CoJo Series

November 12, 2015 | CONCORD

By Faith Bade

This article is one in a series about the organizations supported by the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest.

Imagine that your son suddenly moves back home with his two children, a four-month old baby and three-year-old. Their mother has become addicted to drugs and this young family is devastated. You are now a grandmother helping to raise two very young children. All of you need help.

Imagine you are a widow with a young son. Recent medical issues mean you can no longer work. You have to get medical treatments during the day and your son has nowhere to go that is safe and welcoming. You both need help.

November 5, 2015 | CONCORD

By Trish Siefer

This article is one in a series about the organizations supported by the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest.

Each weekday, my morning begins with the beeping sound of a van backing up in my neighbor’s driveway. When I first moved to my home in West Concord, I wondered what the van’s arrival was for each day? I came to find out it was from Minute Man Arc, a 57-year-old organization that is committed to enhancing the quality of life for people with developmental disabilities of all ages. The van transports my neighbors and others in the community to Minute Man Arc’s location on Forest Ridge Road, where participants learn new skills and receive therapeutic services. It also takes many of these residents to various jobs in Concord and the surrounding area. These individuals are performing important work in our community at places like Emerson Hospital, Crosby’s Market and Corporate Chefs.

November 5, 2015 | CONCORD

By Kelly Driscoll

This article is one in a series about the organizations supported by the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest.

Being a board member of the Chest has expanded my understanding of the need within the Concord-Carlisle community. I deeply admire the amount of important and impactful work being done by a range of organizations to support our neighbors; important work often being delivered quietly yet effectively.

I have seen how the Chest is uniquely positioned to help identify, evaluate and address the most pressing human service needs in our community and support this essential work. It provides significant financial support to nonprofits, town agencies and local projects. The Chest is able to see what is needed and respond, supporting the efforts of the committed and talented individuals delivering services to some of our most at-risk community members. In some instances it serves as the primary funder of small programs or positions.

The Youth Services Coordinator is an example of a position that emerged from an identified need and is funded primarily by the Chest.

October 29, 2015 | CONCORD

By Jeanine Calabria

This article is one in a series about the organizations supported by the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest.

I like to think of Open Table as Brigadoon, the mythical Scottish town that appears out of nowhere, attracting visitors who fall in love and can’t bear to leave. But while Brigadoon appeared only every century, Open Table conjures up, every week, a feast for 100. Beautiful centerpieces and dishes are prepared by a team of caring cooks. Bags of nutritious foods fill the pantry and are carried home by guests. And this magic has recurred, week after week, for 26 years.

Of course, it’s not magic. It takes volunteers and community groups to deliver this free community service. A single night at Open Table requires at least 75 volunteers. They work at so many different shifts during the day that most have no idea that they are a team of so many.

Oct. 15, 2015 | CONCORD

By Liz Harvey

This article is one in a series about the organizations supported by the Concord-Carlisle Community Chest.

Looking forward we know that an aging population in our towns, challenging economic times for many and amplified stresses in our world will increase the demand for elder services. A look at our nation’s demographics reveals that the older cohort numbers will keep climbing until the year 2030 and will hold steady at these very high levels until 2050.

We also know that within Concord and Carlisle lies an array of non-profit organizations dedicated to serving the needs of our aging population. These organizations are providing seniors with opportunities that enhance their physical, emotional, intellectual and spiritual needs.

Currently in Carlisle 20 percent of the total population is comprised of seniors. The Carlisle Council on Aging serves this community in a number of ways: information referrals, transportation to appointments, medical equipment, educational and exercise programs and respite care. The Carlisle COA also offers monthly lunches, book groups, exercise classes and a multitude of opportunities for seniors to come together as a community.