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Building Communities
Changing Lives
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Dear Friends,
May is Community Action Month!
In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson set out on a plan to improve the lives of Americans, regardless of their circumstances, by signing the Economic Opportunity Act, which created the nationwide Community Action Network. Today, this network is comprised of 1000 Community Action Agencies across the country, including Community Teamwork, which is one of 23 Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts, along with being a Regional Housing Agency and Community Development Corporation.
At its core, the promise of Community Action is that it changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
We are thrilled to be able to honor true Champions of Community Action, Jim and Pam Houlares, Bobby and Aleksandra Tugbiyele, and our own Bill Lipchitz for their tireless work putting “action” into Community Action during our Spring Fundraiser tonight.
Our honorees are shining examples of Community Action in action. Their work spans areas of education, philanthropy, diversity and inclusion, community engagement and affordable housing development. Each of our Honorees has made a lasting positive impact in our communities and we wish to congratulate and thank each of them.
Thank you to each of our Sponsors for helping to make our event possible and for their continued generosity and support, which allow us to continue to do the work we do.
We are forever grateful.
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Karen Frederick, CEO
Community Teamwork
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May is Community Action Month
National Community Action Month was created by the Community Action Partnership to reinforce Community Action agencies’ role in helping low-income families achieve economic stability. There are 23 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) serving the families of Massachusetts with programming to create opportunities, increase self-sufficiency, and ultimately, end poverty. Together they form Massachusetts Associaton for Community Action (MASSCAP).
Community Action agencies also use National Community Action Month to call attention to the programs that help thousands of families achieve self-sufficiency. As Community Action agencies are showcasing their programs, they are also giving local residents; many of whom are unaware of the poverty in their communities; a first-hand look at the struggles low-income families face and how Community Action programs help these families achieve financial security.
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Champions of Community Action
Four Oaks Country Club
Thursday, May 26, 2022
6 – 9 pm
Hors D’oeuvres, Food Stations and Cash Bar
Honoring
Bill Lipchitz - 50 years of Community Action
Pam and Jim Houlares - Early Education Philanthropists
Aleksandra and Bobby Tugbiyele - Community and DEI Advocates
This is our largest annual fundraising event. Now more than ever, in the wake of COVID-19, we need your support to ensure we can continue the work we do in the community.
If you would like to sponsor this amazing event, or reserve tickets, please visit
Please note that your donation/sponsorship of $1000 or more qualifies for the Community Investment Tax Credit Program (CITC), which provides you with a 50% Massachusetts tax credit/refund on your donation/sponsorship.
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Common Ground - Tavernier Place, Acton |
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Let’s Talk About Housing…
Recently, we had a groundbreaking for one of our newest projects, Tavernier Place - named after Nancy Tavernier, who was a tireless advocate for affordable housing in Middlesex County.
Tavernier Place will bring 31 units to the community of Acton, targeting seniors and individual adults with disabilities.
In the town of Acton, there are over 80 seniors waiting for more affordable housing options. This doesn’t take into account the neighboring community that is also looking to stay local but are in need of affordable housing options as they transition to a fixed income.
When we talk about the housing crisis, it is often forgotten that a growing percentage of our seniors and individuals with disabilities are on fixed incomes- meaning their only income is coming from disability benefits, social security or modest retirement funds. As housing costs grow, their income doesn’t and it leaves them extremely vulnerable to becoming homeless or living in places that cannot meet their health and safety needs.
Tavernier Place is a success for the community; however, we need more successes and we need them now. These projects have required so many collaborations and jumping over various hurdles. This project alone took several years to break ground. Some take a decade or longer.
How do we speed this process up to provide housing that is needed?
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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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Our nationally certified coaches are ready to help you with all of your financial management needs. Would you like help creating your financial goals, designing a budget that fits your needs, or help improving your credit? Reach out to us today to schedule your personalized meeting.
If you are looking for more of a course-style financial literacy education experience, then our Financial Literacy Academy would be perfect for you.
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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First-Time-HomeBuyer Webinars
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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YouthbBuild's culinary program is celebrating Cambodian New Year with Lok Lak, Cha Kreung Satch Moan, jasmine, and rice crispy square |
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YouthBuild's Construction students went to Concord recently to work on a Habitat for Humanity house, helping to dig footings for the porch and
hanging sheetrock.
And, most of all, having fun!
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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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The Children of Greenhalge School Age Programming
Learn about Cambodian New Year
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Khmer New Year, also known as Cambodian New Year, is usually a three-day public holiday in Cambodia. In Khmer, it is called 'Chaul Chnam Thmey', which means 'enter the new year'.
It is based on the traditional solar new year that was observed in parts of India and Asia. It falls on either April 13th or April 14th.
The Khmer new year is marked by the sun entering the sign of Aries the Ram. This particular event was traditionally closely related to the Vernal Equinox. In ancient times, the dates of the sun entering Aries and the Vernal Equinox would have been even closer, but they have shifted due to an effect called procession, where the Earth wobbles on its axis over a 25,000 year period.
In Cambodia, it marks the end of the harvest before the beginning of the rainy season.
How is Khmer New Year Celebrated?
Like most New Year holidays, Khmer New Year is full of tradition and rituals. The three days of celebration each have their own name and associated traditions:
First Day - Maha Songkran
The first day of the Khmer New Year is called 'Maha Songkran'. Similar to the Tamil tradition, it is believed that this was the day of creation. In Khmer tradition, the world was created by God's angels and, to welcome the angels, people will clean their houses and illuminate them with candles. Families will place an idol of Buddha on an altar.
Second Day - Vanabot (also known as Virak Wanabat)
The second day of Khmer New Year is a time to think of the less fortunate. People offer charity by helping the poor, servants and the homeless. Families may go to monasteries to pay respect to their ancestors, and it also a time for family members to exchange gifts.
Third Day - Leang Saka
On the third day of New Year celebrations, Buddhists wash and clean statues of Lord Buddha with scented water. This cleansing is done to ensure that Cambodia will receive all the water it needs in the coming year. Another tradition is that children wash and bathe their parents and grandparents in return for blessing and good advice for the future.
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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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