MAY, 2023
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS
New Council Developments...

"The secret to change is to focus all of your energy, not on fighting the old, but on building the new." - Socrates

The Community Council team is always looking for new ways to best serve our Needham neighbors while playing to the strengths and needs of our staff. If you would please join us in CONGRATULATING:

SUZANNE BAKER - moving into the Director of Development & PR role at the Council. Suzanne is a natural coach whether it's on the basketball court or the boardroom! She has a passion for building relationships, educating the community, and fostering teamwork to meet fundraising goals. Her love for her work is only exceeded by her love for her beautiful family, friends, and her hometown, Needham! If you see her around town, please ask her for a good "mission moment"!

PAGE VAN AMSON - transitioning into a part-time Director of Operations role. Page has brilliantly and systematically built processes and procedures that have enabled the council to pivot and address the ever-changing needs of our population. Her creative energy, flexibility, and enthusiasm enabled us to continue to deliver first-class service even during COVID. You see her artistic and technical talents in everything we produce from our front porch banners to our website design!

Are there more developments on the horizon? Funny you should ask...We need volunteers and we are looking to hire a Food Pantry Assistant too! Check out our opportunities below...
Summer Food Drives
Have you seen food prices at the supermarket??? 😲

In addition, April 2023 saw 315 food pantry visits at the Council. This is a 29% increase over April 2022 with 244 visits.

We could use your help in filling our food pantry for the summer! Please consider trading in your lemonade stands for a dedicated food drive!

To learn more, contact Page at 781-444-2415, ext. 2040 pvanamson@needhamcouncil.org or check out the links below:
🚗 Volunteer Drivers

Do you have a set of wheels and free time on Tuesdays? We could use your help delivering food to our Food Pantry customers who are homebound.
Food Pantry Assistant

The Needham Community Council is seeking a part-time Food Pantry Assistant 12-15 hours per week to assist the Food Pantry Manager with operational tasks. The Council Food Pantry is a successful client “Fresh First” distribution program with an increasing client base and outreach needs.
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** Council Offices and Thrift Store
CLOSED
Monday, May 29 - Memorial Day
Program Updates
Did you miss the NCE Parent University course “Parenting to Protect Our Children from Sexual Assault” presented by Cathy Wong, The Needham Community Council’s CAP program director?

There is no need to fret because you can now view the recording on the Council’s YouTube channel by using the button below, as well as access it from the CAP resources section of The Council’s website. This 40-min video focuses on educating our adult community on how they can help keep our children Safe, Strong, and Free.  
Tech & Tutor
New 8-Week Fire Tablet Training Series
When: Tuesdays at 2:00 PM
(Starting May 2)
Where: Center at the Heights
300 Hillside Ave.
Whether you have purchased your own Amazon Fire Tablet or acquired one through our Tech & Tutor program, you are invited to bring your device and learn something new each week. Each lesson builds on skills learned in the lesson before. To sign up for the classes, please contact the Center at the Heights at 781-455-7555.

Tablets are free for any older adult or income-eligible (over the age of 18) Needham residents. If you are interested in obtaining a tablet for yourself or someone you know, please use the link below or call Stacey at 781-444-2415.
Community Happenings

Free Workshop:
Kids & Teens with Anxiety

Tuesday, May 9th
7 - 8:30 pm
Center at the Heights
FREE to All
Join Wellesley-based psychologist and author Dr. Mitch Abblett as we address the epidemic of anxiety impacting our kids. Dr. Abblett will guide you through specific hands-on, mindfulness-based tools for breaking the brain-based habits of anxiety that limit peer and family relationships, academic outcomes and well-being for your children.
Needham: Transportation Survey
The Town of Needham is conducting a study to evaluate the Town’s local public transit options, identify transportation gaps and needs, and understand if our residents would use new services such as bus routes or ridesharing services. They are surveying Needham residents and workers to hear directly from you about transportation needs and preferences.
Please help them by using the button below to answer a few questions about how you prefer to get around Needham. 

April:
By the Numbers


The Council staff, volunteers, and customers were on the move in April!

Your help made all the difference to support neighbors in need of transportation to medical appointments and stocking the medical equipment loan closet.

We walked and talked with ELL learners and community members and saw hundreds of beautiful items walk out the door at The Council Thrift.
Spring Sale

May 11 - 13

Fresh air and fresh fashions at our annual Spring Fashion Sale!

Expand your wardrobe with a fresh spring look!

Thursday, May 11th 10 am – 6 pm
Friday, May 12th 10 am – 4 pm
Saturday, May 13th 10 am – 2 pm
Mothers Week

May 15 - 19
Mother's Day
Special Facebook Auctions

A week of Special Auctions for a memorable Mother’s Day! Starts Monday, May 15th in our Facebook Group. Place your bids in the comments and be the high bidder on some of our most special donations that come through the door. Jewelry, handbags and more!
Needham Community Council
570 Hillside Avenue
Needham, MA 02494
781-444-2415
office@needhamcouncil.org


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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.