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VOLUNTEERS ARE THE FIRE THAT MAKES INTERFAITH’S LIGHT SHINE BRIGHTLY – These candles were distributed to volunteers who attended Interfaith’s Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner on August 4, 2016.   They are made from pure beeswax and coconut oil. The candles were poured with love by one of Interfaith Social Services’ staff members. The vessels for the candles were all donated to Interfaith’s Bureau Drawer Thrift Shop. Just like Interfaith’s volunteers each one of the vessels is unique and beautiful in their own way. Last year over 800 volunteers served within Interfaith Social Services’ programs. We are in awe of the service, compassion and dedication demonstrated by our volunteers every day.

Claire Hagan is the Counseling Coordinator for Interfaith Social Services’ New Directions Counseling Center. She is a registered nurse and a licensed mental health clinician. After graduating from Children’s Hospital School of Nursing she spent much of her professional career working as a nurse until she realized her passion for psychology and emotional health. She returned to school and received a Master’s Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from UMass/Boston; followed by a two year internship at Tufts New England Medical Center. Much of Claire’s career has been spent working with parents via primary prevention programs in an effort to help children. Claire is a published author whose research on infant attachment and failure to thrive was presented at an annual infant psychiatry conference. Since 2000 Claire has been a therapist at Interfaith Social Services. Her specialties include adjustment and anxiety disorders. She has worked extensively with adults who are coping with the long term effects of inadequate parenting. Claire also works with couples who have had a pregnancy loss and women who experience a mood disorder after childbirth.  She believes in a holistic and strength-based approach, incorporating various theoretical orientations into a treatment plan to meet each person where he/she is. In her spare time Claire enjoys spending time the people and animals in her life. Her hobbies include cooking, gardening, reading, being in nature and spending time near the ocean.

Claire is one of our amazing team members here at Interfaith’s New Directions Counseling Center. New Directions has been providing compassionate and skilled therapy services to the South Shore since 1947. All of New Directions’ clinicians are professionally trained; licensed independent clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors and masters level clinicians. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Claire, or one of our other skilled therapists, please call 617-773-6203 today. Most health insurances are accepted. A sliding fee scale is available for those without coverage to accommodate all individuals who desire counseling.

 

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.