Community Newsletter
February 2021
How you've helped your neighbors in need on their road to self-sufficiency.
The Power of Community 

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much”- Helen Keller

As I write this message for what will be my last Beverly Bootstraps Community e-newsletter as Director of Development & External Affairs, I sit back and reflect on the past nine and half years and the incredible growth we have seen as an organization and know that TOGETHER, each and every one of you made it possible to grow and to continue to respond to the changing needs of our community. 

Through the generosity you have afforded Beverly Bootstraps, I have had the great honor of joining you in your homes for a cup of tea or glass of wine to chat about how you can help, coming to your workplace to talk about how you and your colleagues can support our work, sitting on the floor in many elementary school class rooms to teach your children about the power of community and of course always thanking you for your support.  

Whether you have helped by giving your time through volunteer efforts, donating $5, $50, $500 or $5,000, providing holiday gifts and backpack supplies, helping to stock the pantry shelves, filling the room for special events or joining the Capital Campaign efforts, know that I am forever grateful for the support this amazing community has bestowed to Beverly Bootstraps.

Although I will soon be starting a new adventure with Essex County Habitat for Humanity, Beverly Bootstraps will always be near and dear to my heart, and I will continue to be a part of the donor and volunteer family. I know Beverly Bootstraps will continue to do amazing work in the community for many years to come. 

Fondly,

Heather Johnston
Director of Development & External Affairs

Adult Learners Push Through Despite Pandemic

The High School Equivalency Test (HiSET) Program (formerly called the GED Program) at Beverly Bootstraps provides high school level instruction in reading, writing, social studies, science, and mathematics. With a high school equivalency certificate (HiSET or GED), our students can attend college, procure job security, and increase salary potential.

When the pandemic hit, Beverly Bootstraps suspended all in-class learning. By September we had pivoted to a distance learning model. Our volunteer tutors and students have learned to thrive within this new model. Despite the pandemic, seven students earned their high school equivalency diplomas. On top of that, eighteen students passed HiSET exams in November and December, and eight learners are just one exam away from achieving their high school certification.

Our instructors and students have a lot to be proud of. Twenty-one tutors and twenty-six students have found a way to prioritize education during these very challenging times. Using Zoom to conduct one-on-one virtual learning sessions, the HiSET Program at Beverly Bootstraps continues to help adults reach their educational goals.
Cereal Needed in Food Pantry

As we all know, breakfast is the most important meal of the day. For kids, studies have shown that eating a meal first thing in the morning has a positive influence on cognitive performance in school. We also know that kids love cereal!

Please help our families by donating your favorite healthy cereal to our Food Pantry. We have donation bins located at Stop & Shop, 37 Enon Street, Stop & Shop, 224 Elliott Street, and Shaw's, 71 Dodge Street. You can also drop off at our office, 35 Park Street, during our regular operating hours of Mon & Thurs 10 am–2 pm, Tues 2–6 pm, and Wed 10 am–6 pm.
Beverly Hospital Helps Seniors

Thank you to Beverly Hospital, a member of Beth Israel Lahey Health, for their recent gift to support our Senior Food Delivery program this winter and into spring. We are so proud to collaborate with you and appreciate your support!
United Way Helps Ease the Burden of Filing Taxes with Generous Grant

Thank you to United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley for their grant to help Beverly Bootstraps offer our tax program again this year. We are grateful for their support of this important program which assists clients with their taxes. Thank you for all you do to support so many in our community.
Pizza and Muffins for a Cause

Two of our loyal volunteers, Carol Martin and Janet Barr, creatively used their skills to raise money for Beverly Bootstraps. They took their love of cooking and baking and sold homemade pizza and muffins to friends and neighbors. They provided healthy nourishment and in return, generously donated their profits back to those less fortunate in their community. We are so thankful to these two women for their continued support of our mission!
Tuesday, February 16
Beverly Bootstraps Thrift Shop, 198 Rantoul Street, Beverly
The Thrift Shop is getting a paint job and rearranging to help make shopping easier! The shop will be closed all day for both shopping and donating on Tuesday, February 16. When we re-open on Wednesday the 17th, we'll be ready to start receiving donations of spring fashions as well as garden art, statuary, and other spring-time decors.

"Give Back" Community Bag Program
The Month of March
Shaws, 71 Dodge Street and Stop & Shop, 37 Enon Street, Beverly
For the month of March, we've been chosen as the community recipient at Shaw's at 71 Dodge Street and the North Beverly Stop & Shop at 37 Enon Street. These reusable bags are an easy and environmentally friendly way to give back to your community!

Save the Date – Sunday, May 2, 10 am – 4 pm
Beverly Bootstraps Thrift Shop, 198 Rantoul Street, Beverly
The Thrift Shop will have lots of fantastic, specially-curated items for sale on this special "Fun Day, Sunday" shopping day. Save the date and stay tuned for more details!
To learn more, click on these handy links:
Beverly Bootstraps has always been committed to social justice. Helping people who might not have their basic needs met or an opportunity to avail themselves of education, for whatever reason or life story, is at the core of our mission.

We proudly serve, work with and employ individuals regardless of race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality. Further, we ask our community and world to do better and work towards justice and equal opportunities. 
35 Park Street, Beverly, MA 01915 978-927-1561 BeverlyBootstraps.org