Jennifer Sammons

#MLKDay – a Day of Service

MLK Day Banner
Our offices will be closed on Monday, January 20, in honor of #MLKDay.
MLK Day is federally designated as a day of service and we encourage you to make it a “day on” rather than a day off. Even though our offices will be closed, you can still volunteer for Interfaith Monday by:
  • cleaning out your closet and setting aside donations for Interfaith’s Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop or textile recycling
  • collecting nonperishable foods and toiletry items for Interfaith’s food pantry
  • purchasing or donating some of your lightly used reusable shopping bags to the food pantry
  • sorting through your no-longer-needed children’s books to be used in Interfaith’s pantry waiting room

Highlights from Feed the Hungry Gala 2019

Gala photo ballroom

Hundreds of Interfaith Social Services’ supporters gathered on Dec. 6 to "Party with a Purpose" at our 22nd annual Feed the Hungry Gala. The event, held at Granite Links Golf Club, raised more than $310,000 to support Interfaith’s programs.

Thank you to all who attended and donated!

Make your gift go further!

If you made a donation for the gala, check to see if your company has a matching gift program and double your contribution to our mission!

Were you unable to attend and would still like to contribute? Donate Now

For those that could not attend, here is an overview of an evening filled with food, fun and breathtaking generosity:

We are overjoyed about the outpouring of support of our Feed the Hungry Gala! Accounting for one-third of Interfaith's overall annual budget, the Gala is instrumental in allowing us to carry out our mission. Our food pantry distributes more than 600,000 meals each year and seasonal programs provide local families in need with Halloween costumes, Thanksgiving meals, school backpacks and more. This week we are distributing holiday gifts to more than 750 children. The generous support given through our annual Gala enables us to keep up with the increased number of families coming to our door in need of food, mental health counseling and housing assistance.

The planning for this event started nearly a year ago as our gala committee worked tirelessly securing corporate sponsorships and organizing the auctions. A special thank you to this year’s lead sponsors: Presenting Sponsor Arbella Insurance Foundation and Hero Sponsors including the Rural Masonic Lodge of Quincy, MavroCreative, Quincy Mutual Group, Signet Electronic Systems and A Healthy Balance, Inc. We are also incredibly grateful for our "Friends of Interfaith" sponsors who asked to remain anonymous. Your support means the world to us!

Our morning kicked off bright and early, as Granite Links Golf Club began to transform into a winter wonderland (with some help from a little flurry outside). A group of wonderful corporate volunteers from Arbella Insurance spent the day hauling supplies to the venue, setting up signage and games. Our friends at Stop and Shop set up a spectacular produce-themed display, including a life-size cardboard cutout of Marty the Robot, in the rotunda for our photo op backdrop. Best of all, the gorgeous fruit and veggies in the display were later delivered to Interfaith to distribute to our food pantry clients!

After checking in, guests were greeted with a Winter Berry Blast welcome cocktail from Spiritfruit. Guests could then browse our silent auction table, showcasing more than 40 fabulous packages including getaways, private chef dinners, sports tickets and more. Thank you so much to the hundreds of companies that donated auction items and gift certificates.


Gala guests sampled dishes and sweet treats from local restaurants Alma Nove, Big Rock Oyster Company, Fratelli’s Pastry Shop, Granite Links Golf Club, JP Fuji Group, Montilio’s Baking Company, Sadie Mae’s Cupcake Café, The Corner Stop Eatery, The Quarry Restaurant & Lounge, The Range, The Townshend and Victory Point Marina Bay.


Representatives from Bent Water Brewing, Mayflower Brewing and Stellwagen Beer Company served up tastings in the Craft Beer Corner, Spiritfruit sampled their vodka and sparkling juice beverages, and Bin Ends poured wine tastings for the crowd. Coffee Break Café offered up coffees and flavored lattes.

Fun games, including a Spin the Bottle wine game, Hole in One golf, new Punch Board and Cocoa Pong games and the ever-popular Snow Ball Toss, added to the festive atmosphere. Guests could win prizes valued from $5 to $500!


Our evening's program included a moving video that highlighted one of Interfaith's clients, Bill. Bill spoke about how Interfaith's counseling center and food pantry was there during a very difficult time in his life. Because of Interfaith, he not only was able to provide food for his family, but he also found dignity and hope. Bill is grateful for the support that our donors provide. It was heartwarming to see the generosity of our attendees as they raised their bid cards and made a pledge to Interfaith in reaction to hearing his story.

View Bill's video:


The night was extraordinary! But it takes a lot of work to make it all happen. Interfaith's Feed the Hungry Gala Committee, led by co-chairs Donna Mavromates and Maura O'Brien, is made up of an incredible group of volunteers who show their compassion and dedication by working overtime collecting auction items, securing sponsors, organizing volunteers and much more. They are amazing - THANK YOU!

Want to see more photos from the event? Check out our album on Facebook.

Be sure to Save the Date for our 23rd annual Feed the Hungry Gala on December 4, 2020!

Hundreds of kids select Halloween costumes thanks to your donations

Girls in Halloween Costumes

Trick or Treat! Thanks to the amazing outpouring of generosity from our community, the children we serve in our food pantry will get to shout out these three words as they knock on doors tonight hoping to fill their little bags with tasty treats.

On Saturday, October 19, Interfaith’s staff and volunteers distributed costumes to more than 250 children whose parents are struggling to keep food on the table. For many of them, the extra expense of a Halloween costume is considered a luxury they just cannot afford. Because of the kind donations from our community, these children will be able to dress up and celebrate the Halloween festivities just like their peers.

The support for our Halloween Costume Drive over the last six weeks from individuals and community groups has been overwhelming. Hundreds of costumes were dropped off here during the drive. Thank you to Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA, East Coast Printing, FoxRock Properties, Signet Electronics, and St. Joseph Church for their wonderful costume donations. And a very special thank you to Stop & Shop! They not only donated costumes, they also gave us 250 sugar pumpkins and enough candy to fill 250 goody bags for each child that attended the event.

Thank you Milton Girl Scout Troop 76176!
This amazing group of girls and their troop leaders assembled 250 goody bags. They even donated candy and Halloween-themed tattoos, rings and glow sticks to go in the bags. Thank you Girl Scouts!

Thank you to our Halloween Costume distribution “dream team” of volunteers who gave us hours of their time assisting the children we serve in finding the perfect costume.

Volunteers from the Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop set up our “spooky wall” photo backdrop. Before heading out with smiles on their faces and treat bags in hand, the kids were able to try on their costumes and take a photo. Thank you so much!

The Patriot Ledger sent a reporter and photographer to the event and we thank them for their wonderful coverage. Read the article here.

Thank you Gary Higgins Photography for capturing all of the precious moments from the event. Check out more photos on our Facebook page.

One of the children knocking on your door this evening might just be wearing a costume that you donated. Happy haunting!

Brett Dixon – New Directions Counseling Center Therapist

Brett

Brett Dixon earned his B.A. in Philosophy and Religious Studies at Salve Regina University and his M.A. in Clinical Mental Health at Lesley University. Brett works with clients of all ages and specializes in depression, anxiety, PTSD, grief and substance abuse. Brett has experience working with children in both hospital and community settings and with adults with dual diagnosis who are currently experiencing homelessness.

Brett utilizes a holistic and client centered approach to counseling, often combining mindfulness, cognitive behavioral therapy, existential therapy and narrative therapy to help clients better understand their symptoms and find an individualized and meaningful approach to healing. He believes that healing develops through building positive relationships and works to create a safe, comfortable and open environment for all his clients (He also doesn’t mind sharing a good laugh or talking about the Red Sox either).

In addition to counseling, Brett is also trained as a mediator, has served as a meditation coach and is a published writer.

Caitlin Kaake – New Directions Counseling Center Therapist

Caitlin

Caitlin joined the counseling staff at New Directions Counseling Center in 2019. She earned her B.A. in Psychology and Religion at Amherst College, and her M.A. in Counseling from Northwestern University. Caitlin works with clients of all ages dealing with issues that include depression, anxiety, OCD, low self-esteem, social anxiety, grief, perfectionism, and miscarriage/infertility. She utilizes an integrative approach, drawing from cognitive-behavioral, strengths-based, narrative, and play therapy, always with a focus on helping clients understand their symptoms in the larger context of their lives. Caitlin also uses Christian counseling for those who want to include their Christian faith in their therapy. Her focus is on creating a comfortable space for clients to be themselves, have their thoughts and feelings respected, and feel fully involved in the treatment process. She believes that humor makes life better, that children’s books are for adults too, and that both are best enjoyed with good people and good tea.

We did it! Capital campaign fully funded

Interfaith Staff Photo

Our new larger-capacity refrigerated truck.

We’re excited to announce that our 2018 Capital Campaign has been fully funded!

Our generous donors contributed more than $165,000 to help us expand capacity in the food pantry and New Directions Counseling Center.

In the past decade, the number of food pantry clients we’ve seen in need of food assistance has climbed from 10,000 per year to more than 23,000. In the same time period, the New Directions Counseling Center went from providing 1,900 counseling sessions to more than 2,500 sessions per year. As programs have expanded, the need for facility improvements became apparent.

Funds will be allocated to:

  • A Walk-In Freezer – an energy-efficient walk-in freezer will replace a set of aging and inefficient freezers, cutting energy bills and doubling storage space for frozen meats and foods.
  • A New Food Pantry Truck – we’ve purchased a larger capacity refrigerated truck that doubles the amount of food we can rescue at local grocery stores. It also decreases the number of rescue trips needed, saving time and gas.
  • Office Reconfiguration – counseling offices will be soundproofed and moved to avoid distractions from the food pantry. Two larger offices will be divided to create more unique spaces for therapy sessions.
  • Facilities Improvements – flooring will be replaced in high traffic areas, light fixtures will be switched out with energy efficient fixtures, and adjustments will be made to the lobby to improve accessibility and flow.

HarborOne Bank President Joe Casey (right) presents Interfaith’s Executive Director Rick Doane with a $30,000 grant from the HarborOne Foundation for a new walk-in freezer in the food pantry.

Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation presented a $25,000 partnership grant to Interfaith Social Services for their 2018 Capital Campaign. Eastern Bank, America’s oldest and largest mutual bank, gives 10 percent of its net income to charity each year. Shown here, left to right, Eastern Bank Senior Vice President Don Uvanitte, Eastern Bank Branch Managers Donna Kelble and Terry Bellotti-Palmieri, and Interfaith Executive Director Rick Doane.

Jonathan Tetrault, left, Senior Director of Distribution Services at Greater Boston Food Bank, presented Interfaith with a $25,000 check in January to help us purchase a new larger, refrigerated food rescue truck.
Also pictured: Interfaith Executive Director Rick Doane, Food Pantry Driver Geoff Bowen and Food Pantry Manager Eileen Kelly.

Thank you so much to the following donors (and also to those who gave anonymously) who gave so generously to help us reach our goal:

Interfaith’s employees celebrate the success of the capital campaign in the back of their new food rescue truck. Purchased with the campaign funds, the new refrigerated truck will allow them make more efficient runs and collect twice as much food for hungry South Shore families. Shown in back row, Food Pantry Driver Geoff Bowen. Front row, left to right, Food Pantry Manager Eileen Kelly, Development Director Paula Daniels and Communications Manager Jennifer Sammons.

HarborOne Bank
Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund
Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation
Greater Boston Food Bank
James Cahill & Gillian Grossman
Kurt & Sarah Livermore
Lauren Payne & William Swanson
First Congregational Church of Milton
Sarah & Scott Alessandro
Mary & Thomas Dinneen
Rockland Trust
South Shore Bank
Holly & Joseph Andrus
Joanne Cormack
Bethesda Lodge No. 30 I.O.O.F.
Ethel Schow
Judith Gundersen
Justine & Ralph Palmieri
Jay & Gail Marvin
Maureen & John O’Donnell
Kevin & Cristina Duggan
George Rice
Elaine Joseph
Maggie Trudel
Karissa Colonel
Mary Ann & Robert Skjold
Evan Smith
William Carlson
Joanne Farrington
Cara Gallucci
Liz Tayne
Mark Pachelli
Michael Burke

Congratulations to Leighann Zemp, our February Volunteer of the Month

Leigh Ann

Leighann is a volunteer in the Bureau Drawer, where she helps out in the sorting room and assists in the shop. She’s been a wonderful addition to the shop since 2009 (nearly a decade!). You’ll recognize her by her distinctive laugh and her tiny Chihuahua, Chewy, who she brings to Interfaith once a month to have his nails trimmed by a fellow volunteer.

Cindy says:
“Leighann has been volunteering in the shop two days a week for 10 years. She’s hardworking and dedicated to our fundraising mission.

When she comes in the atmosphere totally changes. She’s friendly, busy and very outspoken. Customers, donors and volunteers love her so much and it’s noticed if she happens to be out on one of her days. They all ask where she is.

Leighann always has animated stories to tell and she helps everyone have a great experience when they shop. She helps them find the perfect outfit or anything else they never knew they needed! She puts her magic touch in the shop whether it’s a special display, dressing a mannequin or cleaning and making the shop shine. It’s always something.

Leighann has a big heart and we’re very grateful she’s a volunteer at Interfaith.”

Chewy celebrates his birthday with a doggie cupcake.

We asked Leighann 4 Questions:

  1. Why did you choose to volunteer at Interfaith?

A former volunteer, Chickie, asked me to volunteer with her. I did and I got hooked from there.

  1. What do you enjoy most about volunteering here?

I think all the friendships I’ve made. It’s like a sisterhood to me. I just love what Interfaith stands for.

  1. What’s the most memorable item you’ve seen come through the Thrift Shop?

There are several. I always remember that gorgeous plate we got. A crystal cake plate. We just loved it. And then it broke.

I got the most beautiful Christmas tree (from the Shop) two years ago. It was a 9 1/2 foot Christmas tree somebody donated. I walked in the shop and it was sitting there and it wasn’t even half up. I already had a Christmas tree at home. But I just loved that tree. This was on a Tuesday. And then Friday I come in and the tree was still there. I said, “Oh the tree is still here. I have to get it. I have to get it.” So I bought it. It’s gorgeous, and now I put it in my kitchen.

Also the unique people. There was a belly dancing girl. She’d belly dance in the shop in her bra and we’d all sit around and watch the show.

  1. Tell us something interesting about yourself that the other staff and volunteers may not know.

I really wanted to be an airline stewardess. Back when they were popular with the little outfits and everything. I even went to school for it down in Miami. But it didn’t work out.

I’ve also been married for 36 years. I’ve been with my husband since we were in junior high. He was my first boyfriend and I was his first girlfriend. I was a cheerleader and I used to cheer for him. He was a football player. He drove me home on his little Mongoose bike. We’re still together.

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Know someone who may be interested in volunteering? Have them reach out to volunteer coordinator Paula Daniels at 617-773-6203 ext. 28 or pdaniels@interfaithsocialservices.org.

Interfaith’s Drop-In Days: Try out a food pantry volunteer shift!

We are hosting a week of Volunteer Drop-In Days!

For those looking to lend a hand in their community, now has never been a better time. We’ve seen a dramatic increase in the number of individuals served in the food pantry. More than 800 individuals received food from the pantry in the first two weeks of 2019, compared with 510 during the same time period last year.

“We’ve seen quite an increase this month in the number of clients requesting food from our pantry,” said our Executive Director Rick Doane. “Clients are anxious about the government shutdown and how it may affect their benefits. They are worried about how to feed their families. Our pantry waiting room has been full every day this month.”

We’re able to serve clients through a volunteer force of more than 100 individuals, and we need additional help as demand from the community increases. During the Volunteer Drop-In Days, YOU – members of our community – are invited to try out a volunteer shift in the food pantry.

Those interested in volunteering should arrive at Interfaith, 105 Adams St., Quincy, at either 9:30am or noon for a three-hour volunteer shift any day, Monday, Jan, 28 – Friday, Feb. 1.

Volunteers will be required to fill out a CORI background check and registration form. You should be able to be on your feet for the duration of the shift and lift up to 50 pounds. Excellent customer service and communication skills are required. Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older.

The week-long Drop-In Days event will allow volunteers to get a feel for what it is like serving local residents in need by filling grocery orders for clients and restocking the food pantry shelves. Interfaith hopes that many of the volunteers who drop in will be interested in committing to an ongoing three-hour volunteer shift per week.

Those interested in volunteering at Interfaith Social Services are encouraged to contact volunteer coordinator Paula Daniels at 617-773-6203 ext. 28 or pdaniels@interfaithsocialservices.org. Or just stop by the Volunteers Drop-In Days event at 9:30am or noon between Monday, Jan., 28 and Friday, Feb. 1. See you there!

Congratulations to Cate Lane, our December Volunteer of the Month!

Cate has been volunteering at Interfaith since Sept. 2013. She works at the front desk on Tuesday mornings and runs the cash register on Monday afternoons in the Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop. She was nominated for Volunteer of the Month by her Tuesday front desk co-worker, Ellen Walsh.

Ellen Walsh, left, and Cate Lane, right, Interfaith’s Tuesday morning front desk volunteers.

Ellen says:
“Cate has volunteered for several years at Interfaith, with a smile for everyone. She covers the front desk where she is always empathetic and kind to all clients.

She goes out of her way when a client is in particular need. For example, she once worked with Charlene to help a new immigrant find a sewing machine so that she could continue to be a tailor here in the U.S.

Cate also volunteers regularly in the Thrift Shop. She will cover an additional shift even when they need help on short notice.”

We asked Cate 5 Questions:

1. Why did you choose to volunteer at Interfaith?

I chose to volunteer at Interfaith after researching nonprofit organizations in our community.  I wanted somewhere fairly close so I could still get there in bad weather. When I looked into Interfaith, which is practically around the corner from where I live, I realized this was the same organization that started as the Protestant Social Service Bureau & had been located (again) right around the corner from where I lived in Wollaston.  Although I was not that familiar with it at that time, I had known it was a respected organization which did a lot of good for the community.  So it was a matter of convenience for myself, respect for the organization & appreciation of the work done by Interfaith.

2. Is there a certain aspect of our mission that motivates you to want to volunteer here?

The fact that Interfaith treats all clients with compassion & dignity is a definite motivation for me.  And, the Food Pantry (incredible!) and the Counseling Center help fill a definite need in the community.

3. What other volunteer experience have you had?

I previously volunteered at Quincy Medical Center (2010-2014) and many, many years ago at Carney Hospital.

4. What do you enjoy most about volunteering here?

I enjoy working with the other volunteers who are always upbeat & go out of their way to treat everyone with respect & kindness.  Mostly, I enjoy working for the clients and honestly feel I benefit as much as the clients by volunteering here.  When a client is leaving the office & turns to say thank you or God bless you, you know you are truly blessed and fortunate to be a part of the Interfaith organization.

5. Tell us something interesting about yourself that the other staff and volunteers may not know.

I have become a genealogy fanatic recently  & have corresponded with new found relatives in Ireland, England & Liechtenstein.  While researching, have also discovered my son is eligible for membership in the Sons of American Revolution & the Mayflower Society (on his father’s side of course).

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Know someone who may be interested in volunteering? Have them reach out to volunteer coordinator Paula Daniels at 617-773-6203 ext. 28 or pdaniels@interfaithsocialservices.org.

Wastin’ Away

Now that we’re all stuffed full of Thanksgiving leftovers, let’s take a minute to talk about food waste. A UN study reported than nearly a third of food produced for human consumption never reached the table. That’s astonishing!

At Interfaith, one of our main goals is to rescue food from the waste stream and get it into the hands of those that need it most. We do this through our food rescue program, partnering with local retail stores such as Stop & Shop, Big Y World Class Market, BJ’s Wholesale Club, Roche Bros – Quincy, Roxie’s of Quincy, Target Braintree, Amazon and more.

Food from these stores that would otherwise be hitting Dumpsters is loaded into our rescue van on a weekly basis and sorted and shelved by volunteers at our food pantry.

With these partnerships, we rescued more than 325,000 pounds of food last year!

While we’re doing our part to minimize food waste on a larger scale, there is still much work that can be done by individuals. Here’s an interesting article from the The Boston Globe about trying to cut down on food waste at home.

What tips can you share on ways to reduce waste at home?