Merrimack Valley Magazine

The Joy of Giving – Merrimack Valley Children’s Charities

by

Whether it’s a monetary contribution to a nonprofit or giving up a Sunday afternoon to cook meals for the homeless, few things are as gratifying as improving the life of another human being. We are reminded of this most often during the holiday season, when many of us look for opportunities to share our treasure and talent.

Often unable to help or speak for themselves, disadvantaged children and teens are among those most in need of assistance. Below, you will find a list of charities in the Merrimack Valley that work to help young people in a variety of ways, organizations that are always in need of donations and volunteers.

 

Catie’s Closet — With “closets” in several schools across the region, Catie’s Closet, which is based in Dracut, helps elementary and high school students living in poverty gain discreet access to clothing, toiletries, winter coats, shoes, bus passes, backpacks and even grocery cards. According to the organization’s website, Catie’s Closet has helped increase attendance and graduation rates in the schools it serves by meeting students’ basic needs and providing them with clothing they are proud to wear.

CatiesCloset.org | (978) 957-2200

Community Giving Tree — Providing low-income families with basics such as diapers, car seats, baby furniture, children’s clothing, school supplies and toys, Community Giving Tree has donation centers in Boxford, where the organization is based, and Middleton. The organization prides itself on keeping useful items out of landfills while helping local families. Donations during COVID-19 are by appointment only.

CommunityGivingTree.org | (978) 223-5767

Debbie’s Treasure Chest — Based in Lawrence, Debbie’s Treasure Chest provides clothing, books, toys, toiletries, school supplies and other essentials to local children in need. The organization also holds annual coat and toy drives, and partners with local police and firefighters to grant the holiday wishes of the kids with whom they work. During the current crisis, the need for donations is high.

DebbiesTreasureChest.org | (978) 360-4007

Horizons for Homeless Children — The largest organization exclusively dedicated to helping homeless children in Massachusetts, Horizons for Homeless Children provides early education classes and safe play spaces for children living in shelters, allowing parents time to look for work and take advantage of family services.

HorizonsChildren.org | (978) 557-2182

Lydia’s Kids Foundation — A private charitable fund established to provide for the short-term physical, emotional and intellectual needs of disadvantaged students in Newburyport’s public schools, Lydia’s Kids Foundation collects donations to pay for a wide range of essential items, including eyeglasses, warm winter clothing, snow boots and even summer camp tuition. 

Send tax-deductible donations to Lydia’s Kids Foundation c/o Institution For Savings, 93 State St., Newburyport, 01950.

Merrimack Valley Food Bank — Although the Merrimack Valley Food Bank’s programs help families in general, its Summer Food Service and Operation Nourish programs are geared toward kids age 18 and under. During the months of July and August, the food bank provides children in Lowell with free daily lunches and programs that help them learn about the importance of good nutrition and exercise. Operation Nourish provides students in Lowell’s public schools with bags of nourishing food two Fridays each month to help reduce weekend hunger. They continue to operate as normal during the current health restrictions.

MVFB.org | (978) 454-7272

Speedway Children’s Charities — Affiliated with New Hampshire Motor Speedway, the local branch of this national organization is located in Concord, N.H. Money raised by the charity through events and promotions at the speedway is distributed through grants to organizations in the Northeast that help children in need.

SpeedwayCharities.org/NewHampshire | (603) 513-5738    

Owning Greatness, Part 3 – Heather McMann

by

Women Leaders of the Merrimack Valley Seek to Innovate and Transform

There are many leaders throughout the Merrimack Valley, including five exceptional women we’ll highlight during the coming weeks. They are leaders in their industries, respected by colleagues and the public, and at the forefront of changing the landscape for women in their fields.

HEATHER McMANN
Executive Director, Groundwork Lawrence

Heather McMann has been working in the nonprofit sector since graduating from Smith College in 1994.

The work is important to her. She sees it as a meaningful way to make a difference.

“I’ve had a lot of opportunities to do different things in the nonprofit sector,” McMann says. “It’s a way to make an impact.”

It’s that sense of civic engagement that drives McMann each day as the director of Groundwork Lawrence, a nonprofit focused on environmental improvements, fresh food programs, youth education, employment initiatives and community engagement.

 

McMann is in her 15th year at Groundwork Lawrence, where she has served as executive director since 2009. That same year, she enrolled part-time in an MBA program at Brandeis University. In 2012, she received her MBA in social impact management from the university’s Heller School for Social Policy and Management.

“The support I received from the GWL staff and board, my husband, and from Heller, to be able to do both and complete my MBA in 2 1/2 years was brutal, amazing, and really supported both my professional growth and the growth of Groundwork Lawrence,” McMann says.

Another highly satisfying personal accomplishment was completing a four-day kayaking trip with the Merrimack Valley River Voyagers in the summer of 2019. “I’m still glowing with pride,” she says.

McMann arrived at Groundwork Lawrence as a consultant. She was drawn to the organization by its overall commitment to the environment and to environmental justice in particular.

What keeps her there is the wide focus of programming in a tight geographical location. The group helps to improve environmental education, employ young people, grow food, improve access to healthy food, and plant trees.

“There are not many places you can say you do all that,” McMann says.

Each day she sees the impact Groundwork Lawrence has in terms of economic development, health and education in Greater Lawrence.

The nonprofit employs 15 regular full-time employees, with many more joining in seasonally or for special initiatives.

“I think nonprofits really understand — fighting for a living wage for community members, we have to make sure we are doing our part as well,” McMann says. “We integrate internally what we are advocating for externally. You have to value your staff.”

A source of pride is seeing the reach of Groundwork Lawrence extend beyond its main city. While the organization will always be committed to Lawrence, McMann says, it’s important to remember that neighborhoods and rivers don’t have municipal boundaries.

Groundwork Lawrence has contributed to tree plantings in Haverhill and work on rail trails in neighboring communities, McMann says. By broadening the regional focus, Groundwork Lawrence helps continue its growth.

And for McMann, who lives in Haverhill, it’s nice to see the group’s impact in her own town.

She’s happy to see the growth of the nonprofit under her leadership, McMann says, which was greatly propelled by the receipt of a $2.6 million state grant in 2011 to build a network of trails that will connect six parks. 

Does she have advice for young women working to become the nonprofit sector’s future leaders?

“Be open to mentors,” McMann says. “Be open to learning, and support others.”

And for those who cannot swing a full-time commitment, there are other ways, McMann says, to make an impact in the nonprofit sector.

“Volunteer on a nonprofit board,” she says. “That’s a great way to really help support things you are passionate about, whether you can do it full time or not.”

 

McMann is one of five exceptional women featured in the Sept/Oct 2020 issue of Merrimack Valley Magazine. Click here for more info. >>>

Style Editor: Lysa Pelletier, Anchor Artists

Hair / Makeup Artist: Morgan Maguire – Spa Nijoli Methuen, Mass.

Shot on Location:60 Vibe in Lawrence’s mill district offers the amenities that you deserve in a professional working space, but also provides the environment and resources to take your business where you want to go. Whether you are looking to boost your efficiency by separating work and home life, or train yourself to start a venture, 60 Vibe has affordable and professional options. At 60 Vibe, you’ll find traditional workplace comforts such as private conference rooms and printing services, as well as the tools to launch a career in web design, videography, photography, music and sound engineering and other fields. Members also have access to computers, microphones and cameras for professional webinars and podcasts. 60 Vibe even offers mentoring and training to entrepreneurs. At 60 Vibe, you have everything you need to prosper. For more information, visit 60Vibe.com.

Lasting Legacy – Mill City Mentors

by

When Nathan Timm was 9 years old, he and his twin brother, Nick, were recommended to be matched with mentors from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lowell (now Mill City Mentors). Their living situation at the time, according to Nate, was “not the best.” Originally from the Lowell-Dracut area, the boys lacked positive male role models. They often went without food or proper clothing. Nate was matched with a big brother named Tim, who saw the void at home and strove to fill in the gaps in his life. Tim helped provide clothes and food. He made sure the brothers had lunch money for school and introduced them to his own family. He spent time with them, took them places, and encouraged them to be their best.

Eventually, the lives of the two brothers improved. A family friend took them into her home. With the support of Tim and his family, the boys completed high school and were accepted into colleges. Nate graduated from Fitchburg State University in 2014 with a degree in business management and is currently a systems analyst. Nick graduated from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2015 with a degree in mechanical engineering, Southern New Hampshire University in 2018 with an MBA.

Mill City Mentors (MCM) is a mentoring program of Community Teamwork in Lowell. Formerly known as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Lowell, the nonprofit organization was rebranded last year. It is designed to assist youths in 17 Greater Lowell communities: Ashby, Ayer, Billerica, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Groton, Littleton, Lowell, Pelham, Pepperell, Shirley, Tewksbury, Townsend, Tyngsboro and Westford.

 

MCM serves about 40 families a year and focuses on children and young adults ages 7 to 22. These individuals are at-risk, facing adversity and in need of support. They often have behavioral issues or are homeless. They can be referred to the program by families, support agencies, school principals or guidance counselors. Recently, MCM has begun moving from traditional referrals to site-based school programs. This change allows mentors to be accessible on-site once a week and to engage with more children of different ages and genders.

Ed Banks, the program coordinator for Mill City Mentors, joined the MCM team in May 2019. Ed connects youths with mentors, and also acts as mentor-match support. Mill City Mentors is partially funded and supported by Mass Mentoring Partnership and the United Way. In 2019, the Mass Mentoring Partnership gave MCM the opportunity to have an AmeriCorps ambassador of mentoring, Kyle Cregg, on-site. Cregg works with Banks and Bridget Quinn, the director of volunteer services, on marketing, rebranding and fundraising.

Nate, now 26, has been involved with the organization for 17 years and is a mentor himself. Nick is also involved with MCM and is a member of the charity golf fundraising committee. Rather than spending money on the individuals they are assisting, mentors are instead encouraged to give their time. Nate and Josh, the boy he is mentoring, go bowling, play at the arcades, take their dogs to the dog park, or just hang out at home and play video games. Nate often sees his longtime big brother, Tim, for breakfast. Josh’s mother sent mvm a photo of Tim, Nate and Josh, a legacy of support and empowerment.  

Ed Banks, program coordinator of Mill City Mentors, with Kyle Cregg, AmeriCorps ambassador of mentoring (left) and Bridget Quinn, director of volunteer services (right). MCM strives to provide positive, caring mentors to youth facing adversity and in need of support.

Get involved! Mentors are everyday people who want to have fun and make a difference in the life of a child or young adult. For information on how to become a mentor or how to refer an individual from Greater Lowell, go to CommTeam.org/millcitymentors or email Bridget Quinn at bquinn@commteam.org.   

NoteWorthy – 11/10/19

by

AROUND THE VALLEY

Greater Lowell Community Foundation Announces New Fund Established in Honor of Veterans and First Responders

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation announced the establishment of the Hidden Battles Endowment Fund. This new field-of-interest fund supports programs to help preserve the healthy minds of military veterans and first responders for treatment and counseling to addresses suicide prevention, depression, PTSD and other mental health issues.

Hidden Battles began as a fiscal sponsorship fund of the Greater Lowell Community Foundation in 2017. The organization was started by Scott Hyder, an Army veteran and retired Westford police officer.

“By teaming with GLCF, we know our money is in the right hands. We started this new field-of-interest fund because we know that the foundation will bring Hidden Battles to a whole new level – a level that can expand on the programs that are keeping our men and women in uniform mentally safer,” said Scott Hyder of Pelham, N.H., founder of Hidden Battles.

Enterprise Bank Once Again Supporting Local Veterans During November

For the third year, Enterprise Bank is recognizing local organizations that provide support and services to military veterans with the Checking with Purpose campaign. Throughout the month of November, Enterprise Bank will recognize six local organizations within the bank’s service area that support veterans. Each branch location is partnered with one of the organizations.

For every new checking account opened with Enterprise Bank from Nov. 1 to 30, the bank will donate $10 to a designated local veteran’s organization in the Checking with Purpose campaign, which this year includes Cunningham Veteran’s Home, Lowell; iPods for Wounded Veterans, Wilmington; Clear Path for Veterans, Devens; Veterans Northeast Outreach Center, Haverhill; Homeland Heroes Foundation, Salem; Harbor Homes – Veterans First, Nashua.

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network Receives $10,000 Grant from the Greater Lowell Health Alliance

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network’s PrideSide Lowell program received a $10,000 grant from the Greater Lowell Health Alliance (GLHA). The grant will allow PrideSide Lowell to add a group for high school youth who identify as LGBTQ+ that will focus on peer leadership and creating community connections for middle school youth.

“Wayside Lowell is incredibly thankful for the support from the GLHA,” said Beth Chin, regional director, Wayside Central Massachusetts and Lowell. “This grant allows us to empower LGBTQ+ youth in Greater Lowell to thrive, make connections and develop advocacy skills so that they can become active participants in their community.”

Greater Lowell Community Foundation and Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts Seek Request for Proposals for 2019 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle

The Greater Lowell Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts opened its 2019 Nashoba Valley Healthcare Fund Cycle on Oct. 22. The foundations are seeking requests for proposals from nonprofit organizations supporting the advancement of community health of residents in 13 communities: Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Dunstable, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Townsend and Westford.

Grant awards will range from $5,000 up to $20,000; however, larger scale collaborative projects that are more than $20,000 will be considered if the funding request is justified by the impact of the project. The foundations are especially interested in seeing proposals that address systemic issues including but not limited to opiate addiction, food scarcity, obesity, substance abuse, suicide screening and prevention and other specific issues as indicated by community needs.

Link House Inc.’s Links of Hope Event Raises Over $135,000

Almost 400 people gathered at the Blue Ocean Music Hall in Salisbury for Link House Inc.’s Links of Hope Gala this fall to raise funds as part of National Recovery Month. The event, which was attended by Governor Charlie Baker, raised over $135,000. Frank Cousins, Jr., former Essex County sheriff and Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry president/CEO received the Nick Costello Heroes in Recovery Award. Comedian Jimmy Tingle emceed the event and John Broderick, Dartmouth Hitchcock senior director of external affairs was the keynote speaker. 

Seaside Legal Solutions Ribbon Cutting

On Oct. 8, Seaside Legal Solutions held a ceremonious ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new Newburyport office located on Pleasant Street. In attendance were State Senator Diana DiZoglio’s office, Newburyport Mayor Donna Holaday, the Greater Newburyport Chamber of Commerce & Industry staff, attorney Joel Favazza, his son, and Seaside Legal Solutions staff.

Seaside Legal Solutions provides effective and efficient residential and commercial real estate legal services to the Cape Ann area and Boston’s North Shore. They have been providing legal services out of their other Gloucester office for 10 years, and were the lead sponsor of this year’s Newburyport Fall Harvest Festival.

Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust Renews National Recognition

The Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust (LP&CT) has renewed land trust accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance.

“The Lowell Parks & Conservation Trust’s accredited status demonstrates our commitment to permanent land conservation that benefits the entire community,” says Mark Romanowsky, president. “Our land trust is a stronger organization today having gone through the rigorous accreditation program.”

LP&CT is one of only 439 land trusts across the nation that have been accredited.

Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce to Host Southern New Hampshire Water Forum

The Greater Salem Chamber of Commerce will host the 2019 Southern New Hampshire Water Forum, Drinking Water: New Standards and Solutions, from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. on Nov 14, at Brookstone Event Center in Derry.

Attendees of the event will have the opportunity to learn more about water quality issues and developments taking place in the southern tier New Hampshire.

Expanding Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care to Seabrook

Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care, in partnership with Anna Jaques Hospital, opened a new practice on Nov. 4 in Seabrook to enhance New Hampshire residents’ access to high-quality primary care.

The new 5,000-square-foot medical office space, located at the Route 1 Shopping Center, was chosen to provide a convenient and accessible location for patients and their families.

Primary care physicians Sangita Agarwal and Alexander Asch provide personalized, comprehensive primary care for patients of all ages. Beth Israel Lahey Health Primary Care offers access to specialists and specialty programs through its affiliation with Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport.

Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity Hosts Volunteer Appreciation Event 

On Nov. 1, Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity hosted its annual volunteer appreciation dinner. This event recognizes dedicated volunteers, supporters, board members and business leaders who have contributed time towards building affordable housing for local families in need. 

Volunteers are the foundation of the organization and, during the 2018/2019 fiscal year, 1,267 dedicated individuals contributed over 33,000 hours towards volunteering. The value of these hours equates to approximately $843,000 in savings, which under normal circumstances would have been paid to construction companies and experts in the building process.

Merrimack Valley Habitat for Humanity staff and members of the board were joined by 100 of the most regular volunteers at the Claddagh Pub in Lawrence for a celebratory night of recognition. Awards were presented to volunteers who have contributed 500 or more hours over the previous year. Awards were also presented for 400, 300, 200 and 100 hours contributed.

D’Youville Hosts 17th Annual Lasting Impressions Dinner to Honor Sisters of Charity of Ottawa

The Sisters of Charity of Ottawa, sponsors of the D’Youville Life & Wellness Community. As D’Youville transitions to new sponsorship, their focus remains on providing seniors with superior, compassionate long- and short-term care solutions and expanding services to meet seniors’ ever-changing and increasing needs.

On Nov. 7, the D’Youville Life & Wellness Community hosted their 17th annual Lasting Impressions dinner. This year, over 300 guests attended the sold-out, emotional event to honor the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. The dinner was the largest of its kind hosted by D’Youville.

Although D’Youville’s connection with the sisters dates back almost 60 years, the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa have been in Lowell since 1880 when they first arrived to provide education to the children of mill workers. The sisters also founded the St. Jeanne D’Arc School and played an instrumental role in building what is now the Saints Campus of Lowell General Hospital.

The Sisters of Charity of Ottawa established D’Youville in 1960 and ran it for three decades. D’Youville has evolved over the past two decades from being solely a nursing home (and for years an adult day health care center) to a multifaceted “continuum of care” organization. Today, D’Youville is the largest long-term skilled nursing care facility in Lowell and provides special care for Alzheimer’s patients. In addition, they also offer senior housing and both memory care and traditional assisted living.

As the sisters’ numbers decreased, they requested that their board of directors find a suitable successor to be D’Youville’s “sponsor” or formal overseer on behalf of the Catholic Church and who would uphold high standards for quality health care. After more than two years of searching, sponsorship was transferred to the Carmelite Sisters for the Aged and Infirm, a group based in upstate New York with very similar values and priorities to the Sisters of Charity of Ottawa. To learn more about the process and what it means for D’Youville, watch this video.

MOVERS & SHAKERS

Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence Welcomes Elizabeth Suh as Assistant Director of Education

The Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence has appointed Elizabeth Suh of Topsfield as assistant director of education. In this role, she provides high school students with the tools and resources required for college, including counseling in financial aid applications, SAT/ACT preparation and college tours.

“Elizabeth’s expertise will help hundreds of youths achieve their academic dreams of becoming the first in their family to attend college,” said Karen Kravchuk, director of education at the Boys & Girls Club of Lawrence. “We’re so fortunate to have her as part of our club family.”

Suh earned a master’s degree in bilingual/multicultural education from Instituto Franklin in Madrid, Spain in 2017. She earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies with a minor in studio art photography from Allegheny College.

Dracut Chiropractor Elected President of Massachusetts Chiropractic Society

Dracut chiropractor Gerard Cassista has recently been elected president of the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society, the only statewide, nonprofit membership service organization representing the chiropractic profession in Massachusetts.

Cassista has been an active member of the Massachusetts Chiropractic Society since 1981. During most of that time, he has served as a director on the board in one capacity or another, including continuing education director and chairman of membership. He is also a past president of the Merrimack Valley Chiropractic Society.

Lowell Remodeler Gains Regional Recognition

The Builders and Remodelers Association of Greater Boston awarded Amesbury’s BLB Custom Building with two prestigious PRISM Awards at their 75th annual event. The gala aims to recognize the finest projects and superior achievements of builders, remodelers and other professionals in the home building industry.

BLB Custom Building was awarded a Silver PRISM for their “Farmhouse Kitchen” in the highly competitive Best Kitchen Remodel category. BLB Custom Building’s Director of Marketing Tom O’Brien was also awarded the Gold PRISM for Rising Star of the Year for his accomplishments and performance within the industry. 

NoteWorthy – 8/11/19

by Leave a Comment

AROUND THE VALLEY

Enterprise Bank Deepens Commitment to Lowell with Purchase of Palmer Street Property

Deepening its commitment to downtown Lowell and expanding its campus, Enterprise Bank announced it has purchased the building located at 18 Palmer Street. The bank has occupied the space as a lessee since 2014.

Founder and Chairman George L. Duncan said, “Enterprise Bank was founded with the vision to strengthen the economic fabric in our communities. Our purchase of the building at Palmer Street makes sense from both a business perspective and as part of our continuing mission to support a vibrant downtown.”

***

Cancer Support Organizations Unite to Boost Funding & Awareness

Two local cancer support organizations have joined forces merging mutual community fundraising and cancer support efforts for North of Boston communities. United as one 501(c)(3) private foundation officially named North of Boston Cancer Resource (NBCR), the former Seacoast Cancer Coalition (SCC) is now the active fundraising arm for NBCR whose mission is to enrich the well-being of people living with cancer and their loved ones by enhancing access to resources, education and services that empower and support the whole person.

Windrush Farm announces Mark Perry Equine Dentist Scholarship 

Windrush Farm announced the Mark Perry Equine Dentist Scholarship, made possible by the generosity of friends and family of Mark Perry.

The Mark Perry Equine Dentist scholarship is for a child or adult with physical, cognitive or emotional challenges whose family qualifies based on financial need and consideration of extraordinary circumstances. The scholarship is for a session of therapeutic riding or horse related classes at Windrush Farm, in North Andover.

***

MOVERS & SHAKERS

John W. McLendon Joins Cerner and Circle Health as Chief Information Officer

John W. McLendon has joined Cerner and Circle Health as Chief Information Officer (CIO). McLendon brings over three decades of healthcare leadership and information technology experience to his role, including more than 20 years as a CIO. He most recently served as vice president and CIO at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. Prior to that, he served in executive roles at MedStar Health in Washington, DC and Maryland; Adventist Health System in Altamonte Spring, Fla. and Bayfront Health System in St. Petersburg, Fla.

 

 

Who We Are

mvm is the region’s premier source of information about regional arts, culture and entertainment; food, dining and drink; community happenings, history and the people who live, work, play and make our area great.

© Copyright 2021 Merrimack Valley Media Group Inc. All rights reserved.