Tag Archive for: homeless

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Rock n’ Roll for the Homeless

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3rd Annual Mayor’s Rock n’ Roll Holiday Fest for Youth Homelessness

State Sen. Ed Kennedy, front left, hangs out with his posse at the event he founded.

By Dacey Zouzas, The Z-List | daceyzlist@gmail.com |

PUBLISHED: February 11, 2020 at 1:50 pm | UPDATED: February 11, 2020 at 1:59 pm

“As a rock star, I have two instincts, I want to have fun, and I want to change the world. I have a chance to do both.” — Bono

The city of Lowell was rockin’ ’n’ rolling at the third annual Mayor’s Holiday Fest for Homeless Youth Rock ’n’ Roll Fundraiser to benefit Community Teamwork Inc., on Dec. 12.

The fun fest was hosted by then-Mayor William Samaras in the Zorba Music Hall at the Olympia Restaurant in the Acre. Bill continued the fundraising effort started two years ago by former Mayor Ed Kennedy, now Lowell’s state senator.

More than 250 groupies gobbled up plenty of homemade Greek food and pastries while listening, dancing and singing along to the phenomenally talented artists, guitarists, singers and bands who sang their hearts out to help end homelessness. The rock stars included Love Train, the Zorba’s house band, Abbie Barrett, All D’s Boyz, Emily Desmond, Funrazrs, Mickey Kanan, Kelly Knapp, Peter Lavender, Jenna Markard, John Powhida, Silvertongue and Kevin Wall.

Youth homelessness is a persistent problem in Lowell. CTI estimates that more than 100 young people in Lowell each year experience homelessness for a variety of reasons.

This single event raised $30,000, and the Amelia Peabody Charitable Fund offered a Challenge Grant to CTI, matched that amount to raise the total to $60,000, which will support transformation of CTI’s Youth Opportunity Center.

From left, Rich Sarmento of Hampton, with Sun Charities President Terry McCarthy and Leo Sheridan, both of
Lowell

From left, Lee Gitschier, Ben Martello and Justin Robinson, all of Lowell

From left, state Rep. Tom Golden, Brian Poitras and City Councilor John Drinkwater, all of Lowell

From left, George Duncan, Jim O’Donnell and then-Mayor William Samaras, host of the party, all of Lowell

All D’s Boyz provides entertainment.

For more information, visit www.commteam.org/mayorsholidayfest.

Soul Sista: Rock ’n’ roll is always good for the soul! The Z-List dressed like a rock star, wearing a shining, silver, glittered miniskirt and black suede over-the-knee boots. Happy Presidents’ Day!Dacey Zouzas is founder and creative director of The Z-List, highlighting nonprofits, and host and producer of the “Dacey’s Divas” TV show, featuring “Women Making a Difference.” Follow @Mass_Women on Twitter.

Dacey Zouzas, The Z-List

Dacey Zouzas is Founder and Creative Director of The Z-List, highlighting non-profits, and TV Host and Producer of Dacey’s Divas TV Show, featuring “Women Making a Difference.” Follow @Mass_Women on Twitter.

 

 

Rock n’ Roll for the homeless

 

Job and Skills Training
Job and Skills Training

Community Connections to Employment & Training

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cti th logo photo taglineFocused on Long-term Stability

CommCET (Community Connections to Employment and Training) is breaking down financial barriers for over 100 disadvantaged families in the Merrimack Valley through an innovative approach that combines job training, education, housing, childcare, case management and follow-up services. This comprehensive strategy ensures greater long-term success for families that were previously homeless or are currently at risk of homelessness.

“Our workforce development efforts combined with permanent housing and essential family supports equip families with tools to maintain long-term stability,” says JoAnn Howell, Community Teamwork’s CommCET Director. “It isn’t about short-term solutions. CommCET helps the client establish a long-term approach by building employment skills; accessing job apprenticeships, training and employment; and preparing for self-sufficiency economically, financially and mentally. Our program’s aim is to successfully create life changing, long-term solutions. I am excited to be part of these changes.”

To date, CommCET has assisted 67 participants to become employed.  At the heart of this success are partnerships with the Lowell Career Center, surrounding vocational technical high schools and area employers. Twenty seven out of 33 participants are currently employed after acquiring new workforce skills at various regional vocational technical schools by training for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certifications, medical administration, business, electronics, welding, and office administration.

Profiles of success:

Jocelyn, a single mother, and her two children lived at the Best Western hotel in Chelmsford, when their family first entered the CommCET program. To accommodate her and other homeless families with children temporarily living at the hotel, staff created a transportation route that drives the children to their childcare programs, allowing the parents to pursue employment training and jobs. In Jocelyn’s case, she was able to confidently attend job interviews, knowing her children were safe and being educated in Community Teamwork’s childcare program. This and other critical case management supports led her obtaining full time employment at Lowell’s Woodbriar Nursing Facility.

Tiffany, who successfully attended the Lowell Career Center’s back-to-work program, struggled to find sufficient employment. Fortunately, thanks to her retraining, expansion of marketable skills and dedication, she landed a job with Community Teamwork, working in our Fuel Assistance department.