Fun in Recovery!

But we aren’t a glum lot. If newcomers could see no joy or fun in our existence, they wouldn’t want it. We absolutely insist on enjoying life.

~Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous

We at Jeremiah’s Inn realize the importance of finding ways to have fun in recovery.

We encourage our residents to get involved in the local recovery community and participate in as many activities as they can.

This spring, Jeremiah’s would like to enter a team in the Worcester Sober Softball League, but we need your help!

There are many costs associated with this, from league fees to team shirts and equipment.

We are looking for sponsors to help us offset some of these costs.

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor of our team, and would like to donate, please contact me (Melissa) and I can fill you in on how you can help.

Help us show our residents that it is possible, and essential even, to have some fun in recovery!

Warmest Regards,

Melissa Waddell

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photo: Chef Joey

Cooking Up a Career!🍦🍞🍰

Obtain skills to become an entry level prep cook!🍅🍆🌽

For Ages 17 – 24 years

Out of School or in Alternative School

Paid Internship!!🍉🍇

WHEN:

Jan 31st – Mar 7th
Tues, Wed, Thurs
2pm – 5pm

Mar 13th – Mar 17th
Mon, Tues, Wed, Thurs, Fri
11am – 3pm

WHERE:

Worcester Youth Center
326 Chandler St.

CONTACT
Demario Andrews
(508)-791-4702

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Gordon Hargrove, executive director of Friendly House, and man with a heart of gold!

Friendly House
36 Wall St.
Open to ALL!

FRIENDLY HOUSE – at a glance!

By Danielle Delgado

When you think of Friendly House, what images come to mind? A small Social Service Agency in Grafton Hill? A place where people can go to get food, or youth to play basketball? Those
are only a few of the many amazing things that happen at Friendly House, located at 36 Wall St. For over 97 years
Friendly House has been a facet in the Grafton Hill Community. Growing from what was literally a small house to
its current ever changing location
still on Wall Street.

2016 was a year of enhancement, helping, productivity and healthy living for
Friendly House.

During 2016, Friendly House served well over 10,000 children, individuals and
families in some capacity.

These services included:

Youth Programs – Afterschool Program,
Teen Leadership, Summer Gym and Swim and Youth Hoops, Family Events & Programs

Social Services – emergency food, immigration support, translations,
utility assistance,coat and clothing distributions

Food Program – summer feeding sites, afterschool program and community feeding sites

Shelters … and 40 scatter site apartments

2016 at a glance includes:

Gymnasium Renovation

On November 1, 2016, we opened up ours door to a completely renovated gymnasium. Over 75,000 was raised to complete this project which included; a new floor, bleachers, wall padding,a dividerand paint.

Our gymnasium hosted numerous events over the course of the year but may commonly known as the site for our:

Annual Christmas Party, Community Halloween Party, Thanksgiving Food Distribution, Annual Coat Distribution, Grafton Street School community events and Summer Gym & Swim Program.

Over 6,000 people passed through our gymnasium this year to enjoy these
activities and events!

Thanksgiving Food Distribution

This year we distributed 921 turkey baskets (187,295 lbs of food) to over 3,400 people – thanks to the hard
work of many people, including WPI’s Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity, the Sheriff’s Office, the City of
Worcester, Fallon Health, Worcester County Church of Christ and so many more who donated food/money to benefit the many families we served.

Summer Gym & Swim

Summer 2016 hosted over 250 children age 5-16 from all over Greater Worcester. The summer was high-lighted by themed activities, guest appearances from
Boston Bruin Alumni, Worcester Railers Mascot and book authors and various other special events. Each day
consisted of a new adventure either in our building or at the state parks.

After School & Teen Program

The Afterschool and Teen Programs provided services to over 250 participants each school year. During this time the youth were actively engaged in recreational, leadership, academic and community service programs.
Highlights included theaddition on the F.U.N (Fitness and Understanding Nutrition) Program which was
sponsored by our partnership with the Herbalife Family Foundation.

Additionally we hosted family celebrations and informational sessions.

Set for Success

Over 75 children were given a brand new backpack filled with all the necessary school supplies to start off
their school year with a SUCCESSFUL state of mind!

These supplies were donated through various school supply drives, headed by community supporters and partners. In addition supplies were purchased with
funds donated to the Set for Success Program

Social Services

Social Services assisted 7,787 people/families with food from our Food Pantries, gave 599 people baby food, assisted 1,763 people with Immigration applications, completed 598 document translations, distributed Farmer’s Market Coupons to 1,200 low income elderly.

… Friendly House has enjoyed 97 years
of helping to build up the Grafton Hill community and our city, Worcester! We look forward to enhancing all aspects of our agency in 2017! Thank you to all who helped make each step possible!

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TO BE TREATED RIGHT

By Terry Reid