Seasonal notes from Neddy and staff at

the Spanish American Center

Dear friends,

We know it is a busy time for everyone so we will keep our message brief. We have exciting and hopeful updates which will be our contribution to the quilt of community services which keep us all covered with warmth and increased connection to each other as we enter the New Year 2023.

• The Center has received approval for $300K from the American Rescue Plan to support our After School Program. First check received on 12/15/2022 for $150,000, which will enable us to explore expansion options.
• SAC staff participated in the Community Coalition dinner at the Highland Baptist Church in Fitchburg.
• We attended a meeting was held with the director of the Massachusetts Portuguese Alliance to discuss future partnership.
• I met with Mark Barbernitz, Scout Executive, from the Boy Scouts of America to discuss possible collaboration.
• This year we had a very successful turkey basket distribution for Thanksgiving. We distributed a total of 100 turkey baskets.
• The Northwest Elementary School held a food drive to benefit families during Thanksgiving and donated all the proceeds to the SAC.
• On November 23rd we held the staff Thanksgiving lunch. On this date we honored and recognized the kitchen staff for their hard and continuous work with the Center.

We have been so very fortunate to have been the recipient of many generous donations, agency referrals and community benefactors as well during these past few weeks. It speaks to the kindness of our community, for which it is our privilege to serve. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023 to you all.

Neddy

Neddy Latimer, Executive Director