Fall 2005
It has been a wonderful year at Neighbors In Need. I am so grateful to have the opportunity to serve in this community where the need is so great and the impact of our work so visible and immediate. The city of Lawrence is among the poorest in Massachusetts.
We currently provide food to 350 families, 1,100 individuals per week at eight distribution sites in Lawrence and Methuen. During the past year we have seen a significant increase in families served—978 new families since January. In 2005 we are working intensely to ensure that no families are turned away for lack of food—and that all who present themselves in need are provided good nutritional food.
To meet the challenge, NIN has improved the nutritional content of the food distributed and increased the amount of food distributed to each family. Currently all receive frozen and/or canned meat , dairy (milk, yogurt or cheese) or eggs, as well other canned staples.
We have recruited new volunteers, provided training opportunities, surveyed our clients, created a client database, and met with community leaders to explore the needs of the community.
During the year, the Board has engaged in a Strategic Planning process and adopted a set of goals for the next 5 years. This plan provides a framework within which NIN can evaluate and grow our programs in an intentional way.
In order to fully understand the mission of Neighbors In Need, I have tried to experience as much of the hands-on work that I can——picking up, delivering, lugging, sorting food.
It has been an amazing first year for me at Neighbors In Need. It is challenging, rewarding, varied, demanding, fun, sometimes daunting, but never boring. It is a privilege to do this work
Many Blessings
Linda