What are we doing?
Our December meeting was joyous but busy with many decisions made about the distribution of our JLA funds to organizations that emulate our vision and help the vulnerable among us. We shared a delicious meal and fun moments.
The Gifts that Give Fair was very well attended and successful for the many organizations being supported by the various vendors. The JLA team hosted coffee hour with yummy donations from many people.
The Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at St. Andrew’s on Sunday, November 23, was well attended with many members from Edwards there. St. Andrews hosted a meal after the service.
CASA Support: Drivers are still needed for kids to get to school and back home. CASA will be meeting with the School Superintendent to discuss providing transportation for these children. Advocacy is needed with the city to assist with this.
Laura Beck is coordinating the pickup of food from Restaurant Depot for distribution through CASA to immigrants. Among our regular helpers with this are Amelia and George Burton, Janet Sanders, and Ronda Yeomans. If you would like to help with this, please contact Laura Beck at ljbmusicteacher@gmail.com.
Many people (several from Edwards) are regularly standing out at 10 Speen Street on Tuesdays at 8:30 am.
If you would like more information on this, please contact Laura Beck at ljbmusicteacher@gmail.com.
We finalized our 2025 giving with distribution as follows:
| Greater Framingham Community Church – Juneteenth Celebration |
| LGBT Asylum Support Taskforce |
| Out Metrowest |
| Jewish Family Services |
| Safe Spaces |
| CASA |
| MIRA (MA Immigrant & Refugee Advocacy) |
| A Place to Turn |
| Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence |
| Metrowest Legal Services |
| Produce from Market Basket for FSU students staying on campus during the summer |
| Suicide Prevention |
| Parkinson’s Ride |
| Stearns Farm |
| A Place to Turn |
| Family Promise |
| Metrowest Free Medical |
| Families for Justice and Healing |
| Unity Farm Sanctuary |
| No Loose Braids |
| Extinction Rebellion |
| Massachusetts Power and Light |
| Literacy Unlimited |
| Hospitality Common |
| Just Peace Players |
| Open Spirit |
| SNEUCC |
| Greater Framingham Community Church MLK Day Youth Project |
| The Epiphany Service on January 4, 2026, at 10 am will be held at Plymouth Church. The number of churches involved has increased to 5 – Edwards Church, Plymouth Church, First Congregational Church, Elliot Church of Natick, and Sudbury United Church of Christ. The collection at this service will go to CASA.
Respectfully submitted, JLA Team (Heather Gonzalez, Fran Bogle, Debbie Clark, Noah Cichowlas, Martha Coleman, Peggy Harrison, and Ronda Yeomans)
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