Success Stories
Thirsty First
Meet Chrissy and Deedee, the dynamic duo behind Thirsty First. Their journey began in 2012 at Slapshot Pub in Chelmsford, Massachusetts—a beloved hockey bar where they first made their mark. When the building’s owner relocated Read More
Simply Khmer
In reflection of AANHPI (Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander) Heritage Month, recently celebrated in May, Simply Khmer, a culinary gem in Lowell, offers an authentic taste of Cambodia. Beyond its delicious dishes, the restaurant Read More
Lala Books
In the bustling streets of Downtown Lowell, Massachusetts, there's a special spot that has become a haven for book lovers of all ages. Lala Books, owned by Laura, her daughter Thea, and Laura's husband Greg, Read More
Wham’s Cafe
Step into Wham's Cafe, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Lowell, Massachusetts, where Sandra, a determined entrepreneur, has been crafting a culinary haven for lovers of authentic Kenyan cuisine for the past decade. Read More
Canto Auto School
In the vibrant heart of downtown Lowell, Massachusetts, stands Canto Auto School, a testament to resilience, transformation, and the spirit of its owner, Kate Stanley. Hailing from Kenya, Kate's journey with Canto Auto School began Read More
Blushing Skin Bar
In the heart of Tyngsborough, Massachusetts, Blushing Skin Bar has emerged, aiming to become part of your routine for personalized skincare and body treatments. Reflecting the inspiring journey of its founder, Sophea Prum. Nestled at Read More
Black Sheep Craft Ice Cream
In the midst of uncertainty after the pandemic hit, Black Sheep Craft Ice Cream was born. Zac Turgeon, a local resident and entrepreneur from Dracut, Massachusetts found solace and inspiration in an unexpected Christmas gift Read More
Matilyn’s Story
We are so proud to report that one of our participants, Matilyn earned her GEDthis month! Matilyn is a re-enrollee in FSS. She first participated in FSS between2016 -2021. Knowing she needs her GED in Read More
Marleny’s Story
Marleny is a participant in our Family Self-Sufficiency Program. She has been working tirelessly over the last few years to move herself forward in life, and closer to her dream to buy a home. To Read More
Jeleiny’s Story
Jeleiny graduated from Community Teamwork’s Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) program in October 2022 and bought a house! When she began FSS, she and her husband, Juan were both unemployed. She completed financial literacy classes, did one-on-one Read More
Shelby Neto – A Success Story
Shelby Neto was referred from the HomeBASE program to the Secure Jobs Program in 2019. Shelby is a young, single parent with two young children and a very limited support system. She started working as Read More
Giving Back to the Community
“Thank you very much for all the times you guys have been helping me. You guys have been an absolute Godsend and I can’t express how much I appreciate all the help that I have Read More
Samsung Tablets Provided Through FGP Program
Last fall through a block grant the FGP program was provided Samsung Tablets for the program. Most of the volunteers didn’t have any idea how to even turn on a tablet or use a smart Read More
Employer Appreciation Breakfast
CTI Staff honored at the Employer Appreciation Breakfast, hosted by the MassHire Greater Lowell Workforce Board, for their support of youth employment through our Spindle City Program. CTI’s support is crucial to the MassHire of Read More
Accessible Bathroom Installation in Westford
Before After Alice is a wheelchair bound 11-year old with neurological and seizure disorders caused by a brain tumor. Alice’s family came to CTI for assistance to install an accessible bathroom and replace carpeting with Read More
Accessible Bathroom Installation in Billerica
Before After Robert is a 63-year old man with limited mobility due to Multiple Sclerosis. Robert and his wife came to CTI for assistance to install an accessible bathroom and relocate their laundry area. With Read More
Separate Living Space Built in Haverhill
Before After Taylor is 26 years old and has multiple disabilities. Tina Magilio and her boyfriend Shawn worked with Community Teamwork’s Catherine Tammany, HMLP Coordinator and obtained a $50,000 HMLP loan to create a separate living space Read More
Aldonsa’s Story
CTI’s FSS program has many successful graduates come back and re-enroll to pursue goals in asset development. Aldonsa is just one of many graduates who returned for this purpose. After earning her Bachelor’s degree in Read More
Rosa’s Story
Rosa completed the FSS program twice, in a hardworking effort to obtain her ultimate goal: homeownership. After focusing on her education, and earning her degree, she was promoted 3 times. She simultaneously worked on her Read More
Maxine’s Story
While in the FSS program, Maxine completed a first time home buyer course, purchased a car, contributed to a 401K, and earned a Medical Assistant Certificate. Through a lot of hard work, Maxine made her Read More
D.B.’s Story
Secure Jobs Success Story D.B. came to Secure Jobs program as a referral from the Resource Center here at CTI. He relocated to Lowell, MA from Detroit, MI because he felt he needed a drastic Read More
Ana’s Story
Family Self Sufficiency Success Story The Family Self- Sufficiency Program (FSS) is designed to help families receiving rental assistance to become self-supporting. This is a voluntary program and is open to all families receiving a Read More
Jasmine’s Story
Jasmine’s Story Jasmine Delgado, 20, first became homeless at age 9 when she spent five months at a shelter in Connecticut with her mother. In 2013, Jasmine moved in with her father when her mother Read More
Secure Jobs Success Stories Chosen for National Fireman Report (March 2017) #2
Jen Cody a year one participant returned to College in September. With the support of her employer, NFI –North American Family Institute, Jen was named to Middlesex Community College’s Merit List for her superlative work Read More
Secure Jobs Success Stories Chosen for National Fireman Report (March 2017) #1
Nathaly entered the Secure Job program in January of this year. Upon entry into the program, The Secure job team immediately identified the key supports Nathaly needed to go forward. The SJ staff collaborated with Read More
Struggling Single Parent Makes Good and Gives Back!
Pictured left to right: Peggy Shepard, Director of Planning & Communication; Kevin Correia, former client turned CTI donor; Chris Santos-Gordon, Director of the Center for Financial Self-Sufficiency. Giving back, that’s what it’s all about. Kevin Read More
Saving Energy — Keeping Seniors Warm
Roger B. lost his wife last year. In addition to facing the grief of losing his life partner, Roger had to cope with a significantly reduced income. He struggled through one relatively mild winter, juggling Read More
Hard Work and Second Chances Turn Lives Around
Victoria V. came to Community Teamworks's YouthBuild program in June of 2012. She was 17 years old, pregnant, and on probation. Victoria was committed to turning her life around and was in need of a Read More
Senior Corps Volunteers Make a Difference
Carleen G. has been a Foster Grandparent for over 9 years. She has been a mentor, companion, supporter and motivator for many children. Recently, Carleen was granted a volunteer award from Lowell Public Schools Read More
Planting the Seeds to Grow a New Home
Immigrating to a completely foreign country and culture is a challenge that offers no easy solutions. Trying to take with you a vocation as strenuous and demanding as farming is an even greater challenge. Although Read More
Homeless Family Finds Stability and a Future
Nichole T. received her license as an Aesthetician with the help of her Community Teamwork case manager and our Community Connections to Employment and training (CommCET) program. Nichole has been receiving HomeBASE Rental Assistance since Read More
CTI Weatherization and Fuel Assistance Programs Keeps Seniors Warm
Community Teamwork’s Weatherization and Fuel Assistance programs are helping thousands of area seniors heat their homes and keep the heat in through weatherization. Sisters Marie and Dora P know the challenge many seniors face living Read More
Lowell Family Builds Assets to Buy Home
Gladys S and family are living their dream to live in a home of their own thanks to Community Teamwork’s financial education programs including the Financial Literacy Academy (FLA) and Individual Asset Development (IDA) program. Read More
Head Start Parent Becomes Head Start Teacher
Head Start parent, Janna R. learned through her Family Service Worker about our Teacher Trainee Program. She completed the 8 month program at the The James Houlares Early Learning Center then took the Early Childhood Read More
Big Brother Sees Little Brother Off to College
Fifth grade became a life-changing time for Nate – that’s when he and Tim Holden formed a supportive and caring relationship through our Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Previously, Nate had lacked a male role Read More
Her Turn Now to Foster Success
Just a few years ago, Lindsey found herself close to being homeless. With CTI’s assistance, she was able to stabilize her family. Through our One Family Scholars Program, she earned dual Bachelor of Arts degrees Read More
A Safe Place to Heal and Move On
Common Ground was instrumental in renovating CTI’s Milly’s Place family shelter, providing a safe and supportive haven for numerous families including Jennifer and her three children. “My children and I were traumatized from domestic abuse. Read More
A Family Flees Violence and Creates a New Life
Melissa, a U.S. Veteran and construction trade employee, has overcome domestic violence, homelessness and the temporary loss of her children. During one of her lowest points, she and her daughters were living in their car. Read More
