MARCH, 2023
NEEDHAM COMMUNITY COUNCIL NEWS
TECH TEEN WRAP UP

Not every Needham student was on Winter break last week. Some used their time off from school to help our community by providing FREE tech support for the Tech & Tutors program.

Here at Tech & Tutors, we refer to student volunteers as "Digital Natives." High School students make wonderful tutors as demonstrated by the amazing group of students who volunteered last week. They were patient, thoughtful, and generous with their time and skill sets. As one of our clients said, "This kid's got juice!"

Thanks to the Center at the Heights for offering their space and support. Over 40 people came in for help with various technology needs.

Based on the positive response and requests we received, we may conduct another Tech Teen event or create an afterschool program in the future. Stay tuned to Tech & Tutors!
READY TO PARTY!
The Party for the Pantry is just around the corner on March 11th and we can't wait!

At the end of February, many of our Food Pantry customers saw changes to their SNAP accounts due to the end of temporary pandemic benefits. That means less money to spend on food each month, even as inflation remains near a 40-year high. 

We look forward to this event and the opportunity to gather and raise critical funds we need to help provide food support to over 315 Needham households.

Learn more about the event or make a gift to the Party below.

Thank you to our Lead Sponsor:
Cheer Us On!

Support the Needham Community Council team of trivia masters in this fun, family-friendly event on Thursday night, March 9, 7PM at Needham High School.

Come to laugh, learn and raise funds for our amazing Needham teachers and students. You will see plenty of familiar faces and you know it will "bee" 🐝 a good time!
Congratulations Judy!

Warm congratulations to our own Judy Lambert who received the 2023 Needham Exchange Club "Book of Golden Deeds Award". Last night Judy joined Exchange Club members and friends as she was presented the award.

The award is given to a Needham resident who has demonstrated a history of selfless contribution and dedication to the Needham community.

We can't think of anyone more deserving - congratulations Judy!
Program Updates
Lyft Riders on the Move
Our Lyft program is an important part of helping older residents stay in their homes. We have over 90 customers that depend on us to get to important appointments like their doctors or visiting a loved one at a nursing home.

"The Lyft program is a lifeline for me, I’m used to being out and about and not having a car is very hard. It means the difference between living a quality life or not."
  • Sheila, Lyft Rider

If you know someone who needs help with transportation, please call our office to learn more.
This program is made possible with grants from:
Join the Team of ELL Tutor Volunteers
Are you a welcoming person who enjoys conversation? If so, English tutoring with the Needham Community Council may be for you!
The English Language Learners Program trains tutors to work with adults in the community who want to communicate better in English. Volunteer with the Council to meet individually with an English learner or even lead a small group. Weekly tutoring sessions can take place in-person or remotely. Volunteer Training Sessions begin in April.
Summing Up February...

The inches of snowfall may be down this year, but our numbers are definitely not going down!

Over 20,000 pounds of food went out of our Food Pantry in the month of February. And, now with SNAP benefits being reduced, that number is likely going to climb.

The hallways have been buzzing with volunteers, whether they are party planners, ELL Tutors or Tech Teens - there is so much activity that we may need to get Judy (our Director of Programs and Volunteers) roller skates to keep up!

Thanks for all you do!!!
CAP Update
After a very busy January and February, the CAP volunteer team successfully presented online CAP (Child Assault Prevention) workshops to all third and fifth grade classes in the Needham public elementary schools. 
The team is preparing to conduct first grade CAP workshops. These workshops will take place in March and will be the first time we are back inside the schools conducting in-person CAP workshops since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Make sure you have returned permissions slips for your first grader to attend the workshop. And, when your first grader comes home with materials after their CAP workshop, ask them to share with you the CAP yell and who their trusted adults are that they will go to if they ever have a problem. You might even help them identify more grown-ups in their lives that they can turn to if you are not immediately available. 
🛒 The Council Thrift News

🧙‍♀️ Find your Treasure!

Look out Antique Roadshow, there is a new act in town and it is right here in your own backyard at the Needham Community Council!

You don't have to be a leprechaun to find your pot of gold! You just have to come to 570 Hillside Ave.!
Come check out our curated antiques and collectibles! We have compiled our best, our most unusual and our favorite pieces over the course of the year.

To be the first to see our gems, use the link below to make an appointment for the pre-sale on Thursday, March 16th from 10am-1pm. The sale opens to the public Thursday at 1pm. Space is limited in the shop so please be patient. Shop Friday and Saturday March 17 and 18, no appointment necessary . One visit may not be enough as treasures are coming in ALL the time!
Thurs, March 16th
10 am - 6 pm
for the first two hours
Fri, March 17th
10 am - 4 pm
(no appointment necessary)
Sat, March 18th
10 am - 2 pm
(no appointment necessary)
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.