program designed for NHS students interested in the world of philanthropy and nonprofit work.
This program offers students the opportunity to explore causes they care about, learn from experienced nonprofit leaders, and gain the skills to get involved—or even start their own organization. Through guest speakers, discussions, and hands-on learning, students will develop a deeper understanding of how to turn their passions into meaningful action.
This spring, Pathways to Philanthropy will meet every other week for 1.5 hours, earning students 15 community service hours. Meeting dates will be announced soon. Additionally, students interested in continuing their work over the summer will have further opportunities to stay involved.
For more information, please fill out the interest form or contact srobinson@needhamcouncil.org or jmb982@mail.harvard.edu.
| | Hours and Important Dates | | | |
Saturday, April 19th
The Council Thrift will be closed on Saturday, April 19th.
Monday, April, 21st
The Council offices and programs, Council Thrift and Donation Drop Off will be closed Monday, April 21st for Patriot's Day.
Wednesday, April 30th
The Council offices and programs, Council Thrift, Donation Drop Off, and Food Pantry will close on Wednesday, April 30th at 1:00 pm for a Volunteer Reception.
| | | |
|
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
| | | | |
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. | | | | |
