A wonderful story about a former homeless shelter guest — with a powerful message — from Executive Director Herb Newell …
There are times when all of us who work in family sheltering have felt overwhelmed by the magnitude of the need. We see the seeming intransigence of current problems, and know all too well the mentally tough work. At those times it’s important to remember that we have been – and continue to be – a significant part of the response to homeless shelter guests needing help and guidance.
Stop by Whole Foods Market in Hingham and South Weymouth, MA on Saturday March 4 and Sunday March 5 and grab a “cuppa Joe” while you shop. Not only will it perk up your spirits, but for every Coffee for a Cause cup you buy, Whole Foods Markets will donate $5 to Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore. Continue reading Grab a Cup of “Coffee for a Cause” at Whole Foods Market Mar 4 & 5→
Come to this concert fundraiser and hear the energetic voices of the Eastern Nazarene College A Cappella and Alumni Choirs. This Valentine’s Day benefit concert will be held on Feb. 23 at the South Shore Baptist Church, 578 Main St, Hingham, Mass.
The concert fundraiser starts at 7:30 and ends at 8:30. A post-concert reception will follow to honor donors and volunteers who generously give their money, time and talents to Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore.
The event is open to the public and a free will offering will be taken during the concert. All proceeds benefit Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore.
Remarkable Voices Raise Money for a Great Cause
“This is the second year that the remarkable singers from ENC are donating their time and talents to raise money for our programs at Friends of the Homeless,” says Herb Newell, Executive Director. “We’re honored — and thrilled — to have their support.” An alumnus of the college, Newell also joins the chorus for the evening.
Love Songs Selected for Every Taste at the Concert Fundraiser
Directed by Dr. Timothy Shetler and Dr. Kevin Smith, the ENC choir plans to offer a selection of classical, folk and contemporary love songs. Also, they the ENC Chamber Singers and ENC alumni, who sang with the group during their college years, will join them.
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ENC A Cappella Choir Sings
The ENC A Cappella Choir sings in churches, universities, and high schools throughout the Eastern Educational Region of the Church of the Nazarene. They also have performed in New York City’s Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center, and at Boston’s Jordan Hall. Fulfilling the mission of the College, the Choir strives to:
embody academic excellence,
encourage each member to become a redemptive force in the world,
give students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to perform the great choral works, improve their musicianship, and grow in faith within a positive environment.
The Chamber Singers
The Chamber Singers regularly present compositions from the European Renaissance and the 19th and 20th centuries. Every other year, they go on an international tour.
For questions about the A Cappella Choir and Chamber Singers, please contact Dr. Timothy Shetler.
For more information about this benefit concert, contact the ENC Box Office at 617-745-3715.
Did you know you are able to redeem these Shaw’s Stamps until January 12th? Even though Shaw’s Supermarket no longer gives out Shaw’s Stamps as of January 3, they will allow patrons to redeem the stamps. It’s true and what a great way to start of the New Year! Continue reading Got Extra Shaw’s Stamps This New Year? Send ’em Over→
Join the fun at The Hingham Mothers’ Club (HMC) Festival of Trees, Dec. 2 and 3 at the Hingham Community Center. The annual event brings joy to the season and much-needed support for our homeless shelters.
Art Carol of AVO Fence and Nancy O’Neill who led the fence-building effort in Norwell.
How 1 woman’s determination, 1 donor’s generosity, and 14 energetic volunteers gave the kids in Norwell a safe place to play outside — in just 4 weeks.
It was a warm and sunny day in August this year when Nancy O’Neil decided that enough was enough. It was high time that the Norwell children who attended the inside play space program at the Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore’s Norwell shelter got the chance to play outdoors too.
But first she needed to find the resources to build a fence so they could play safely in the shelter’s outside play area.
Giving Norwell Kids a Safe Outdoor Play Space
O’Neil, a volunteer play activity leader for the Horizons for Homeless Children Play Space Program, knows the importance of outdoor play. She worked in high school and college-level athletics and health for more than three decades before becoming a consultant for athletic education and wellness.
“If there’s one thing that kids have in common, it’s energy. And lots of it!” says O’Neil. That’s why they need a safe place to play outdoors. “Even if you don’t have a place to call your own, you still want your kids to be safe,” she says.
So she reached out to Herb Newell, Executive Director of Friends of the Homeless of the South Shore and his staff and volunteers for their assistance. Sharyn Burden, Assistant Program Director at the Norwell shelter became a key supporter, fielding calls and providing valuable insight. Another volunteer created a 2-page flyer to give to potential donors. Little did we imagine our Norwell kids would have their fence so quickly.
Persistence Pays Off — Quickly
Art Caron loads up fence panels for delivery to Norwell shelter.
It was O’Neil’s dogged determination to get the fence built ASAP that made all the difference. In fewer than 4 weeks after she started her effort:
Art Caron of AVO Fence & Supply in Plymouth, MA generously donated over 170 feet of fencing panels.
Atlantic Fence in Raynham, MA donated all of the posts.
O’Neil and a friend picked up and delivered the panels to the Norwell location. Caron picked up and delivered the posts.
Enough cash donations were received to rent an auger and set aside money for maintenance.
Newell and O’Neil assembled a team of volunteers to get the fence installed.
On Sunday, September 18th Caron, his staff, and a few helpers set the corners and began the build. Then, on Saturday, September 24, a full crew of volunteers “dug in” to build the fence and make the outdoor play space for our Norwell kids a reality — in just 4 hours!
“We did it!” says O’Neil. “With the leadership of Art Caron at AVO Fence and the help of a tremendous team, we finished the fence! And it is beautiful! The youngsters will soon enjoy the out of doors during their play space time. YIPPEE!! HUGE thanks to all who contributed.”
In addition to O’Neil and Caron (“total project hero” says O’Neil), the volunteer construction crew included Marci Stoda, Paula Myers, Judy Katalina, Nancy Martens, Nancy Bilodeau, Herb Newell, and Kenny Dustin.
Still Needed: A Few Finishing Touches
The team that built the fence at the Norwell shelter in record time pose for a final photo. Front row (left to right): Marci Stoda, Nancy O’Neil, and Paula Myers. Back row (left to right): Judy Katalina, Art Caron (fence team leader from AVO fence). Nancy Martens, Nancy Bilodeau, Herb Newell, Kenny Dustin.
Of course, the work isn’t completely done, admits O’Neil. “We still have to fill in with a couple of gates for access and the hardware to go with them.” But Director Newell’s connection to Habitat for Humanity volunteers will soon make this happen, she says. The gates are scheduled for completion during the week of October 3.
Thank You!
To everyone mentioned above AND the many other generous donors whose time and money helped us make the fence a reality, we cannot say thank you enough! You have made a big difference for our Norwell kids and their parents. Thank you for your support in making a difference in children’s lives on the South Shore of Boston as a whole! We invite you to connect with us on Facebook.
Maybe fence building isn’t your thing? Don’t worry, we have many ways you can help, either by volunteering or donating. Which ever way you chose will make a great impact on our children in shelter.
