Volunteers from the New Bedford Chapter of the Prince Henry Society assembled more than 600 food baskets for more than 200 local families in need this holiday season, part of their annual Christmas Food Basket event. Members of the Society and family and friends volunteered this month to provide the essentials, including turkey, stuffing, potatoes, canned goods, ham, chicken, milk, bread, linguica, eggs, fresh produce, and much more.

The event was organized by the Community Affairs Committee under the leadership of Mike Tavares and Tony Folco, with members of the committee spending countless hours over the past several months organizing the event. The Prince Henry Society New Bedford Chapter is grateful to all of those who helped with both monetary and food donations and to Dartmouth Building Supply for the use of their warehouse.

Join us for the 3rd Annual Craft Beer and Food Truck Festa, presented by Club Madeirense S. S. Sacramento Inc!

Get ready for an unforgettable day of craft beer and mouthwatering food trucks in MA and RI. This year’s event promises to be the best one yet, so mark your calendars and don’t miss out!

Date: September 9th
Time: 1 – 7pm
Location: Feast Grounds

Live entertainment will keep the energy high throughout the day, as you indulge in a variety of exceptional craft beers and delicious food options. Support Club Madeirense’s scholarship foundation, as well as their initiatives to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas food baskets for the needy, with your ticket purchase.

General Admission tickets are available for just $10 per person, but hurry, as tickets are limited! Purchase your tickets online in advance to secure your spot. A limited number of tickets may be available at the door for $15 per person.

Immerse yourself in the world of craft beer with a fantastic lineup of breweries, including Buzzards Bay Brewing Company, Mayflower Brewing Company, Berkley Beer Company, Black Hat Brew Works, Creu Brew Brewery, and many more! Enjoy full pours (14 ounces) for $7 or opt for half pours (8 ounces) for $4. Please note that this is a 21 and older event, and no children will be allowed.

Indulge your taste buds with delectable treats from a range of food trucks such as South County BBQ LLC, Wicked Flavah, Chessy Chicks LLC, Bem Bom Food Truck, and Mom on the Go, among others. Food vendors accept cash, debit, and credit cards for your convenience.

Rain or shine, the Craft Beer and Food Truck Festa will go on! Please plan accordingly, as no refunds will be provided.
For the comfort and safety of all attendees, we kindly request no backpacks, coolers, large bags, or outside food or drink. Dogs and animals are not allowed at the event, except for service dogs.

Additional beer and wine purchases will be available, so you can explore even more flavors and pairings throughout the day.
Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to indulge in the finest craft beer and delectable food truck delights. Purchase your tickets now and get ready for an unforgettable experience at the Craft Beer and Food Truck Festa!

Purchase Your Tickets Now!! Click Here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/craft-beer-and-food-truck-festa-tickets-626484400707

Did you know that Child & Family Services is one of the oldest nonprofit organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts. They began as the New Bedford Orphans’ Home in 1843 to help children left homeless and without families during the whaling era. This year they celebrate 180 years of service to our local community and you can help them continue the mission by attending their upcoming Gala Event: https://child-familyservices.org/2023gala/ Enjoy a night of fine food, dancing and a grand prize raffle!

Let’s take a trip down memory lane for some insights on this amazing organization.
Child & Family Services Inc. began as the New Bedford Orphans’ Home in 1843 to help children left homeless and without families during the whaling era. There were children without parents, orphaned by mothers who died and by fathers lost at sea. There were children left to beg on the streets, often forced to steal to seek out their paltry existence.

Through continued fund raising, collaboration with other service agencies and the support of the community, the New Bedford Orphans’ Home weathered the last part of the 19th century and more importantly, was a good “friend” to homeless children.

“The purpose of the New Bedford Child and Family Service is to strengthen family life. Counseling service is available to any family or individual with a family difficulty or personal problem. The Agency provides also temporary foster home care and adoption placement of children.”

In the 1970s, the agency added Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater New Bedford to our services. In 1980, the agency opened a mental health clinic and family support office in Fall River. In 1995 another was added on Cape Cod in Hyannis.

By 1999, their geographic footprint extended well beyond the borders of New Bedford. To signify this fact, the board voted to officially change the agency’s name from New Bedford Child & Family Service to simply Child & Family Services.

Through counseling, prevention programs, family support and psychiatry services, we are able to keep the commitment we first made in 1843 of helping those in need. Their mission remains: “…to heal and strengthen the lives of children and families.” Events throughout the year like their annual Bowl-a-Thon bring the community together and help raise awareness of the services provided.

Whether it is children exposed to abuse or violence, families coping with mental illness, or matching children with mentors or loving adoptive families, Child & Family Services is there to support, guide and heal. The agency’s programs serve more than 17,000 people each year-including individuals and families facing some of life’s most distressing challenges. Behind each program are dedicated staff who offer light and guidance to those in need during their darkest hours, in the hope to strengthen them for better times.

How can you help? Attend their fundraiser, volunteer your time,help raise awareness for their programs or have a local business sponsor the event: https://child-familyservices.org/gala-sponsors/ Or, maybe you’d like to work for them: https://secure2.entertimeonline.com/ta/CPS1132.careers?CareersSearch

Check out the amazing grand prize raffle! It’s not to late to get your tickets: https://child-familyservices.org/2023gala/

Fall River Home Care Service Provider Pledges Continued Donations for Every Member Served

Moving forward Mass Care Link will be doing even more to help families in Fall River and beyond. The Bay state-based adult foster homecare service provider already helps Massachusetts residents receive the money and support they need to care for loved ones at home. Now with each additional member enrolled, Mass Care Link will donate the equivalent of 100 meals to nationwide hunger-relief organization Feeding America.

With ten years providing payment and support for adult foster care recipients and their caregivers, Mass Care Link was looking for a way to expand on their mission. “By supporting residents looking to care for their loved ones at home, Mass Care Link has always worked to keep families together,” explains Mass Care Link Chief Executive Officer, Tara Araujo. “We are partnering with Feeding America to make sure our neighbors can stay safe and healthy at home thanks to their nationwide network of foodbanks and meal delivery services.”

Mass Care Link has donated the equivalent of 1,000 meals to Feeding America so far. Their goal for the year is 10,000 meals total. As they continue to expand their mission of helping families, Mass Care Link remains dedicated to supporting home-care providers looking after their loved ones with resources, nursing services, and access to financial assistance.

“We come from the communities we care for and we have all seen the impact that food insecurity can have on the health of fellow Massachusetts residents,” continues Araujo. “We look forward to helping Feed America with the fight against hunger.”

About Feeding America

Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States and supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security; brings attention to the social and
systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org.

About Mass Care Link

Founded in 2013, Mass Care Link helps support MassHealth recipients who want to care for their elderly or disabled loved ones at home through nursing services, training, and access to financial compensation. Headquartered in Fall River, MA but serving the whole state of Massachusetts, Mass Care Link’s network of nurses and care managers help members, and their caregivers stay healthy at home. Find out more at https://masscarelink.org/.

Former Patriots three-time Super Bowl Champion offensive guard Joe Andruzzi spent time with scholars at Alma del Mar Charter School’s Sarah D. Ottiwell Campus on Friday as appreciation for the school community’s fundraising efforts for the player’s charitable foundation.

The Ottiwell school community raised $1,000 for the Joe Andruzzi Foundation, a nonprofit that directly supports cancer patients and their families, as part of their Pink Out Day event in October. Scholars and staff were also encouraged to wear pink to show their support for Faustina De Pina, a beloved Alma teacher, who has been courageously fighting breast cancer this school year.

While visiting Alma on Friday, Joe spoke about why he dedicated his life to service. A cancer survivor himself, Joe knows first hand that it takes a village to support someone undergoing cancer treatments. Joe reflects on how challenging fighting cancer was and the importance of the Joe Andruzzi Foundation providing financial support, transportation, and other services so that the patient can primarily focus on their health and wellness.

“Mayor Jon Mitchell encourages residents to participate in the 24th Annual Holidays United Toy Drive ahead of the holidays.

In collaboration with the United Way of Greater New Bedford, New Bedford Firefighters’ Union, and New Bedford Libraries, new, unwrapped toys and gift cards are accepted until Wednesday, Dec. 14.

Donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

• 128 Union Street #105 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m.
• Any New Bedford Fire Station from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• New Bedford Free Public Library from 9 a.m. until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday or from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday
• Howland-Green Library from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday or 12 p.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday

“I am grateful for the enduring commitment of the United Way of Greater New Bedford to ensure that the neediest of our City’s families can enjoy the holiday season,” said Mayor Jon Mitchell.

Donations will also be accepted during the upcoming Downtown Christmas Tree Lighting on December 10th. There will be a toy drive box for children from infants to teenagers and all gifts must be unwrapped.

For questions, contact the United Way of Greater New Bedford at (508) 994-9625.” -City of New Bedford.

“For the 5th year in a row William Greenwood and his wife Helen have made the drive to GHQ to donate Mr. Greenwood’s hand-made toys.

He explained that he normally makes toys for his grandchildren but has come to love crafting wooden toys for the Toys for Tots cause.

If you are interested in donating toys, make sure you find your nearest drop-off location here.”-Massachusetts State Police.

St. Anne’s Credit Union is very active in the communities in which it serves and is proud to partner with local organizations to create a positive impact. Founded on the credit union philosophy of “People Helping People”, St. Anne’s has maintained its original commitment, keeping the compassion for the community at the very heart of its organization. A local financial institution focused on giving back, they reinforce their motto “We’re Making a Difference” every single day. To learn more, visit: stannes.com/Community-Investment.

Child & Family services invites you to join them for their annual charity bowling event. Monies raised will support our Caring Network program that provides free services to children between the ages of 4-14 who are victims or witness to violence.

Date: Sunday, March 6, 2022
Time: 1:00 -3:00pm
Place: Wonder Bowl
66 Hathaway Rd, New Bedford, MA

This fun event is great for all ages and abilities! Teams of family, friends, and co-workers are encouraged to participate.

What you get:

2 games of bowling including shoes
Pizza and Refreshments
A chance to win one of four trophies.
A great feeling knowing that you are helping children who are victims or witness to violence.

What you need to know:

Each team is made up of 4 bowlers.
Each bowler is asked to raise a minimum of $60.
Team captains must call Susan Remy at 508.742.1032 or email sremy@cfservices.org to register their teams by February 18, 2022.
All pledges are due on or before Monday, February 25, 2022.