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![Andres Lopez and son Anthony Lopez](https://www.commteam.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Andres-Lopez-and-son-Anthony-Lopez-1030x681.jpg)
Enjoy our Spring Celebration Video Recap
The entrance to UMass Lowell’s Inn and Conference Center, off Warren Street in Downtown Lowell. The ICC, which doubles as a public hotel, closed its reservation system to bookings as of Sept. 13, and students who were assigned to the ICC for the upcoming semester are being relocated to other dorms to make way for housing of migrant families and pregnant women fleeing violence and unrest in Haiti and Venezuela. (Melanie Gilbert/Lowell Sun)
By KAREN FREDERICK and CARL HOWELL |
September 10, 2023 at 2:54 a.m.
Community Teamwork has been a steadfast pillar of support in our community, providing homeless shelters for families since 1983, when the Commonwealth became a right-to-shelter state for families facing housing insecurity and as such, it has the legal obligation to offer shelter to residents who qualify for the assistance.
Over the past four decades, we have assisted thousands of families, not just from Lowell but also from towns all across the Commonwealth. In addition, we have welcomed hundreds of migrant, immigrant, and refugee individuals and families who arrived in Lowell seeking a better life, providing not only shelter but services beyond emergency housing, such as rental assistance, child care, and job search and support, to name a few.
As we look ahead to the possible transformation of the University of Massachusetts Lowell’s Inn & Conference (ICC) Center into a homeless shelter for families, there has been a cloud of speculation about who will arrive and what that will mean for our city. Some voices are spreading misinformation, fueling fear and mistrust. We, instead, see this as an opportunity to embrace those who are seeking refuge in our city as we have done in the past. Lowell is not shouldering a burden that others have refused. In fact, roughly 80 other communities across the state have also stepped up and responded to Governor Healey’s State of Emergency by establishing additional shelter locations in the form of hotels or larger congregate settings. When and if the ICC is transformed into a shelter, it will serve as a haven for all families within the Commonwealth who are housing insecure, including those right here in Lowell. This is not only a migrant issue. It is a housing and homelessness issue.
The data says it all. From last year to this year the number of homeless families has doubled, from just over 3,000 families statewide to over 6,000. The Commonwealth has also gone from two hotel sites statewide to more than 80 hotels now being used across the state to meet the growing instability of housing in the state. Family homelessness is increasing for ALL residents of Massachusetts because of the lack of affordable housing units for working families and middle- and lower-class households are being forced out of rental markets at rapid rates. This has been further exacerbated since the pandemic. Since October 2022, Community Teamwork alone has expanded its family shelter portfolio by 113 families with fewer than half of these families being migrant families. Many families are long-time residents of Massachusetts, including our neighbors, family members, young adults, and others who are being pushed out of homes due to the lack of affordable housing.
We know that, more than any other factor, the drastic increase in housing costs and the lack of production of safe, affordable housing is a cause of homelessness. Community Teamwork and other partner organizations, have been publicly ringing the alarm bell on the housing crisis since before the pandemic. Along with these partners, we committed to working with our community leaders and developers to create 300 low threshold units of housing to try to alleviate homelessness in Greater Lowell, the minimum amount of units to provide homes for the current unhoused population. We now have more than 50 units in production but need many more to address this crisis. (Please see Let’s Talk About Housing website for more information, commteam.org/talkabouthousing)
Lowell has proudly worn the badge of a Gateway City, embracing its rich diversity and heritage of welcoming new cultures. With that said, we recognize that recent waves of migrant families coming from places like Haiti and Venezuela have raised concerns about the potential for a significant influx of newcomers and what that will impose upon the city and city resources. We acknowledge the challenges that come with hosting new families and we fully support the request for additional State funding for these added expenses. Nevertheless, we have unwavering faith in our community’s ability to come together and create a safe and supportive environment for those children, parents, and families who arrive in our city.
Lowell is a well-resourced city, with strong non-profits, public private partnerships and a history of collaboration stands in a much stronger position than many other smaller Massachusetts cities and towns to welcome families — all families — who are experiencing housing insecurity. It is also important to remember that Lowell has historically welcomed migrants from all parts of the world and we have seen how successful these immigrants have become and more importantly, how critical they are to the success of our city.
Karen Frederick, Chief Executive Officer, Community Teamwork
Carl Howell, Chief Program Officer, Community Teamwork
The SBA has awarded Community Teamwork Inc. with $200K through the PRIME Grant
Lowell, MA – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) recently awarded Community Teamwork Inc. $200K for the sake of funding its Entrepreneurship Center. The funding will allow staff of the Entrepreneurship Center to work with entrepreneurs on developing their financial capacity to increase their business viability by hosting trainings, seminars, and peer-to-peer learning. Staff will also use the funding to offer expanded opportunities to constituents of the center to access technical assistance services in a linguistically accessible and culturally competent design.
The Entrepreneurship Center, formerly known as the Merrimack Valley Small Business Center, was founded in 1998 to provide technical assistance for low and very low-income entrepreneurs to help them create, sustain and grow micro-enterprises. Since its rebranding into the Entrepreneurship Center in 2019, its services have expanded through out Middlesex and Essex County, and refocused its program offerings and service model to better serve the diverse needs of its disadvantaged micro-enterprise clients.
The Prime Grant was created as part of the Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs Act of 1999, also known as the PRIME Act. This act authorized the SBA to establish a program for the purposes of providing training and technical assistance to disadvantaged entrepreneurs, providing training and capacity building assistance to microenterprise development organizations (MDOs) and programs, aiding in research and development of best practices for microenterprise and technical assistance programs for disadvantaged entrepreneurs, and for other activities as determined by the SBA.
“We are thrilled to receive this SBA Prime grant. It will enable us to expand our work to help our local small businesses, especially those who are low income and disadvantaged, thrive in our community”, stated Charles Smith, Director of the Entrepreneurship Center.
The SBA was founded back in 1953 under the administration of President Eisenhower alongside the signing of the Small Business Act. It offers programs that cover federal contracting and business development, entrepreneurial development, and lending services, all for the sake of supporting small businesses across the country.
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About Community Teamwork
Established in 1965, Community Teamwork is a non-profit Community Action Agency (CAA) serving more than 55,000 individuals and families in the City of Lowell and the seven surrounding towns of Billerica, Chelmsford, Dracut, Dunstable, Tewksbury, Tyngsboro, and Westford. Community Teamwork also serves as a Community Development Corporation and as the Regional Housing Agency for the Merrimack Valley and the rest of the Northeastern Massachusetts, including 71 cities and towns inclusive of the North Shore and Cape Ann. Community Teamwork is a catalyst for social change. We strengthen communities and reduce poverty by delivering vital services and collaborating with key stakeholders to create housing, education and economic opportunities. Our vision is a community whose institutions, systems, and people support everyone’s opportunity to thrive. www.commteam.org
Mary and Dorene Bowe-Shulman were plaintiffs in the first multi-plaintiff comprehensive Federal lawsuit that challenged the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) Section 3. Filed on March 3rd, 2009 by GLAD on behalf of eight married couples and three widowers, GLAD argued the DOMA Section 3 violates the federal constitutional guarantee of equal protection as applied to federal income tax, Social Security, federal employees and retirees, and in the issuance of passports. Although this was the first lawsuit to challenge DOMA, several others soon followed. On June 26th, 2013 the “the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that section three of the so-called “Defense of Marriage Act” (DOMA) is unconstitutional and that the federal government cannot discriminate against married lesbian and gay couples for the purposes of determining federal benefits and protections.”
1. What is your title/role/organization and/or involvement in the community?
We were plaintiffs in a Federal lawsuit seeking recognition of same-sex marriages. We have been advocating for the equal treatment of same sex couples since 1997.
The meaning of Pride to us has changed over time. Initially, it was a time to celebrate our identity and to gather with others like us as there were so few spaces where we could feel safe about our identity. Recently, its meaning to us is more outward-looking, as a means of educating others and celebrating our own diversity as a community.
Pride is a great time of year but it’s only one month. Ideally, the community would continue to recognize that many LGBTQ+ people struggle ALL year to be seen, to have equal rights, to have jobs and housing security.
Stay vigilant! For every couple of steps any social justice movement takes forward, there will be pushback. We can see this now even in our own state. We ask the future leaders, especially those who identify as LGBTQ+, to not take for granted the progress that has been made and to stay visible in their work. Visibility is key for our community as it fosters understanding and dispels harmful stereotypes.
Sign up for our E-Center newsletter for the latest news and events from Community Teamwork.
Pam Houlares is a native Bostonian born into a large Greek family. She grew up in a large extended family with aunts, uncles and cousins in the Boston area. Both sisters, including her twin, experienced a strong bond with their Greek culture and identity. After graduation from UMass Amherst, Pam’s older sister became a nun in Greece and has lived there for about 50 years. Her twin sister, Natalie, is a real estate broker with Sotheby’s in Boston.
In Pam’s 37 years in education, she began as a Spanish teacher, Curriculum Coordinator, and ultimately, a Principal of Jonas Clarke Middle School in Lexington, MA. After retirement, Pam worked in two colleges as an Adjunct Professor instructing courses in administration and continues as a Spanish tutor in her home -town.
During 2016 – 2020, Pam served as the President of the Hellenic Women’s Benevolent Association, a non-profit that oversees the Hellenic Nursing Home in Canton, MA. In fact, Pam’s mother, Jennie, was one of the founders of the nursing home in 1973. Pam continues to serve on the Board of Directors at the Hellenic Home.
Pam and Jim have four grandchildren, James, Conor, Catherine and Theodore, who live nearby, Aside from some babysitting, Pam and Jim feel very fortunate that they are very close and celebrate holidays and family events together.
Pam’s husband, James, has devoted his entire career to early childhood education. Jim displays that same enthusiasm and love of children to this day, and is adored by his children and grandchildren, alike. Both Pam and Jim are pleased that to continue to be a part of the CTI family and have contributed greatly to the Early Education programs at Community Teamwork.
James Houlares was born and raised in Auburn, Maine, He has a twin sister and also married a twin who has a twin sister as well. James has an older and younger brother as well. James and Pam have been married since 1974 and lived in Wellesley and now South Natick. They have two children, Nathaniel and Elena, named after my father-in-law and mother. Nathaniel and Christina have two children, Catherine (2.5 years old) and Theodore (7 months). Elena and John have two children, James (9) and Conor (7).
In1962, Jim arrived in Boston to attend the Hellenic College and Holy Cross School of Theology to earn a Bachelors and an advanced degree. His studies continued at the University of MA in Amherst where he earned his Masters. Jim’s first job with Head Start was as a teacher in Lewiston, Maine 1969 – 1971. After earning his Masters, in 1973, he was hired as an Education Coordinator at the Head Start program at Community Teamwork. At that time, CTI served 120 children in six classrooms. When Jim retired in 2005, the Agency served more than 516 Head Start and Early Head Start children.
During Jim’s 32 years at Community Teamwork, he was involved with many challenging and exciting initiatives including:
MA Education Coordinators Association
CDA Advisor and Instructor
State Supplemental Funding for Head Start Programs
Planned and designed the James A Houlares Early Learning Center in Lowell
Chaired the State Head Start Association
Hiring the First Executive Director of the MA Head Start Association
Chaired the New England Head Start Association
Jim presently serves on the following boards: New England Head Start (NEHSA), National Head Start (NHSA), and the Thom Child and Family Services.
Jim is forever grateful to Community Teamwork Inc. for the opportunities it offered to him in the field of early learning and care for children and families, and Community Teamwork is forever grateful to Jim for his contributions to the field of Early Learning and his additional contributions to Community Teamwork over the past few years.
Community Teamwork is celebrating Bill Lipchitz’s retirement after a legendary 51-year career. He currently serves as the Director of Real Estate Operations for Common Ground Development Corporation, a Community Teamwork subsidiary that develops affordable housing for low-income families in northeast Massachusetts. He oversees several other Community Teamwork subsidiaries, including Merrimack Valley Housing Services, Inc. and Mechanics Hall Corporation, and serves as a Special Assistant to the Executive Director working with the Community Teamwork Board on Board Development and Governance.
Bill’s career at Community Teamwork started in 1971 when he was hired as a Community Planner. Initially, Bill was assigned to the Town of Dracut to assist the Town in identifying and applying for grants. Bill was quickly promoted to Deputy Director of the Agency and served in that position for many years. Bill transitioned to oversee the Agency’s subsidiary, to assist Common Ground in implementing its vision of building and managing a portfolio of affordable housing. Common Ground has grown, and now supports family and senior housing in Methuen, Lowell, Acton, and Westford. Common Ground is currently working on new developments in Acton and Dracut and is assisting Community Teamwork and its partners in developing at least 300 units of permanent housing for homeless individuals.
Bill has devoted his life’s work to Community Action and to the City of Lowell, not only at Community Teamwork but in his many other roles including serving as Clerk of the Lowell Development and Financial Corporation, President of the Center City Committee, and on the Boards of the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA), Lowell Heritage Partnership, and the National Community Action Foundation. Bill was also deeply involved with the Friends of Lowell High School and Shedd Park Baseball (where he served as Baseball Commissioner!)
Bill has also mentored many staff at Community Teamwork and beyond. His love of his family, City, and work all centered Bill’s life and career. Passing on his passions and knowledge has helped move the career path forward for many staff and community members over the years.
Bill holds a Bachelor’s in Chemistry from Lowell Technological Institute (now UMass Lowell), a Master’s in Organic Chemistry and a Master’s in Urban Affairs from Boston University. We are all fortunate that Bill left his first career teaching at the college level. Bill is the proud father of Rebecca and Will and grandfather of five.
Aleksandra Tugbiyele (née Ward) is a Development professional turned Executive Assistant that builds relationships to make positive change. Her Lowell story began when she transferred to UMass Lowell and earned her BA in English. Since then, Aleksandra has helped raise nearly $100M for local and national non-profit organizations including the Children’s Trust Fund, UTEC, Acre Family Child Care, and Jumpstart for Young Children.
Aleksandra is a passionate advocate and volunteer in our community. She is currently serving on the Board of Trustees for Community Teamwork, Inc,; is a member of the DEI Consortium- Lowell, and was recently appointed to the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Black Men and Boys. In her current role within the Office of the President at Middlesex Community College (MCC), Aleksandra provides administrative and operations support. She is also a part- time student! Above all, her favorite “job” is “Best Friend and Wife” to Bobby, and “Mom” to Sammuel and Ellis.
Originally from Worcester, Massachusetts, Aleksandra is from a family of heroes. She is the proud daughter of a teacher and a fire-fighter, and is the big sister to a nurse. She adores bagpipes, describes fire truck sirens as a “lullaby”, and drinks mostly Polar seltzer and Bustelo coffee . In her spare time she enjoys supporting small businesses, and together with her children practicing Kung-Fu and tending their plot at the Rotary Park community garden.
Bobby Tugbiyele (2-B-L-AY) is the Founder and CEO of The Leap Network, LLC, a multi-specialty recruitment firm specializing in the staffing and placement of medical professionals and administrators. Prior to launching his firm in 2017, Bobby was the Recruiting Manager for Lowell Community Health Center and oversaw the career services and job development arm of Community Teamwork Inc.’s Workforce Development division.
He currently serves on the Board of Corporators for Lowell General Hospital, a board member for the Massachusetts Workforce Association, and is a member of the Middlesex 3 Coalition, which is focused on economic development, job growth and retention in Middlesex County. He is an advisory board member for UMass Lowell’s College of Fine Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences (FAHSS) as well the Entrepreneurship-For-All (EForAll) business accelerator program. He is a former Trustee of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre and former President of the Center City Committee, which advocated and spearheaded public-private collaborative projects for the betterment of the downtown area. He is a Co-Founder and organizer of The Foundation Mixer, a networking event series for ascending professionals to foster greater connections, engagement and collaboration.
In 2018, Bobby was awarded Young Professional of the Year by the Greater Lowell Chamber of Commerce. Bobby has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and minor in History from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and a Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management and Leadership from Boston University.
Last year, Bobby was a first time City-Wide candidate for Lowell City Council who placed 4th place with over 4100 votes. He currently resides in Downtown Lowell with his wife, Aleksandra, and two sons, Samuel and Ellis.