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Building Communities
Changing Lives
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Dear Friends,
This month brings a smile to my face and gratitude to my heart as we are finally able to enjoy many celebrations and see each other in person.
From commemorating PRIDE month at the recent PRIDE Day, and the unveiling of the PRIDE flag in front of 155 Merrimack Street, thanks to State Representative Vanna Howard, to enjoying the upcoming Juneteenth Celebration on Sunday, June 19th on Market Street, we are happy to be a part of these celebrations. Yesterday we celebrated our youth and their families at our first annual Youth Family Fest at Shedd Park in Lowell, put on by our Youth Services Division. And most recently, we were able to celebrate and honor our Champions of Community Action where we recognized local leaders, Bill Lipchitz, Jim and Pam Houlares and Bobby and Aleksandra Tugbiyele. Finally, we celebrated our hard working and dedicated staff at our All Staff Day outing at Kimball’s in Westford.
These celebrations allow us to take pause to remember and appreciate all the good work that is happening in our communities. For more details, please read about these celebrations and our many program updates below.
Wishing you many celebrations and a happy and restful summer!
Gratefully,
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Karen Frederick, CEO
Community Teamwork
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June 19th falls on a Sunday this year, so the federal holiday will be commemorated on Monday, June 20th and all Community Teamwork offices will be closed.
Lowell Events
Saturday, June 18th, 11am-12pm at City Hall at 375 Merrimack Street- Flag raising. local speakers and information.This event is FREE of charge, and will be held rain or shine.
Sunday, June 19th, 11am-5pm on Market Street in downtown Lowell - Soil Arts Collective's 2nd annual Juneteenth Celebration - a day-long festival highlighting Lowell's Black history and Black artistry. It will feature a mainstage highlighting Black musicians and performers, poetry readings at Brew’d Awakening Coffehaus and Lala Books, walking Black History tours in partnership with Lowell Walks and the Lowell National Historical Park, food, and Black artisan vendors. Contact us at info@freesoilarts.org
#DEIatCTI #FreedomDay # JubileeDay #LiberationDay #EmancipationDay #Juneteenth
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Ed Banks, Coordinator for Mill City Mentors, represents CTI Pride at the Lowell Pride Festival 6/5/22.
"There was a great turnout!" said Ed.
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"I can't imagine a better place for this rainbow flag than outside the School Department and CTI as we work so hard to make our services and programs inclusive and welcome to all. Thank you!"~ Karen Frederick, CEO, Community Teamwork
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We have to Talk about Housing |
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How do we speed this process up to provide housing that is needed?
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Thank you for making our Celebration of Champions 2022
a Great Success!
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We so appreciate all those who joined us at our Champions of Community Action event to celebrate and honor local leaders who are truly making a difference.
Bill Lipchitz - 50 years of Community Action
Pam and Jim Houlares - Early Education Philanthropists
Aleksandra and Bobby Tugbiyele - Community and DEI Advocates
From the Board of Directors and all of the staff at Community Teamwork, we want to send a big thank you to our honorees and all who shared well wishes and funding assistance to make this event a huge success.
Please enjoy the video from the evening. It is reminder of the many friends who have supported us to ensure we can continue the work we do in the community.
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Staff Day 2022
Kimball Farms
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Honoring years of service and recognizing special awards, the Annual Staff Day is a time for bonding with fellow employees and sharing our mutual values. We also enjoyed a traditional BBQ, ice cream, played lots of games and had a of lot fun! Especially after two years for the most part away from each other -- it provided all of us a much-needed renewal of our stength to carry on the mission of Community Teamwork.
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Our ERG Group Leaders, led by Saadia Ahmad, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. |
These special folk each have given 25 years of service to CTI. Chris DeFeo, Senior Administrative Coordinator, not pictured, celebrated 35 years of service. |
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Bill Lipchitz (51 years at CTI) presented Nick DiGiammo, Program Manager of Youth Services, the Bill Lipchitz Spirit of Community Action award for his exemplary dedication to the work of Community Action Agencies and the community at large.
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Cutting the Ribbon and the Rug on the Rainbow Sidewalk
In front of Community Teamwork & Lowell Public Schools Resource Center
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Cutting the ribbon and unveiling the beautiful Pride flag. |
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Danielle & Rep. Howard ~ PRIDE
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State Representative Vanna Howard opens the dancing line
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The Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund (Mass HAF) is now available for homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments by at least three months because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of HAF is to prevent foreclosures and displacements of eligible homeowners. Mass HAF is funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).
You may qualify for Mass HAF if:
- You own and live in a condominium, single-family home, or a 2-, 3- or 4-family property in Massachusetts
- You are behind on your mortgage payments by at least 3 months
- You or someone in your household had their income go down, or living expenses go up, after January 21, 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes job loss, fewer work hours, paying more for childcare, illness, or being unable to work because you had to take care of a family member
- You meet the program’s income limits
Mass HAF assistance is for overdue mortgage payments and, if you qualify, your mortgage servicer would be paid directly. The assistance is a grant, not a loan. You do not have to pay it back.
Applying:
If you have questions about Mass HAF, and to learn how to apply, you can call
978-459-0551.
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Financial Literacy Center |
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The Financial Education Center
Do you know about the Secure Jobs program? We’re able to help anyone living in a DHCD funded shelter, receiving RAFT assistance, or HomeBASE funding to advance their career and job training efforts. Our coaches can help create robust resumes, aid in job search, and even help enroll in career training and education programs. Those qualifying for Secure Jobs have the opportunity to advance their careers as well as receive aid to help break down any barriers that could be holding them back from retaining work. This can include some help with overdue bills, transportation, and paid education and training. Secure Jobs Program Flyer
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Celebrating Ginette's Success
Ginette moved to Massachusetts from Puerto Rico with her young daughter right after hurricane Maria hit. She was a nurse in Puerto Rico so her interest has always been in pursuing her career in the medical field. Working closely with her Financial Career Coach, she decided to pursue her career in the field of Phlebotomy. Secure Jobs was able to enroll Ginette in a 6-month Certified Phlebotomy Program with which Ginette completed in 4 months. She is currently enrolled with Boston Career Institute to advance her studies and become a certified Medical Assistant. Ginette has managed to achieve all of this success while working full-time as a cafeteria aide at Lawrence Public Schools and being the sole caregiver for her disabled child. She will continue to work with our coaches to better manage her finances and improve her credit. Ginette is dedicated to her success and has immense gratitude for the assistance she has received from the Secure Jobs Program. We’re so proud of you, Ginette!
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First-Time-HomeBuyer Webinars
In addition to the great programming we offer, our social media pages offer tips and tricks focused on financial literacy and education, as well as any updates or important notices. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, and reach out to Brittany McLaughlin ( bmclaughlin@commteam.org) to be added to our newsletter mailing list.
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Visit our website for information about all of our programs:
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Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC)
Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)
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The federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) stopped accepting applications on April 15, 2022. Households can still apply for rental assistance from the more targeted, state-funded Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program.
The RAFT program helps keep households in stable housing situations when facing eviction, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies. RAFT provides qualifying households with up to $7,000 per year to preserve current housing or move to new housing. RAFT can cover utilities, moving costs and overdue rent, as well as forward rent in limited situations. Renters or landlords can apply by submitting an online application.
RAFT does not serve homeowners. Homeowners may access mortgage and other assistance through the federal Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF).
The Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance (ERMA) program ended on December 31, 2021. Homeowners may be eligible for assistance through the Homeowner Assistance Fund (HAF). To learn more about eligibility, resources and to apply, homeowners can visit www.massmortgagehelp.org.
Visit Community Teamwork's website for more information:
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YouthBuild of Greater Lowell Program
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Recently, both culinary and construction students Ashley, Makayla, Ademious, and Mileska helped serve catered food at State Representative Vanna Howard's fundraiser. The food was amazing as always, and thank you Miss Anna, for your leadership and guidance of these students!! Congratulations to Representative Howard on a successful event, and thank you for your continued support of our program and students!
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For more information about the Culinary and Construction Programs, Contact Tim Caldwell - 978-905-7375 or Janise Rosario - 978-770-8543
167 Dutton Street, Lowell Ma 01852
This workforce Product was funded by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. This product was created by the Grantee and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U.S. Department of Labor.
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Youth Services Celebrates
First Annual Youth Family Fest
Shedd Park Pavillion, June 16, 2022
Celebrating our young parents and their families and welcoming the Spring season with some fun outdoor activities. There were raffles and giveaways, activities, crafts, facepainting, lunch and slushies!
Many local organizations attended to share their resources.
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Do you have SNAP or WIC or want to know how to apply?
Do you want to know how to maximize your benefits so you save the most $$$ every month?
Do you want to know how you get the fresh, local, and organic fruits and vegetables with SNAP and WIC?
Join #LowellWIC and the DTA on Thursday June 23 from 11-12:30 via Zoom for a FREE Lunch and Learn!
For more information:
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Mark your calendar ~
Community Teamwork’s
Lowell Farmers' Market Returns!
This year, the Market will be held at Mack Plaza, 29 Shattuck Street
(corner of Shattuck and Market)
from July 8th to October 28th
Fridays*, 11am-3pm
*Except for July 29th/ Folk Fest weekend
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CAREERS AT COMMUNITY TEAMWORK
Special Career, Excellent Benefits
Sign-On Bonus $2k Full-Time, $1k Part-time
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This newsletter is sponsored by our Premier Partner, Enterprise Bank, who continues to support Community Teamwork's mission each and every day.
We appreciate all of our Sponsors whose continued generosity allows us to fulfill our mission.
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SPRING CELEBRATION SPONSORS |
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There are ALWAYS Ways to Help |
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If you find yourself in a position to help, your contribution will aid our efforts on every front as we work together to defeat COVID-19, care for our clients and families in their hour of greatest need, and emerge stronger than ever. |
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COMMUNITY TEAMWORK
978.459.0551
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