Lowell Farmers' Market at Community Teamwork

Why Do the Jewish People Recognize Hanukkah?
30 Hanukkah Facts that Will Brighten Your Holiday

Let's kick things off with a quick history lesson. To sum it up briefly, Hanukkah commemorates the Jewish military victory against the Syrian king Antiochus Epiphanes, during which one day's worth of oil burned for eight nights.

This made it possible for the Jewish rebels, known as the Maccabees, to rededicate the Holy Temple in Jerusalem after its desecration by the Syrians. Of course, there is much more to the story than that and even more to uncover about the
tradition itself.

This year, Hanukkah is celebrated from the Evening of Thursday, December 7, 2023, through Friday, December 15, 2023. Also known as the Jewish Religious Festival of Lights, it marks the liberation of oppression. It also provides a strong argument in favor of freedom and worship.

30 Amazing Hanukkah Facts That Might Surprise You: https://bestlifeonline.com/hanukkah-facts

With the cold weather rapidly approaching, now is the time to plan. You might be eligible for help paying a portion of your winter heating bills. Visit the link in our bio to see if you qualify for .

APPLY: www.commteam.org/fuel
FUEL:
978-459-6161, [email protected]
45 Kirk Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell MA 01852
WEATHERIZATION:
978-654-4904, [email protected]

Karen Frederick, CEO of Community Teamwork, Announces her Retirement.

https://www.lowellsun.com/2023/11/30/community-teamwork-ceo-karen-frederick-announces-her-retirement/

Community Teamwork CEO Karen Frederick announces her retirement LOWELL — After 20 years at the helm of Community Teamwork Inc., and 46 years of dedicated service with the community action agency, CEO Karen Frederick has announced her retirement effective Nov. …

As Giving Tuesday winds down, we again want to thank those who donated to Community Teamwork today. Your generosity truly makes a difference as we work to serve those in our community who need a helping hand.

Throughout the day you have heard from members of our Division of Housing and Homeless Services. The dedicated staff in this Division work tirelessly to find shelter and homes for the individuals they work with and we are very lucky to have them championing for those in need.

Before the day ends, we hope you will consider supporting Community Teamwork’s efforts to alleviate homelessness. Each gift makes a difference and is greatly appreciated.

https://donate.onecause.com/ctigiving

Thank you to all who have donated to Community Teamwork today on Giving Tuesday! This holiday season, gifts to Community Teamwork will support our work to alleviate homelessness. Gifts of any size will make a real impact as we work toward our goal of creating 300 units of low-threshold housing.

Throughout the day, we have been sharing with you messages from the staff in our Division of Housing and Homeless Services. The common thread in all their messages is that what they love most about their job is helping people who are either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless move into their own home. Please consider supporting this life-saving program.

And, did you know that a donation to Community Teamwork of $1,000 or more, or multiple donations totaling $1,000 or more in a calendar year, qualifies you to receive a 50% tax credit/refund under the Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credits Program (CITC)? To learn more, please visit our website and click on “Donate”:
(www.commteam.org/get-involved/donate). We hope you will consider this benefit when making your year-end gifts.

We thank you in advance for your support of Community Teamwork.

Thank you to all who have generously donated to Community Teamwork today on Giving Tuesday. Your support will make it possible for us to move forward with two important housing projects, one of which will provide individuals who are homeless or facing homelessness with affordable efficiency apartments, and the other which will help homeless women in our communities.

You can read more about our plans and donate using the link below.

Each day, our Division of Housing and Homeless Services works with individuals who need a helping hand and a chance to start fresh. Last year, this Division was able to help secure and provide 25 emergency vouchers to homeless or housing-insecure individuals. Their efforts ensured that 25 people could either keep their housing or find a place to call home.
We thank you for your continued support, which allows us to provide life-saving services to those in need in our communities.

https://donate.onecause.com/ctigiving

On , we're reminded to support those in need. It's also a good time to let friends and neighbors know about , which offers help with winter heating bills for eligible households. Learn more at www.commteam.org/fuel

Contact Community Teamwork
APPLY: www.commteam.org/fuel

FUEL:
978-459-6161, [email protected]
45 Kirk Street, 2nd Floor, Lowell MA 01852

WEATHERIZATION:
978-654-4904, [email protected]

On this Giving Tuesday, we thank all of you in our community who have helped us continue our mission of creating housing, education, and economic opportunities for the most vulnerable in our communities. Your generosity has allowed us to restore hope to struggling families and individuals through our many programs. Your generosity has allowed us to envision a world with less poverty—but we still have work to do.

As winter approaches, our thoughts turn to those individuals who are housing insecure—living on the streets, in cars, in tents and in doorways. It is estimated that there are currently more than 150 unsheltered individuals in Greater Lowell who find themselves in this dire situation. The weather is turning colder, and each day, more and more people turn to us for help.

Our Division of Housing and Homeless Services works with hundreds of individuals each year who find themselves homeless or on the verge of becoming homeless. They truly embody the mission of Community Teamwork. Throughout the day, we will share with you their messages. As you will read, what they love most about their work is helping people move beyond homelessness and into permanent homes.
YOU can help us help more individuals have a warm, safe place to call home. Visit this link to learn more and to donate on this Giving Tuesday.
https://donate.onecause.com/ctigiving

Tomorrow (11/28) is Giving Tuesday, a global day of giving back to nonprofits and organizations working for positive changes within their communities. As a Community Action Agency, Community Teamwork strives to make a difference by creating housing, education and economic opportunities so that every member of our community, especially those living in poverty, thrives.

We cannot do this alone. Through the collaboration of dedicated staff, invested community leaders, and generous friends and supporters, we can continue to assist those in need.

As the weather turns colder, we worry about those individuals with no stable place to call home and may be sleeping in alleys, doorways, tents or cars. We hope you will partner with us as we work to alleviate homelessness in our community.

Click here to learn more about our plans and how you can help make a difference: https://donate.onecause.com/ctigiving

We thank you for your commitment to Community Teamwork and helping us continue our important work.

We will be closed today, Friday, November 24th. We will reopen on Monday, November 27th.

We will be closed today, Thursday, November 23rd and tomorrow, Friday, November 24th, in celebration of Thanksgiving!

City of Lowell Presents Spectacular City of Lights Holiday Parade and Lighting Event

The City of Lowell is delighted to announce the much anticipated City of Lights holiday parade and lighting event, set to take place on Saturday, November 25, 2023. This annual celebration has become a beloved tradition, bringing together families and friends from across the region to revel in the holiday spirit.

The festivity will commence at noon with family-friendly activities throughout the afternoon, including a magic show, free movie screening, the annual hot chocolate competition, and more! Afternoon activities give way to the holiday parade, starting at Jackson Street and weaving its way up Merrimack Street to City Hall, showcasing an array of community floats and performances. This year’s parade proudly features Grand Marshals Sam Hor and Larry Wilson, co-founders of the Lowell Youth Leadership Program. This organization embodies the spirit of community and youth leadership.

The parade culminates at 5:30PM with the grand City Hall lighting, setting the stage for a joyful holiday season.

Following the parade and lighting ceremony, everyone is invited to two new City of Lights activities: MICRO, an interactive public art exhibit on JFK Plaza and the Down-Home Holiday Concert on Palmer Street, from 6:00PM to 9:15PM. The concert features performances by the Holiday Ramblers, Ward Hayden and the Outliers, and the Counterfeit Cash Johnny Cash Tribute band. Refreshments from Navigation Brewing Company will accompany the open-air concert.

“The Down-Home Holiday Concert is an exciting addition to our City of Lights celebration,” said Thomas A. Golden, Jr., City Manager. “We’re thrilled with the opportunity to blend our time-honored traditions with new experiences and offer our community a unique and joyful way to kick off the holiday season.”

The City extends a warm invitation to all community members and visitors to join in this joyous celebration. Come together and...

Save the Date! Giving Tuesday is less than a week away!

We hope you will participate in this International Day of Giving and support Community Teamwork, especially our efforts to alleviate homelessness in our community.

We all know that family homelessness in Massachusetts is at an all-time high. We also want our friends and supporters to remember the individuals in our region who do not have a stable or safe place to sleep.

In the days leading up to Giving Tuesday, and on the day itself, we will share with you the words of our dedicated staff in our Housing and Homeless Services Division, who each day work to ensure that those who come to our door seeking help will have a place to call home.

Today, we are featuring Maria, a dedicated Case Manager. Last year, 105 individuals receiving homelessness received rapid rehousing services. This means that 105 housing-insecure individuals had a safe space to call home.

We hope you will consider donating so that we can further our efforts to alleviate homelessness. Click on this link to learn more and give. https://donate.onecause.com/ctigiving

We will be closed Thursday and Friday, November 23 and 24, in celebration of the Thanksgiving Holiday. We hope you can enjoy time with family and friends!

Tomorrow is Election Day – Don’t Forget to VOTE

Remember to Vote on Tuesday, Nov 7th.

For information, visit Lowell Votes – A nonpartisan, grassroots organization: https://www.lowellvotes.org/

For voting locations, please visit:
https://www.lowellma.gov/322/Polling-Locations

Election Polling Locations | Lowell, MA Find your polling location for elections.

The online registration for Toys for Tots starts today, Wednesday, November 1st, and ends Wednesday, November 8th. PLEASE SHARE!

https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommunityTeamwork1/ToysforTots2023CTI

FYI Sun Santa started Monday, October 30th and runs through November 6th.

Links to both can also be found on our website popup - www.commteam.org

Happy Halloween from CTI's WIC Team!

Today is the LAST LOWELL FARMERS’ MARKET of the season can you believe it?? Don’t forget to come down & enjoy some nice fresh produce & crafts before we close at 3! We are located right behind the Hamilton Garage on Canal street. It is a beautiful day:) !We're open 11-3pm!

Enjoy Music, Beer & Wine, Small Bites and an opportunity to learn about important Youth Services Programming in Greater Lowell.

For more information about the event visit:
www.commteam.org/an-evening-to-end-youth-homelessness

For more information on sponsorships, and/or to donate to our raffle, please contact Margot Regan at [email protected] or 978.654.5813.

THANK YOU SPONSORS:

CHAMPION
Sandi A. Wilson Youth Homelessness Endowment
ADVOCATE
John & Alyce Moore
Team Correia
SUPPORTER
Enterprise Bank
Greater Lowell Community Foundation
Merrimack Valley Credit Union
PARTNER
Maria Vejar-Mason Galeria Los Boutique
FRIEND
Paulette Renault-Caragiane

SUN SANTA and TOYS FOR TOTS only accept applications ONLINE during the DATES SPECIFIED below. The link to the application will ONLY be active during the dates specified.

SUN SANTA (10/30 - 11/6 ONLY)

Website link for SUN SANTA APPLICATION: https://bit.ly/3nNgsE4
AVAILABLE MONDAY, OCTOBER 30 THROUGH MONDAY NOVEMBER 6

Required information:
• Full names and dates of birth for EACH child under age 16*
• No hard copy/uploaded documents will be required
• Applicants will self-certify their information.

*Guardianship papers are to be uploaded under the Birth Certificate tab

Questions/ Assistance: Ann Sirois, 978-654-7142 [email protected]

Only one person for each family may apply. Any family applying through more than one agency will not be eligible. Toy vouchers are available for eligible children through age 16. Only residents of the towns within Middlesex County are eligible.

TOYS FOR TOTS (11/1 - 11/8 ONLY)

Website Link for TOYS FOR TOTS APPLICATION:
https://www.cognitoforms.com/CommunityTeamwork1/ToysForTots2023CTI
AVAILABLE WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 THROUGH WEDNESDAY NOV 8

• Contact information for the parents/guardians and the names, ages and gender of EACH child.
• Children ages 0-12 are eligible.

Questions/Assistance: Gladys Santiago, 978-654-5673
[email protected]

YOU CAN ALSO ACCESS THESE TWO LINKS ON COMMUNITY TEAMWORK'S WEBSITE: www.commteam.org - The popup that appears will contain the information.

Programs - Community Teamwork Pam Houlares is a native Bostonian born into a large Greek family. She grew up in a large extended family with aunts, uncles and cousins in the Boston area. Both sisters, including her twin, experienced a strong bond with their Greek culture and identity. After graduation from UMass Amherst, Pam’s...

Click the link below to enjoy some of the moments from last Friday's 1st-ever Food Truck Festival at CTI's Lowell Farmers' Market -- SO MUCH FUN and GOOD FOOD!

https://photos.app.goo.gl/jaV13y4JQVeDSy4Q7

Visit the Cambodia Town Night Market - Saturday, October 14, 5-9pm, Roberto Clemente Park - 803 Middlesex Street. There'll be food vendors, food trucks, live music & games! Vendors from Lowell Farmers' Market at Community Teamwork will be there! https://ow.ly/wxEp50PQZ01

For more information:
https://www.lowellma.gov/calendar

JOIN US TODAY - FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 29TH, 11-3pm for the
FOOD TRUCK FESTIVAL at THE LOWELL FARMERS' MARKET!
Live Music by DJ Startraak
Located at the corner of Broadway and Canal Street
Bring your appetite, cash and cards!

Congratulations to Karen Frederick and to all the other Award Recipients!

September is Hunger Action Month

Each September, the Feeding America nationwide network of food banks joins together for Hunger Action Month® — the annual national campaign designed to inspire people to take action and raise awareness of hunger in the United States. This Hunger Action Month, choose to end the impossible choices of need.

Everyone needs nutritious food to thrive. Yet, tens of millions of people in the United States ― half of whom are children―face hunger. This September, join a food bank and the movement to end hunger.

Global hunger crisis in 2023

After steadily declining for a decade, world hunger is rising, affecting nearly 10% of people globally. From 2019 to 2022, the number of undernourished people grew by as many as 150 million, a crisis mainly driven by conflict, climate change, and the COVID-19 pandemic.

Activities occur throughout the month, with collective efforts focusing on Hunger Action Day on Friday, September 15, 2023.

7 ways to help during Hunger Action Month:
https://www.feedingamerica.org/hunger-blog/7-ways-help-during-hunger-action-month

Please join us at Community Teamwork's Lowell Farmers' Market in the Hamilton Canal District EVERY Friday between 11 and 3 p.m. This week's (9/1) entertainment is the singing/piano-playing duo of Micha Descoteaux and Bobby Brian. Hope to see you all there!

For more information about the Market, visit
www.commteam.org/lowell-farmers-market
or email [email protected]