People Helping People
Thanks to a dedicated group of Needham residents, the Lunch Equity Project is raising funds to support both the Needham Community Council Food Pantry and the Needham Community Farm. Both agencies work together to meet the food insecurity needs of youth in our community.
click here to visit the project website
On March 6, 1930, 19 Needham neighbors came together at the MacGregor Instrument Company to create an agency to support residents during the difficult days of the Depression. Rev. Harry Kimball acted as the presiding officer. The group who assembled unanimously approved the name “Needha
m Community Council” for this new venture. Membership comprised 1 representative from each organization in town devoted to social welfare with a stated purpose of creating a “focus for community spirit” to cement all organizations in the town in like work.
Bylaws were written and officers were elected to “aid in the coordination of all the organizations of the town for the community welfare and to initiate new community activities where there appears to be a need. There shall be no membership dues, and from time to time the Council shall devise ways to raise whatever money may be necessary for its work”.
The first programs supported by the Council included a Red Cross Welfare Bureau, the creation of a Labor Exchange in Needham [which became a free employment bureau for the town] and endorsement of the Community Christmas Celebration. An early need to address hunger in town was met by the distribution of holiday food baskets and the creation of a town-wide Food Pantry.
It has been 90 years , and the Needham Community Council continues today to fulfill the vision of that first group of residents and, we continue to raise whatever funds may be necessary for our work from the generosity of the community – no tax dollars support our programs!
In a joint program with the Needham Council on Aging, our Tablets and Tutors Program is designed to make technology accessible to everyone by providing easy-to- use electronic tablets alongside one-on-one and/or group tutoring.
Click here to make an online donation in support of this program.
During this time of social isolation, we want to empower our community and enhance their lives by giving them the ability to connect with family, friends, community services, medical teams, transportation, food and so much more. This program is directed at individuals without technology at home, with a focus on older adults, those who are un or under-employed, are from low income households, have limited English proficiency, and/or living with disabilities.
If you are interested in a Tablet and a Tutor,
please call us at 339-777-6899 (ext. 1032) or 781-444-2415
Support for this program provided in part by the Metrowest Health Foundation and the Needham Council on Aging
Make a gift to our Restaurant Program and support local restaurants hit hard by the pandemic and Needham households who are struggling. Every Month we will support a different Needham restaurant. We encourage you to visit our partnered restaurant to buy a meal for your family, too.
Make a gift today BUY A MEAL TODAY
Each month every Food Pantry household will be issued a gift certificate to the restaurant of the month so they may receive a freshly cooked meal (and a night off from cooking)! Your contributions will go directly to feeding our families and helping a local restaurant. In January, more than 250 Needham households received gift certificates to Chef Mike’s
A new month, a new Restaurant!
February – Hearth Pizzeria
March – Pancho’s Taqueria
Planned for 2020, but then COVID hit…Join us on zoom [1 year later] in 2021! Raise a virtual glass to the many years of programs for Needham residents! We continue to adapt and support our neighbors….let’s celebrate!
Click here to register.
“State of the Council” report
“Meet” new Board members
Honor our Council community award winners
…and, more
From: Cathy Wong, Child Assault Prevention Program [CAP] Director
cap@needhamcommunitycouncil.org
It may come as no surprise that increased time online in the age of COVID-19 has increased concerns about cyberbullying. Sometimes kids feel powerful by putting another person down, and it’s even easier to do now when our children aren’t face to face.
Click on the link below to continue reading this article about how bullying and cyberbullying can negatively impact children, and to get resources to recognize signs, prevent the bullying, and help all the children involved.
Open your Holiday Hearts to Needham families during this Season. With your support we can help every income-eligible family in Needham receive gifts during the Holidays. We will be providing gift certificates to local stores so they can purchase presents. No matter how they celebrate, our goal is to bring a smile to all our neighbors.
The program directly supports local businesses, Learning Express, Michelson’s and TJMaxx Companies. Our families will receive age appropriate gifts certificates so they can purchase presents for each family member – it’s a WIN-WIN for local businesses and households!
Click here to make an online donation or visit Learning Express or Michelson’s to purchase a “heart”.