Non Profit by liz souza

Non Profit SAM

RA Y DESIGN

Samray Design works with some local non profit companies who need design work produced. These companies have little to no budget but still need to get their important message out to the public. We are proud to be able to assist them in whatever way we can. Por Christo: Through annual reports and postcards we have helped Por Cristo spread the message to help those less fortunate. Youk’s Kids: We have been on Youk’s team since he first launched his charity. Lazarus House: We have promoted Lazaus House’s need for support in “giving a hand up”. Catholic Parishes: We have helped the congregations to keep their partishiners informed.

Por Cristo • 736 Cambridge Street • Brighton, Massachusetts 02135-2997 • 617.562.7924 • www.porcristo.org

Through the pages of the Gospel, we come to know Christ and His message of love, of caring for the poor and the ill. The Gospel message is at the heart of our celebration of Christmas. Even as we make the day festive with family gatherings and gifts, we remember that Christ, born into poverty, has shown us the way to serve those in need. The mission of Por Cristo has its roots in Christ’s life. It does not take much imagination to picture Christ walking through the barrios of Ecuador, bringing hope to His people. We see Him lifting into His arms a child who is malnourished, encouraging a motherto-be as she seeks proper care, comforting a father whose newborn is undergoing a medical procedure. We see His compassion and look for it within ourselves. Your generosity is the outward display of such compassion. You make Por Cristo’s work possible. Thank you for living the Gospel message during this season of joy and throughout the year. Have a happy, healthy Christmas. Joe Reardon and the Staff of Por Cristo Christmas 2012

Thank You to Our Idol Committee Bill and Kim Dadasis

Adam Klein

Jason Davis

James and Ellen Patchen

Jenny Dell

Erin Sullivan

Patrick Donegan

Shawn Thornton

Sean Jackman

Carolyn Tiley

Thank you to Our Premium Packages Sponsors Hot Corner Club, Manganaro, Northeast In the Concert Box, Mohegan Sun In the Superstar Booth, The Dadasis Family In the Rock Star Booth, Systems Evolution, Inc In the Entertainer Booth, SunTrust In the Encore Lounge, KPMG In the Fan Lounge,Youk’s Kids Board of Directors

Honorary Co-Chairs of Not Your Average Idol Senator Scott Brown and Senator John Kerry

Letter from Co-Vice Presidents of Youk’s Kids Board, Dave Blouin and Tina Cantu

12/6/2012

Dear Friends and Family of Youk’s Kids, Thank you all for joining us for our 3rd year of “Not Your Average Idol”. As in years past, we are honored to have many of you back, see new faces and celebrate our accomplishments this past year at Youk’s Kids. We have had changes this year, Kevin is with another team and we are in a new venue, but our commitment to the children served by Youk’s Kids remains constant. Youk’s Kids had another successful year and we could not have done this without your generosity. We are grateful for your support as we work to move forward for the children we serve. Our Athletes for Heroes program is off the ground and running successfully. Over the past year, we provided grants to 65 children and helped their families as they to move forward with their lives in view of the changes they have had to endure and the tragedy they have suffered. Through fundraising efforts in Kevin’s hometown of Ohio we have been able to fund another year of a full-time Child Life Specialist at Josh Cares. These surrogates through their comfort, care and compassion are helping children at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital move forward in their treatments and a healthier life. At the Italian Home for Children, our $100,000 grant continues the success of the C.R.I.S.S. program which helps children in the home move forward as they return to their communities. As a Board of Directors we are all very proud to be a part of this organization and its philanthropic endeavors. Our goal for the year ahead is to focus on moving forward for the children supported by Youk’s Kids. As Kevin moves forward with his career, be assured that his commitment and that of the Board of Directors is steadfast. We have set our sights on another successful year, and we ask you to look into your hearts and reach into your wallets. Together, we can move forward with children nationwide….one hit at a time. On behalf of the Board of Directors of Youk’s Kids we thank all of you and hope that you have an enjoyable evening. Tina Cantu Co-VP/Board of Directors

Dave Blouin Co-VP/Board of Directors

Youk’s Kids Board Members Dave Blouin Tina Cantu Nancy Dempze Dave Hamilton

Jon Hanlon Matthew McKenzie Michael Muldowney Nat Saltonstall

Michael Shaner Kathy Volpe Adam Waitkevich Kevin Youkilis

60 miles in any direction CHAritY SpOtLigHt:

Kevin Youkilis’ Hits for Kids

To donate go to www.youkskids.org

Youk’s Kids is a charitable, non-profit organization founded by Boston Red Sox infielder Kevin Youkilis, dedicated to improving the lives of the children throughout Red Sox Nation and beyond. Our mission is to create a community of support, increase awareness, and advocate for the health and well-being of children in need. “Since the inception of Youk’s Kids in 2007, I have established a loyal following of individual and corporate supporters who have assisted me in raising over 1.4 million dollars to help over 1,000 children. Of all of my life’s accomplishments, I am most proud of everything Youk’s Kids has done to help children and serve the community. This season as I make the move to third base, I am honored to introduce you to Youk’s Kids’ new program, Athletes for Heroes. This program will support the children of fallen or severely injured men and women of service as well as the children of everyday individuals who risk their lives to protect another. These courageous and dedicated people are the true heroes of our world and I look forward to empowering their children to determine their own future despite their personal loss.” — Kevin Youkilis

the italian Home for Children Since the inception of Youk’s Kids, Kevin has had a special bond with the Italian Home for Children. The Italian Home is a residential and day treatment facility for emotionally and behaviorally challenged children, many of whom are victims of abuse or neglect. After making one site visit to the Italian Home for Children in 2007, Kevin knew that he could help better the lives of the these students who lack the support of family. “When Kevin visits the Italian Home, our children light up and feel special. He is an extraordinary person and we are immensely grateful to have him as our friend.” — Melanie Lima, Director of Development, Italian Home for Children

Josh Cares It has always been a dream of Kevin’s to bring his charitable efforts back to his hometown of Cincinnati. Fellows employed by Josh Cares serve as surrogates for the families who cannot be, for one reason or another, by their child’s side during their hospitalization following an injury or illness. These surrogates provide a familiar face to help fill the children’s lonely hours, to

“When Kevin visits the Italian Home, our children light up and feel special. He is an extraordinary person and we are immensely grateful to have him as our friend.” — Melanie Lima, Director of Development, Italian Home for Children page 26 • Around Town In New England Magazine • Spring 2011

Photos courtesy of Monica Biswas and Donna DeSimone

Athletes for Heroes

read them stories until they fall asleep, to play games with them, and to hold their hands during painful procedures. Kevin recalls being rushed to the Children’s Hospital in Cincinnati when his appendix burst and most vividly remembers the kind and caring people who helped him while he was at the hospital. Because of this, Kevin knew that he wanted to help Josh Cares in their endeavor to provide surrogates to hospitalized children. “Youk’s Kids has taken Josh Cares to a new level for which we are eternally grateful.” — Joy Blang, Executive Director, Josh Cares

Beginning in 2011, Kevin partnered with Ray Allen of the Celtics, Shawn Thornton from the Bruins, Wes Welker from the Patriots, and Taylor Twellman from the Revolution to support the children of these fallen or severely injured heroes with the Athletes for Heroes program. With the goals of increasing confidence, instilling pride and providing an opportunity to experience the camaraderie and companionship of being a member of a team, this new arm of Youk’s Kids will fund sports activities and provide academic support services for children who have lost a parent while in the line of duty or while saving the life of another. “As an athlete, I am often deemed a hero when I hit a walk-off homerun but in truth the real heroes are those who unselfishly step up to make our lives safer or to guarantee our freedom. Sometimes, they end up sacrificing their lives for the betterment of others. It’s an honor for us to be able to help support their families in their time of need,” Kevin explains.

Around Town In New England Magazine • Spring 2011 • page 27

Preserving, maintaining, protecting and enhancing Quissett Harbor

NEWSLETTER – SPRING 2012

Message From the President Dear Friends, Spring has barely sprung, yet we already have a lot going on at the Quissett Harbor Preservation Trust (QHPT). Please read through this newsletter to keep up-to-date on work underway on the coastal bank adjacent to Eldred Landing and the Middle Parking Lot, our planned educational projects, the status of our investment strategy, and Weatherly and Rick our calendar of events. To begin the season, plan to join us in June for Dorris the Harbor and Beach Cleanup and the Annual Meeting of Members. And look for our new banner designed by Laurie and Jessica Mannix in the July 4th Parade. As I’m sure you’ve heard, the new year had a surprising start at my family business, the Quissett Harbor Boatyard. On January 4, fire consumed the main shop and storage building. It was a devastating loss, but I am pleased to report that we are making great strides in the recovery process. The debris has been removed, and there are no outstanding environmental issues. We have completed 90 percent of the survey, site, and architectural plans, and we have received approval from the Historic District Commission. There is much work that needs to be done before the building itself goes up. But once it does, I think everyone will be pleased. We are using the same footprint and preserving the design of the building as it was. When we are finished, the Quissett Harbor Boatyard will look much the same as it has for the past 100 years. Rick and I want to thank everyone for the outpouring of support we have received. We are so grateful that no one was hurt, and we are looking forward to another beautiful season on the harbor. Have a wonderful spring.

Permit Approval Granted for Two Projects

For months now we have been in the permitting process with the Falmouth Conservation Commission for two projects: restoring the coastal bank adjacent to Eldred Landing and repairing the Middle Parking Lot on Quissett Harbor Road. “We are pleased that both projects have been approved, and we are moving forward to complete the work,” said Board Member Dana Rodin. • Eldred Landing: For the Eldred Landing project, we will be working with landscaper Bill Armstrong, who also works with us to replant beach grass on the Knob each spring. We will first need to remove a dead tree and brush material on the bank. Next, we will bring in environmentally friendly material to form a base for the soil at the foot of the bank. Finally, the right soil mix and native plants will be put in place to restore the vegetation.

Sincerely, Weatherly Dorris President

The coastal bank before planting

2012 Schedule of Events • • • •

Harbor and Beach Cleanup: Annual Meeting of Members: Wheeler Lecture: Bird Talk:

June 23, 9:00 a.m. June 30, 6:00–8:00 p.m. July, TBA August 16, 6:00 p.m.

• Middle Parking Lot: The middle parking lot is located on the landward side of the road between the Quissett Harbor Boatyard and the public parking lot at the entrance to Carey Lane. The wall holding up the edge of the bank that rises to Sunset Hill will be demolished, and a new wall, this one made of stone, will be put in its place. The Quissett Association is providing a portion of the costs associated with both projects. We hope to complete the work this spring. Spring 2012 page 1

QUISSETT HARBOR PRESERVATION TRUST QHPT Works to Keep the Knob Natural and Accessible

Key to our mission is making sure the natural beauty of the Knob is around to be enjoyed for generations to come, but sometimes Mother Nature gets a little out of hand. “Right now, we are coping with downed branches, invasive vines and debris from storms,” said Dana Rodin. “We are working with Bill Armstrong to keep the area both natural and accessible.” We will also be planting more beach grass and renewing the wire fencing on the narrow causeway of the Knob that prevents the grass from encroaching on the path.

Education Projects Are in the Works

To meet our mission of preserving Quissett Harbor and the Knob we must continue to provide education about this natural resource and its benefits. Last year we held our first Harbor and Beach Cleanup. “The project not only allowed us to clean the beach and parking lots of debris, but also served to engage people in the mission of protecting the environment,” said Kate Davis, who heads the Education Program. “We are pleased to say that the beach itself did not have a lot of trash, an indication of the respect visitors show it,” she said. The parking lots were more of a challenge, containing discarded

glass bottles and cigarettes. We’ll be holding another cleanup on June 23 at 9:00 a.m. Meet at the entrance to the Knob, rain or shine. In the coming year, Kate is looking to make information about the plants on the Knob more accessible. “We already have the kiosk, which is a great resource,” she said. The kiosk, which is located at the entrance to the Knob, provides information about plant life, birds and the history of the Knob. “Now we’re looking for ways to make the information mobile, providing guides visitors can take on their walks to allow them to identify what they are seeing. We’ll also be looking for ways to get the information to youth groups and other organizations in the area.” More details on these projects will be coming soon.

Scientist Talks About Diagnosing and Treating “Patient Earth”

2011 Wheeler Lecture An important part of our education strategy is the annual Wheeler Lecture usually held in July. Last year the speaker was Josef Kellndorfer, Ph.D., senior scientist at Woods Hole Research Center in Falmouth. Kellndorfer’s presentation, Radiology of Patient Earth with Radar Eyes in the Sky, covered his work using a range of earth-observing satellites to map features on the earth’s surface focusing on land-use patterns and forest and wetland ecosystems. From data the research center collects, which it provides to governments around the world, scientists are able to map and monitor the changing face of the earth at ever improving detail. “If we know and understand how the Dr. Josef Kellndorfer and Wheeler Lecture Chair David Barry planet is changing, we have a better way of prescribing the right treatments where they are needed,” Kellndorfer said. “I was particularly excited to bring the medical analogy into this lecture as a way of demonstrating how using radar imaging to map the earth is like using an x-ray to diagnose a person’s medical condition. I’m the radiologist; my patient is earth.” No word yet on who the speaker will be this year, so stay tuned.

“If we know and understand how the planet is changing, we have a better way of prescribing the right treatments where they are needed,” —Josef Kellndorfer

Financial Update

Get Ready to Renew Your Membership

• PayPal: Knowing that many people like to conduct business online, we recently added PayPal as an option for our donors to make contributions. This has worked very well for both our supporters and QHPT. PayPal is secure; handles the administration of credit card donations for us; and provides a quick, easy option for donors. • Investment Strategy: In our winter newsletter we told you about the decision of the Board of Directors to slightly adjust our investment strategy to include higher return investments with the aim toward creating operating income. At the time, Paul Hogan, our treasurer, said, “If we leave everything in bank deposits, we probably won’t lose money, but we also will not be generating the income needed to support the organization.” Since then, we have invested as planned with 60 percent of resources going to stocks and bonds via bond and stock mutual funds. We retain 40 percent in savings. The board-appointed investment committee, consisting of Paul, Dick DeWolfe and Dave Barry, all of whom have significant experience in the financial industry, is monitoring progress.

You will soon be receiving our annual membership mailing, asking you to continue your support of QHPT. As a reminder, suggested dues are $100 for a family and $50 for an individual, however, we are pleased to accept donations in any amount. We also encourage members to make contributions in memory of loved ones. QHPT was formed initially to preserve and maintain the Knob. However, its mission has broadened to include the Harbor. Today, QHPT is an extension of our community, providing opportunities for people concerned about the local environment to interact around important issues. Whether participating in the Harbor and Beach Cleanup, attending the Annual Meeting or listening to the Wheeler Lecture, our members are interested and engaged. Contributions help make all this possible. If you know someone new to the Falmouth area, let us know, we’d love to tell them about the work of QHPT.

Spring 2012 page 2

The Catholic Community of Wilmington and South Tewksbury 2011–2012 Annual Report (July 1, 2011 to June 30, 2012)

St. Thomas of Villanova Parish • St. Dorothy of Cappadocia Parish

“Do not conform yourselves to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and pleasing and perfect.” —Romans 12:2

Transformation

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ, In January of 2011, we unexpectedly were faced with a challenge. Our two parish families would begin the process of becoming one. No matter how wonderful the people, the blending of parishes is never easy. In fact, the more committed the parishioners—to one another; their traditions; their shared experience of having worshiped, worked and played together— the more challenging this type of change can be. Such is the commitment of the parishioners of St. Dorothy and St. Thomas. And yet, we are meeting this challenge in a wonderful spirit of cooperation. As we go through this transformation, we may look for guidance from St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans. Paul tells

Pastoral Planning Process

Over the past fiscal year, we began the process of creating a pastoral plan for the Catholic Community of Wilmington and South Tewksbury. Our objective is to determine where we want to see our community in three years and to create an action plan for getting there. Parishioners have chosen the focus areas, and parishioners will be at the heart of creating and implementing the plan. We are still in the early stages, but we have made great progress in 2011–2012. Here are the highlights: 2011–2012 Tasks • D ecember 2011: Survey conducted asking parishioners their thoughts on areas of focus for a pastoral plan that

us that we cannot stay in the past, that we must move forward. But he provides encouragement, letting us know that, if we open our minds, we may discern God’s will. We will know what is good. I see examples of how our parishioners are following Paul’s advice every day. Parishioners from both parishes are working together, serving the Mass together, visiting soup kitchens together, combining events and experiencing each other’s traditions. There is a model close at hand to all families that can show us how to do this. We find it through the Sacrament of Marriage. Newlyweds must learn how to blend their traditions. Do they live in a city or a suburb? Vacation at the beach or on the slopes? Celebrate the Christmas feast with seafood on Christmas Eve or ham on Christmas Day? will strengthen our ability to fulfill the mission of the Church, which is to spread the Good News of Christ. • January: Focus groups held. Results of survey had been compiled and possible areas of focus chosen for discussion. Areas were faith formation, evangelization, worship, communication, social justice and stewardship. • January: Listening Day held. A daylong event open to all during which we reviewed the history of the parishes and the results of the focus groups. • March: Dialog Day held. The purpose of this event was to determine how to use the information we had gathered, what steps and initiatives we will take going forward, and what we want our

Taking from their separate traditions, newlyweds create something new, and this deepens their bond to one another. They have learned the essence of how to be a family from their individual upbringings. But they create a new life together by drawing from the strengths of each. That is the experience of the Catholic Community of Wilmington and South Tewksbury. In this annual report, you will see how often we find examples of parishioners from both parishes working together. I knowFamily this is wreath-making just the beginningday and look forward to the strengthened bonds and new traditions that will enrich our lives andOur our faith in the Ministries years to come.

Discerning the Will of God May God bless, Through Spiritual Growth

Perhaps no where has our connection grown stronger than within our spiritual celebrations. Over the past year we parish have life todone lookthe likework in the Fi-our offuture. bringing nal focus areas chosen were faith two communities together. Through our formation for children, faith formation day-to-day practices, for adults, welcoming, youth,such andas combining events and Catholics schedulinghome activities in a way outreach to bring that encourages parishioners to visit both • June 2–3, 2012: Pastoral Plan presented at all Masses. churches, we have begun to function more as one faith community. Here are some Future Tasks examples: • Create Priority Action Teams. One team for •each to experiences Onefocus of thearea. mostSix joyful 12 parishioners for each team. of blending our parish families has • Teams work on four to seven churches are coordinatmeasurablebeen goalshow for the parish to achieve ing various aspectsareofbroken the celebration over next three years. Goals down into 90-day milestones. of the Liturgy. Parishioners in each church now share the fullness of the Eucharist meal by receiving both species. Parishioners who serve the Mass, including altar servers, Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors, are serving at both churches. Mass intentions and announcements are also coordinated so that parishioners hear the same information regardless of where they attend Mass. Finally, there is one bulletin for both St. Dorothy’s and St. Thomas’. If you are worshiping at either church, our hope is that you have a similar liturgical experience. • L ast year we commissioned six new Altar Servers. We also are using tech-

Fr. Earley and friends at the Blessing of the Pets nology to our advantage, scheduling Eucharistic Ministers and Lectors online. If someone has a conflict, that information goes out to everyone, and someone always steps up to fill in. This process not only fills a scheduling need, but it also opens up communication among the servers. • O ur two Prayer groups continued to meet. St. Dorothy’s Intercessory Prayer Group met monthly. The St. Thomas Prayer Group met monthly for Holy Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. • O ur Memorial Prayer Service took place at the end of October 2011. This was the first time the service was held in recognition of parishioners and loved ones of parishioners who had died in both parishes. The service was at St. Thomas’ to accommodate the number of people. • T he annual Ecumenical Thanksgiving Prayer Service took place November 20 at Grace Chapel in Wilmington. This was well attended by Christians from the Wilmington community. The collection and canned goods were given to the Wilmington Food Pantry. • O ur Christmas Concert was held on December 17. Again, this event included the choirs from both St. Dorothy’s and St. Thomas’. Father Earley ended the night with the traditional reading of The Night Before Christmas, and, of course, Santa stopped in to say hello.

Altar Servers, members of the Youth Choir and staff on a summer outing • T he Christmas Vigil was even more inspirational than usual as more than 1,000 parishioners gathered for the Family and Children’s Mass at 4:00. We used our two largest spaces, St. Thomas Church and Villanova Hall, to fit everyone in, and we held simultaneous Masses. The Children’s sing-along took place in the hall. The 6:00 p.m. Mass Christmas Eve was celebrated at St. Dorothy’s to a full church. • T his was the first year that we alternated worship spaces for the High Holy Days of Easter. The Holy Thursday service was held at St. Thomas’. Our Good Friday Service took place at St. Dorothy’s. The intimate space, which holds 260 people, seemed appropriate for this most solemn of days in our liturgical year. We were back at St. Thomas’ for the Easter Vigil Saturday evening. • E vents such as the Blessing of the Pets in October and wreath-making day at the start of Advent helped bring families together. • D uring this past fiscal year St. Dorothy Parish had 57 Baptisms, 105 First Communions, 55 Confirmations, nine Marriages and 32 Funerals. • D uring this past fiscal year, St. Thomas Parish had 57 Baptisms, 116 First Communions, 117 Confirmations, 18 Marriages and 78 Funerals.

Renewing Our Minds Through Faith Formation As the two parishes work to become one, we are making great strides in education: • T his past year we combined the administration of our religious education programs, creating one Director of Faith Formation in Marilyn Mandosa. The specific programs for grades one through eight are still managed separately, with Marilyn managing the St. Thomas program and Mary Medeiros managing the St. Dorothy program. Beginning in May 2012, Deb Casey took on the management of grades 9 and 10 for both parishes. • T his is the second year that grades Grades nine and 10 for both parishes have been combined. While we hold classes in both churches, the young people do not choose location based on their original parishes but rather on their schedules. Sunday evenings are at St. Dorothy’s, Monday at St. Thomas’. The result is that the young people from both parishes are getting to know one another. The same is true with confirmation, which took place in April. Two dates were arranged. Families from both parishes celebrated together.

• Our second-graders’ First Holy Communion continued to be celebrated in the separate parishes because of space needs. However, the children came together for the Reconciliation services, which took place in three sessions. After the service, the children gathered in the St. Thomas church basement for treats provided by the parents of first-graders. • T hroughout the past year, St. Thomas and St. Dorothy’s served 1,628 children from 1,026 families with the help of 141 volunteers. • Faith formation is a life-long process, and that process continued for many of our adult parishioners this year. For the first time, we combined the adult faith-formation programs of both parishes into one program called Why Catholic. It is similar in format to the ARISE program, the program that ran over a four-year period and that many parishioners participated in. Like ARISE, Why Catholic has parishioners forming small groups that meet for six weeks. The theme this year was Ways of Prayer. Parishioners from each parish made up each group. Sessions were available throughout the day and evening to accommodate all schedules. • St. Dorothy’s continued to conduct its two Bible study programs.

• Plans were made to begin a men’s group, which will meet Saturday mornings, in the fall of 2012.

Committing Ourselves To Do What Is Good In difficult times, those who are suffering from want need us even more. This past year, parishioners from both parishes have join efforts to serve the larger community. Here are some examples: • W e added the Dwelling Place, a soup kitchen located in the United Methodist Church in downtown Woburn, to our outreach activities. On the fourth Saturday of every month, we donated and cooked • Three parishioners have food, thenadditional served a meal. joined the Parish Pastoral Visitors • We Ministry. continuedThese our longstanding volunteers bring the commitment Myoften Brother’s Table Eucharist,toand much-needed in Lynn. Every two months, volunteers companionship, to those who are from cook notboth ableparishes to leavejoined home us as to well as to andnursing serve a home meal for this organization residents. that provides approximately 200 meals Both continued to collect a •day. Weparishes also cooked and served a food and clothing in need. meal at Lazarus Houseforinthose Lawrence. The donations went to Wilmington • We and wereTewksbury delighted to seepantries, membersCatholic food of both parishes joining for Charities Food Pantrytogether in Lowell, women’s clubsHouse meetings. Some and of the St. Francis in Boston the women’s clubs DePaul activities over the past St. Vincent Society in Lowell. year included the Senior Anointing • St. Dorothy’s the Caring Masses, the Birthcontinued Right collection, & Sharing program, which provides retreats and cultural events. food vouchers and helps pay essential household bills for those in need. • T he fall of 2011 marked the first time that parishioners from St. Thomas worked on The St. Dorothy Bazaar. Volunteers from both churches set up tables, donated baked goods and participated in the event. • Although the S.T.A.M.P. (St. Thomas

Apostolic Mission Project) group didn’t work on a project out of state in fiscal 2012, participants did

Managing Limited Funds Responsibly Because of the difficult economic environment, our Weekly Offertory and Total Income have decreased in both churches. As a result, we undertook only unavoidable capital projects. • T he town of Wilmington mandated that all businesses and organizations replace outside, hard-wired fire-alarm boxes with the radio-operated type, a cost of $7,500 per box. As we have three boxes, we incurred a bill of $22,500.

Making a meal at My Brother’s Table

• T he pipes cracked in the rectory bathroom this past year, requiring that we put in a new bathroom. The pipes were quite old, so this was going to happen sooner or later. • I n the fall of 2012, the St. Dorothy Fuel Collection is being rolled into the Grand Annual Appeal. Parishioners will have this one collection to support the capital, and often operating, expenses of both churches. Visit to Dwelling Place

reach out to local families, doing repairs for the elderly and those in need.

Confirmation class makes sandwiches for local shelters.

First Holy Communion at St. Dorothy’s

The Catholic Community of Wilmington and South Tewksbury St. Thomas of Villanova Parish St. Dorothy of Cappadocia Parish Office: 1 1 Harnden Street, Wilmington, MA 01887 Telephone: 978-658-4665 Fax: 978-658-2008 Email: parishsecretary@stthomsvillanova.com Pastor: Rev. Phillip B. Earley stthomasvillanova.com saintdorothys.20m.com

Worship Spaces Saint Thomas of Villanova 126 Middlesex Avenue, Wilmington, MA, 01887 St. Dorothy of Cappadocia 11 Harnden Street, Wilmington, MA, 01887

St. Dorothy’s Bazaar

Hike for Hope

When: Sunday, Oct. 2, at 12:30 p.m. Where: Begins and ends at Merrimack College with a loop through Andover, By Mass. Ulrika Gerth Distance: 5 miles Registration: Please visit www.firstgiving.com/LazarusHouse. Individual, $25; Children under 12, $10.

Since 1983, Lazarus House has served over

1 million

people, including

300,000

children in need.

Beneficiary: The Capernaum Place, a transitional housing program run by the Lazarus House Ministries in Lawrence, Mass. Entertainment: BBQ lunch, live music, dancers, Velcro wall, ATV rides, face painting, and much more.

To learn more, please e-mail events@lazarushouse.org, or call 978-689-8575. The Impact of a Donation • $2,000 funds a two-month work preparation internship to gain essential on-the-job training • $1,000 subsidizes budgeting, financial literacy and life skills workshops for 20 guests • $750 finances advocacy and case management services for a family for two months • $500 supports one guest to become a Certified Nursing Assistant by providing a scholarship, uniform, books, test and license fees • $250 funds a workshop series for 10 teenagers to increase self esteem and build leadership skills

More than

90 percent of Capernaum Place guests move on to permanent housing.

• $100 pays for some emergency household items to set-up housing for a30 new familyTown In New England Magazine • Spring 2011 page • Around

Empowering Those in Need:

Around Town In New England Charity Spotlight

Lazarus House’s Mission of Hope

n the midst of a troubled neighborhood in

downtown Lawrence, Mass., 18 families have found respite from abuse, hunger, and the uncertainty of shuffling from one place to the next. Surrounded by neatly kept flower beds, the gabled apartment building is like an oasis to those who call it home. Here, at the Capernaum Place, they get a chance to rebuild their lives, away from poverty and

The Hike for

homelessness. “Many times when they go in for the

Hope covers

first time, they stand in the middle of the room crying,”

90 percent

says Hazel Navarro, coordinator and social worker at

of the Capernaum

so nice is for them.”

Place annual

Ministries, Inc., a faith-based organization in Lawrence

budget.

whose mission is to break the cycle of poverty by

the Capernaum Place. “They can’t believe something The Capernaum Place is run by the Lazarus House

providing an array of services such as emergency, transitional and HIV/AIDS housing, clothes, food, education, and work preparation.

The Lazarus

The need is greater than ever. At one of the organization’s key fundraising events this year, the

By Ulrika G. Gerth

How You Can Help

There are a number of ways you can donate to Lazarus House Ministries. Their many services exist because of the generosity of many like you.

Financial Gifts & Sponsorships You can make a secure donation online, donate securities, sponsor a fundraising event, create a memorial or tribute gift, set up a monthly donation, or make arrangements for planned giving. You may also choose to Sponsor-a-Meal for one of their guests, or even Sponsor-a-Guest in their emergency shelter, HIV/AIDS houses, or transitional housing program.

In-Kind Contributions Another way to help is to contribute food, clothing, and household items for the families and individuals in the Lazarus House Ministries’ community. Donating much needed food items for their Soup Kitchen and Food Pantry are wonderful ways to directly help those in need, for example. Consider donating gently used clothing and household items to one of their three thrift shops as well.

House social

12th Annual Hike for Hope on Sunday, October 2,

workers provide

Betty Desjardins, co-chairperson of the event

Holiday Help

5,599

committee, hopes to set a new record with 2,000

advocacy

of the community is crucial since the event funds nearly

Holidays are a particularly difficult time for individuals and families struggling for basic necessities such as food and shelter. If you would like to help during the holiday season, please consider assembling a Holiday Food Box, or ensuring that a needy family receives holiday gifts via their Project Bethlehem program, or donating Christmas gifts for those living in their shelters.

services a year.

walkers and $300,000 in proceeds. Getting the support the entire annual budget of the Capernaum Place. “It’s not a handout, you’re actually participating in changing somebody’s life,” Desjardins says. “You can put them on a whole different trajectory so they can take care of themselves and take care of their family.” The Hike for Hope started in 1999 to raise funds to build the Capernaum Place. Finished in 2007, the 20-unit clapboard building offers transitional housing to families and individuals who are highly motivated to turn their lives around. Homeless families who meet the federal definition of poverty are eligible and referred by continued on next page

Volunteer Your Time Donating your time is a wonderful way to help Lazarus House Ministries. They have several volunteer opportunities, both ongoing and short-term. Please contact their Volunteer Coordinator and complete their Volunteer Application to get started. From all at Lazarus House Ministries and all of those they serve, thank you for your generosity!

Around Town In New England Magazine • Fall 2011 • page 31

It’s not a handout, you’re actually participating in changing somebody’s life.” Betty Desjardins, Co-chairperson for Hike for Hope state agencies. Residents are then selected after a

Nearly

stringent screening process. a cheery playroom and a community kitchen, up the

80 percent

elevator to a hallway with doors on each side. The

of Lazarus

mailboxes have no names; a third of the residents are

House revenues

Navarro leads the way through the front door, past

victims of domestic violence. She unlocks the door to an empty one-bedroom apartment. The white walls are

come from

spotless, the kitchen opens up to a bright dining area,

fundraising.

and in the bedroom, two beds await the new family. In one of the apartments lives a couple from Cuba with their autistic son. As a doctor back home, the mother used to earn $30 a month. Showers consisted of cold water from a hole in the wall that had to be plugged to stop the flow. These days, they often say they cannot believe their luck, Navarro says. The father has landed a job as an interpreter and the mother is working toward her M.D. The lease is renewed every six months for up to two years while the families are required to

Volunteers

participate in workshops in

do the

budgeting, self-esteem, nutrition,

equivalent

parenting, and much more. They leave with good credit and a new sense of self worth. Over 90 percent move into their own apartment. “We’ve been very successful,” Navarro says.

of more

than 29 fulltime staff.

“They’re constantly up for review,” adds Kathie Clark, director of Public Relations and Communications at the Lazarus House. “It’s not an easy place to be, but the success rate speaks for itself.” The Capernaum Place families will have their own team at the Hike for Hope and will offer their testimonials to the crowd once everyone has completed the 5-mile pledge walk that loops through Andover, Mass., and begins and ends at the campus of Merrimack College. Founded by Dave McGillivray, race director for the Boston Marathon,

the popular hike has evolved into a family-friendly

page 32 • Around Town In New England Magazine • Fall 2011

fall festival. This year, hikers will as always

As the unemployment rate in Lawrence

be treated to a free barbecue while children

consistently runs twice as high as the state

the Capernaum Place, another stop on

can take their pick among ATV rides, face

average, the recession has created a stagger-

the tour, extol the virtues of the Lazarus

painting, a Velcro wall, and other activities.

ing demand for services. Food Coordinator

House. They talk about receiving their

The event offers the Lazarus House an

Ken Campbell at St. Martha’s Food Pantry

GEDs, securing nursing or medical assistant

opportunity to showcase the scope of its

down the street from the Good Shepherd

certifications, dreams of college degrees,

services. “The Lazarus House doesn’t just

Center predicts the worst is yet to come.

and hopes for their children. “This is the first

deal with any one problem,” Clark says. “It

Every Wednesday, the pantry provides

time someone told me I could do whatever

takes people from the crisis mode and truly

10,000 food items to 700 families. Unlike

I want,” a resident named Marcela writes.

guides them step by step through the journey

many other pantries, the Lazarus House

“They opened the door to my future.”

until they’re no longer in poverty – that’s the

has created a shopping experience; people

piece I don’t think people may know.” Those

are able to pick items off the shelves rather

who want to learn even more can

than being handed a bag. “This is awesome,”

Campbell says as he shows off the new

of the entire operation – the soup

facility, which opened last year. “They used

kitchen at the Good Shepherd

to have to wait outside. Now they can come

Center, which serves breakfast and

in. It’s very good.”

lunch to 200 people a day; the community day center next door, which offers refuge from the cold in the winter; and the thrift store – there are three total – to which people in need can receive vouchers. The tour also stops at the Lazarus House emergency shelter, a short drive from the main offices at the Good Shepherd Center. “This is

In a recent newsletter, former residents of

it takes people from the crisis mode and truly guides them step

by step through the journey until they’re no longer in poverty – that’s the piece I don’t think people may know.”

Kathie Clark, Director of Public Relations and Communications

A child raised by a single mother in Lawrence is 91

she enters. “Babies have been born

to grow up in poverty.

a real home and that is also what it is to the guests for up to six months. As a former rooming house, the shelter is equipped to accommodate people whose lives have fallen apart. Everyone needs to be out by 8 a.m. every morning, but their belongings remain next to their beds, whole lives stuffed into plastic bags. In one room, five beds with flowery duvets line up. A crib sits in the corner. At 5 p.m., the mother who sleeps here returns with her five children under the age of 5.

Lazarus House Ministries, Inc. Lawrence, MA 01842 (978) 689-8575 lazarushouse.org

“The Lazarus House doesn’t just deal with any one problem,

where it all began,” Clark says as here.” The three-story shelter has the feel of

percent more likely

s we celebrate the birth of Christ, we reflect upon how He began life on earth in the humblest of settings, his first resting place a manger. But it is not how He was born but how He lived that guides us in the way of caring for one another. He spent His life reaching out to those in need, showing compassion for the ill, the disenfranchised, the poor. In Matthew 25:40 He tells us, “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” His message to us is clear: never forget those in need. We at Por Cristo want to thank you for not forgetting the people we serve in Ecuador. In this troubled world, the demands on your generosity are great. We deeply appreciate that you have given of yourself to support this most vulnerable community, and we look forward with hope and gratitude to a future filled with possibilities. Wishing you a happy, healthy Christmas, A MEMBER OF THE CARITAS FAMILY

Joe Reardon and the Staff of Por Cristo Christmas 2010 Por Cristo, 736 Cambridge Street • Boston, MA 02135-2997 • 617-562-7924 • www.porcristo.org

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