Jennifer Sammons

Ruth Mullen a Weymouth resident has been volunteering at Interfaith Social Services for almost two years. She first heard about the organization through a friend who had previously donated her time serving clients at Interfaith’s offices. It didn’t take long for Ruth to fall in love with the organization’s programs. Working side by side with her team of fellow volunteers Ruth enjoys the comradery and especially the joy of serving Interfaith’s clients. Ruth’s favorite experience was volunteering with her 12 year old granddaughter. Together, they have helped several families in the food pantry, and have sorted Halloween costumes for Interfaith’s annual Halloween Costume Drive. “It is so fun to serve together,” said Ruth. “My granddaughter has even asked me to come back and volunteer on her school vacations.” When Ruth isn’t volunteering at Interfaith, she goes to the gym every day and does power yoga. “Interfaith is a great organization. Everyone who volunteers and works here, they are such nice people.”

Peter Griswold of Quincy has been a food pantry volunteer at Interfaith Social Services since August 2014. While working with State Street for over 30 years Peter had volunteered at Interfaith through their Global Outreach volunteer program. So far, Peter’s favorite experience as a volunteer was during the holiday season. As part of our Help for the Holidays Program Peter worked with his church, Quincy Community United Methodist, to purchase gifts for a food pantry client family who otherwise would have missed out on the magic of Christmas. “I like having the chance to do something constructive. It’s good to give back to the community and help people in need.” When Peter isn’t bagging bread, moving things to the top shelf, or filling orders in the food pantry, he enjoys collecting comic books, especially Marvel comic books from the 1960s.

Just when we thought last year’s record-breaking total would be hard to beat, our amazing event committee, donors and volunteers rallied to raise an incredible $250,000 at Interfaith Social Services’ 18^th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala. These critical funds will make it possible to help the thousands of families who come to our door wondering where their next place else to turn for mental health counseling.

Check out many more photos from this year’s Gala on Facebook.

On December 4^th Granite Links Golf Club was transformed into a winter wonderland full of games, auctions, festive beverages, delicious food and generosity. Local support for this year’s Gala was on display throughout the evening.

As guests arrived they were welcomed with festive cranberry cocktails provided by GrandTen Distilling. Island Creek Oysters provided an incredible raw bar side by side with sushi from JP Fuji Group. As they made their way into the ballroom guests encountered a stunning array of activities, restaurants and auctions. Adding to the ambience was the beautiful signage generously donated by Makepeace Digital
Imaging and East Coast Printing. Guests indulged in our wine tasting provided by Bin Ends, Sam Adams lager provided by Boston Beer Company and the delicious menu created by our other generous restaurant sponsors: Alma Nove, Boathouse Bistro, Michael Aprea, The Corner Stop Eatery, and The Quarry Restaurant & Lounge. Live entertainment as well as fun, interactive games created a high-spirited atmosphere throughout the night.

We were so happy to have our event energetically emceed for the second year in a row by Latoyia Edwards from NECN. During the program, we presented our Community Hero of the Year Award to NECN reporter and Hingham native, Ally Donnelly for the amazing work she does behind the camera on behalf of struggling South Shore families. At the close of the evening, Montilio’s and Burtons Grill treated our guests to mouthwatering desserts; and specialty coffee was provided by Coffee Break Café.

After the auctions had closed and all of the game prizes had been won no one left the Gala empty handed, each guest departed with a Gift Bag sponsored by JetBlue and Arbella which was stuffed with product, promotions and coupons from event sponsors. The entire evening was designed to thank each guest for being a part of Interfaith’s mission. Linda, one of the event’s attendees, described her experience.

“This is such an amazing event! I look forward to it. Events like this make you appreciate what you have, a home, food and clothing. We take it for granted. Being a single parent, that could be me. It gives me comfort to know that there is a place like Interfaith where one could go to for help.”

Gala guests left the event with more than fun memories, they left with full hearts. The focal point of the evening’s program was a testimonial from Stephanie, one of Interfaith’s clients. She voiced what thousands of other local residents just like her go through every day. In order to put food on her family’s table, Stephanie started coming to Interfaith’s food pantry this past summer. At the Gala, she spoke about obstacles and resilience. These are some of her own words.

“You may not realize that my face represents someone who served in the United States Marines, someone who has four beautiful children, someone who overcame domestic violence, someone who was homeless and also someone who is kind, patient and capable of amazing things. There are astonishing stories that lie behind the faces we pass by every day. I am sharing my story with you to shed light on the fact that at some point it is possible for any one of us to experience a circumstance that could require us to need assistance. I am now working towards obtaining my degree in nursing. I have maintained a 3.87 GPA. I feel my accomplishments would not have been possible without the resources provided by Interfaith. My experiences have shown me that I have the fortitude and strength to persevere through life’s challenges and that we all have the opportunity to be amazing.”

In addition to groceries, this Thanksgiving Stephanie and her family carved a turkey and enjoyed a holiday meal
provided by Interfaith’s donors. This Christmas her kids will open gifts donated by some of Interfaith’s incredibly generous supporters, including Walmart who presented Stephanie with a $500 gift card at the event.

Stephanie has encountered many road blocks during her journey to self-sufficiency, but she is well on her way thanks to a community of people, organizations and businesses who reach out and assistance this neighbor in her time of need.

Time and time again we are astonished by the amazing way that our community of supporters has rallied to support Interfaith’s mission. Thank you to the charitable businesses and individuals whose giving spirit made our Gala a reality. Together we are helping people like Stephanie. We are feeding hungry children, helping families avoid homelessness and providing comfort and counseling to those who are suffering – THANK YOU!

Save the Date: 19th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala – Friday December 9, 2016

The 2015 Gala Committee included: Ally Donnelly and Greg Wallingford, co-chairs Committee Members: Kara Bianchi, Charlotte Bodell, Tanya Buchanan, Emily Byrer, James Cahill, Katie Catlender, Kevin Clow, Allison Corbett, Kathleen Curran, Paula Daniels, Rick Doane, Cara Hafferty, Patricia Horne, Seerena Huxley, Amanda Kennedy, Donna Mavromates, Bill Murphy, Julie Nations, Maura O’Brien, Jennifer Reale, Kelsey Rochleau, Adrienne Rowe, Leanne Schiller, Daniele Serafini, Elizabeth Shaw

Thank you to all of our Sponsors for your support!

Supporter Level:

Bay State Milling * Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Milton * Black Rock Cares * Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts * BMC HealthNet Plan * Boston Financial Data Services * The Carvalho Family * Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage Cares * Cosgrove, Eisenberg & Kiley, P.C. * Davine Events * Donham & Sweeney Architects * DPS Insurance Group, Inc. * East Coast Printing Inc.  Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation * Elite Envelope & Graphics, Inc. * First Congregational Church of Randolph * Gadles Real Estate Development * Law Offices of George G. Burke * Lily Lee * The Lombardo Companies * Makepeace Digital Printing * Micah 6, Inc. * Neponset Valley Survey Associates, Inc. *  John & Maureen O’Donnell * Pierce Harman Photography * Planter Hill Properties * Quincy Mutual Group * Rentals Unlimited * Shepard Construction and Development * State Street Global Operations * St. Stephen’s Church * William Swanson & Lauren Payne * Three Phase Productions * Tryst Studio * Weymouth Rotary Club * WNA

On Monday evening November 16th, as part of their week long grand opening festivities, Central Rock Gym in Randolph hosted an evening of classes and climbing for Interfaith’s volunteers. Central Rock Gym is a world class indoor climbing, fitness, and community experience with state of the art facilities, expansive climbing walls, cutting edge fitness equipment, professional yoga classes, and more. The Gym’s mission emphasizes the importance of community involvement; as such they offered to host this free evening for our volunteers.

Volunteers had a great time learning the basics. Thank you for hosting us Central Rock Gym!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Interfaith Social Services 18^th Annual Feed the Hungry Gala will be held on Friday December 4, 2015 at Granite Links in Quincy. The Gala features carnival-style games, door prizes, entertainment and an amazing variety of live and silent auction packages. Chefs from top Boston area restaurants will host a Dine Around experience for guests while local wine and spirits distributors showcase their products. Many surprises and fun giveaways are being planned for this year’s event.

A sun drenched trip to tropical Barbados from JetBlue Getaways, a dream vacation to London from Norwegian Air, a snow blower from Curry Hardware, sports tickets, hotel stays and exclusive dining packages are just a few of the many items which local businesses have donated to Interfaith Social Services to be auctioned off on December 4^th.

A committee of dedicated local volunteers has been working for over a year to solicit donations from generous community partners throughout the South Shore. These contributions from charitably minded shops, restaurants, and local businesses will impact the lives of thousands of area residents. Interfaith’s food pantry is one of the largest in Greater Boston. Last year they distributed over 850,000 pounds of food to hungry local residents. “The proceeds from the auctions at our Gala make it possible for our organization to serve over 25,000 South Shore residents every year,” said Interfaith’s executive director Rick Doane. “Our food pantry, counseling center and emergency assistance programs couldn’t operate without the funds raised at this event. We are so grateful for all of the incredibly charitable businesses who donate and to the members of our community who volunteer to organize this gala every year.”

The Gala has sold out for the past two years. Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to purchase tickets as soon as possible at: www.FeedHungryGala.org.

This year’s Feed the Hungry Gala presenting sponsors are Arbella Insurance Foundation and Walmart. Champion and Hero Level sponsors include: JetBlue Getaways, Neighborhood Health Plan and South Shore Living magazine. Activist level sponsors: BJ’s Wholesale Club, Campbell, Devasto & Associates, CPAs, Eliza Corporation, Foxcroft Real Estate Management, Granite Links Golf Club at Quarry Hills, Granite Telecommunications,  Interstate Electrical Services, J. Calnan & Associates, MountainOne Bank, NECN, Signet Electronic Systems, Inc. and Stop & Shop. Many other supporting and friend level sponsors come from dozens of caring individuals and charitable local businesses.

 

2015 Community Hero of the Year Award

Each year Interfaith Social Services presents the Community Hero of the Year Award to an individual who inspires others through selfless service. This year’s recipient, to be honored at the Feed the Hungry Gala, is Ally Donnelly.

Ally is familiar to most area residents from her work at the TV station NECN. But what most people don’t know is how much she does behind the camera to help South Shore residents who are struggling to provide basic necessities for their families.

Ally has participated in the Pan Mass Challenge in honor of children struggling with cancer. She engages local businesses to join her in supporting families in need. She organizes clothing and Halloween costume drives for local children, she prepares bake sales and participates in Walkathons. Since 2012 Ally has co-chaired Interfaith’s Feed the Hungry Gala Committee. Her leadership has led to a 400% increase in funds raised through the Gala. The event now accounts for almost 1/3 of Interfaith’s total annual funding. Her efforts make it possible for Interfaith to provide food, mental health counselling and emergency assistance to thousands of local residents every year.

In 2014, South Shore Living profiled Ally as one of the most influential women in the South Shore region. Ally Donnelly has been a part of the NECN team for over 10 years.  She has won three local Emmy Awards, two regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and two Gabriel Awards in her career as a journalist, along with two Associated Press awards and a Freddie Award.  Ally and her husband Patrick are proudly raising daughters Izzie and Lucy in Hingham, both of whom organize a bake sale each spring to benefit Interfaith Social Services.

Ally’s passionate investigative reporting and dedication to serving South Shore residents in need made her an obvious choice to be this year’s Community Hero of the Year award.

 

Past Community Hero of the Year award recipients include: Jennifer Reale, Cindy Lee, Ed Kelley, Paula Lombardo, Beverly Tangvik, Thomas F. Williams. Esq., Kris Larsen, Matti Lang, Jan Stewart, Mary Ann Walsh, Robert F. Taylor, Margaret Davidson and Andrew Scheele.

 

On Saturday October 17, 2015 hundreds of kids sorted through racks full of Halloween costumes to transform themselves into the princess or superhero of their dreams. These children’s families rely on Interfaith Social Services programs for assistance. Without this event these kids might have missed out on trick-or-treating this year because their families don’t have enough disposable income to buy them a Halloween costume. As client families arrived at Interfaith’s offices they were teamed up with one of Interfaith’s amazing volunteers. “Many of our volunteers brought their children with them to the event,” said Interfaith’s executive director Rick Doane. “Watching little four year old kids helping other four year olds find their perfect costume was heart warming.”

“Our food pantry serves upwards of five-hundred children each month. Helping these kids and their families is paramount to our organization’s mission. Everyone can see the joy that kids experience each October 31st. Our youngest clients, many of whom are living in some very difficult situations, deserve to experience that joy more than anyone else.”

“All of the costumes came from an amazing outpouring of support from the community. Dozens of local children organized costume drives at their schools. Generous donors went out and purchased costumes. Many individuals stopped by the office with gently used costumes which their kids had previously used.  It was incredible to see how many people rallied to help these kids have a fun Halloween. That example of love and compassion makes this event extra special.”

This is the fourth year that Interfaith Social Services has organized a Halloween costume event for the kids served by their food pantry. Donations for next year’s event have already started to arrive.

 

Photos by Nations Photography

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

On Monday morning, September 28th, Interfaith Social Services’ food pantry clients were greeted by some familiar faces as they collected groceries for their families.  Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch and Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan rolled up their sleeves dishing out emergency food.

Volunteers have been assisting South Shore residents through Interfaith’s food pantry for four decades. To commemorate the 40^th anniversary of Interfaith’s Food Pantry the mayors brought more than citations to recognize Interfaith’s work, they brought a desire to serve. The Mayors assembled food orders for clients, sorted donations and toured the sorting area for Interfaith’s upcoming Halloween Costume distribution.

“The mayors’ visit today recognizes the incredible efforts that their constituents make by volunteering within our programs,” said Interfaith’s executive director Rick Doane. “Last year over 800 local residents volunteered here at Interfaith, making it possible for us to serve the thousands of families who turn to us for assistance. We are so grateful that the Mayors could join with us to help highlight the need that exists within our community.”

Interfaith Social Services operates one of the largest emergency food programs in Greater Boston. Our programs are a safety net for thousands of children and families from the South Shore in need of mental health counseling, food, budget counseling, emergency assistance and clothing.

“Especially after the Pope’s recent visit and his dedication to serving the less fortunate, every day in every way we should commit ourselves to ending hunger in our communities and throughout the Country” said Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan. “It is an effort we must win.” Not only did Mayor Sullivan serve food at Interfaith’s Food Pantry, his office recently organized a fundraiser to purchase Halloween costumes for the children served by Interfaith Social Services.

“Hopefully the mayors’ presence today helps overcome the stigma associated with asking for help,” said Doane. “Our doors are open for all those in end of assistance. We’d hate to see something like pride get in the way of a family being fed. There is nothing shameful about asking for help.”

Interfaith Social Services is formally commemorating the 40^th Anniversary of our Food Pantry at the upcoming Feed the Hungry Gala on December 4^th. Click here to order your tickets today. 

Click here for more information about Interfaith’s Halloween costume drive.

 

 

 

 

Serving the South Shore since 1947, Interfaith’s roots of service and compassion are planted deep within the soil of our community. This year Interfaith’s Thrift Shop and Food Pantry programs are both celebrating their 40^th anniversary. This legacy of service has been made possible by countless donors, volunteers and dedicated staff members over the years. We thought we’d take this opportunity to look back at almost seventy years of helping our neighbors in need…

In the mid-1940s one of the largest employers in Greater Boston was the Quincy Shipyard. Many of World War II’s warships were built there. However, as the war drew to a close so did the shipyard’s production. Over a short time period, thousands of employees were laid off, resulting in crises for many local families. Within their congregations local religious leaders saw the poverty and social problems that these struggling families were confronting. They wanted to do something more to help them. This desire resulted in the formation of what would come to be known as Interfaith Social Services. The group was initially called Protestant Community Services and was established in 1947 to help all Quincy families who had fallen on hard times. Congregations worked together providing families with emergency assistance and hope.

By 1957 the organization had expanded its service area to include ten South Shore communities and changed its name to Protestant Social Service Bureau (PSSB). Throughout the 1970’s the organization operated various group homes for young men who were wards of the state. During this time period the agency’s adoption program was created to help find homes for older children, sibling groups, and disabled children who desperately desired permanent, loving homes. A key component to working with this population was addressing their mental health needs and those of other community members.  Although the program wouldn’t be named The New Directions Counseling Center until 1982, since its inception mental health counseling has always been a vital program within Interfaith Social Services.

1975 was an important year in Interfaith’s history. Facing pressure from a significant public funder the organization was forced to choose between merging with a similar organization in Boston or losing a substantial amount of funding. The board of directors choose to forge their own path. That year they organized the first South Shore Walk fundraiser. They opened the Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop, and the Pantry Shelf emergency food program opened its doors for the first time.

The pantry began in a 5’x 8’ closet and was originally staffed with one volunteer. Today, Interfaith’s Pantry Shelf food pantry is one of the largest emergency food programs in Greater Boston. It is staffed by two part time staff members, one full time volunteer, and hundreds of other volunteers who distribute almost 1,000,000 lbs. of food to over 17,000 people annually.

Throughout the 1980’s The HomeShare project matched single seniors living alone with persons seeking a room in exchange for services, room and board. The organization opened several group homes for seniors during this time period to address the unmet regional need for senior housing.

In the late 1990’s the HomeSafe program was launched as a way to prevent Homelessness and to provide emergency assistance to local families in need. The first Feed the Hungry Gala fundraiser was also held during this time period at the Company Theater in Norwell. Since then the Gala has grown to become one of Interfaith’s most important fundraisers as well as being one of the premiere social events for Greater Boston and Massachusetts’ South Shore regions.

In 1998 Protestant Social Service Bureau changed their name to reflect the fact that its support, volunteers and staff were not officially affiliated with any faith based institutions. The board of directors wanted to honor the organization’s roots in the faith community; as such they choose the name Interfaith Social Services. Operating as a nonreligious organization, the organization continued to pursue its mission of “…strengthening family life and offering assistance to anyone in need.”

That same year Interfaith’s various group homes closed as affordable senior living options became available in the region. The next year, 1999, Interfaith’s Career Closet program opened to provide professional clothing to women reentering the workforce. Ten years later the program was expanded to serve male and female job seekers.

In 2000 The Food Pantry’s Easter Basket and Help for the Holidays adopt-a-family programs were created to assist food pantry clients who could not provide holiday gifts for their children. These seasonal initiatives have grown substantially over the past two decades.  Volunteers now distribute 300+ Halloween costumes to the children of food pantry clients each year, 350 Easter Baskets, 700+ backpacks full of school supplies, 600+ children receive Christmas gifts and 800+ households receive Thanksgiving meal baskets.

In 2000, Interfaith’s adoption program was closed due to chronically delayed funding from the state.

In 2003 Interfaith purchased the 105 Adams Street building, which currently houses our offices, allowing the organization to consolidate all of our programs under one roof.

In an effort to provide more fresh produce to food pantry clients Interfaith launched the Harvest Helpers program in 2009. That year staff and volunteers planted a garden at Interfaith’s offices and began encouraging the donation of fresh fruits and vegetables to the food pantry.

In 2011 The Learning Pantry program was launched to educate food pantry clients about a variety of life skills including: financial literacy, nutrition and addiction recovery.

In 2013 The HomeSafe Program launched an ongoing budget counseling initiative for housing assistance clients, over 493 households were served by the new initiative that year.

Throughout 2014-15 various building improvement projects were conducted at Interfaith’s offices including: the installation of a new roof, new windows, stucco resurfacing, new flooring for the Thrift Shop and Counseling Center, extensive heating repairs, a new hot water heater and septic pump as well as additional refrigerators, freezers and shelving for the food pantry.

These repairs and improvements to Interfaith’s facilities, along with the community’s ongoing donations of time and funding, will make it possible for Interfaith to continue serving clients for many years to come. Just as we have for the past seven decades.

 

 

 

 

Karen Partridge of South Boston is one of Interfaith’s amazing volunteers. She is a nurse who loves helping people. About a year ago Karen went online to look for a volunteer opportunity where she could meet similar people who care about helping others as much as she does. She stumbled across Interfaith’s webpage. After reading about Interfaith online, Karen decided to call our volunteer coordinator Paula Daniels to set up a meeting. After discussing Interfaith’s various outlets for service Karen decided the Food Pantry would be the best fit for her. Over the past year she worked in the food pantry one day a week and has become an integral member of her team.  She also helps to coordinate signups for Interfaith’s various Holiday Help Programs. Karen enjoys working with her fellow volunteers, and believes that she has made great friends. “It’s wonderful to help people and make a difference. It’s not only great for the volunteers, but for the community.” Originally from London, England, Karen admits that she is a bad Brit and doesn’t drink tea. She encourages anyone to volunteer at Interfaith. “I even enjoy driving to Interfaith’s offices, knowing I’ll help people that day.”