Quarterly Newsletter
October 12th, 2023
Message from the Director
It is with heartfelt appreciation that I send this message, so thankful for the ongoing support of the Auburn community: families, businesses and schools alike! It was Margaret Mead who said, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has." And how right she was! Auburn, time and again, is so generous in their commitment, helping to support the incredible team at AYFS as they work with volunteers and community members to support those in need. We are grateful for your past support and respectfully request your support at this time.
Congratulations to this year's award recipients: the RISE, EVOLVE and ENCORE programs of the Auburn Public Schools received the Children's Friend Award and Town Manager, Ed Kazanovicz and the Town of Auburn received the Ben Masterman Award.
It is a team effort - Advisory and Board of Directors, AYFS team members, volunteers, students/schools, families, community members and businesses, alike - and I thank you from the bottom of my heart on behalf of those we serve.
Respectfully,
Sally D'Arcangelo
Executive Director of AYFS
Children's Friend Award 2023 Recipient: RISE, EVOLVE and ENCORE school programs
2024 Auburn Youth & Family Services Board of Directors
Ben Masterman 2023 Award Recipient: Town Manager Ed Kazanovicz and the Town of Auburn
Our "Why?"
Our commitment stems from our unwavering belief in the power of community. AYFS exists to ensure that no one in our community feels alone, hungry, or without essential resources, as we aim to foster a more supportive and compassionate environment for all.
Our mission is to "support families through empowerment and community collaboration" and with your ongoing and tremendous support, we are able to do just that...THANK YOU!
Food Insecurity: Committed to Supporting Families in Need
Prior to the pandemic, household food insecurity in Massachusetts was at 8.2%. The coronavirus pandemic fueled a hunger crisis unlike any other in our lifetime, at its peak rendering 19.6% of households food insecure. In Massachusetts, recent data show that food insecurity rates have been inching closer to the high we saw at the onset of the pandemic. Approximately, 18.8% of all households in MA reported food insecurity in September 2023.
AYFS is committed to doing its part to address those with food insecurity and clothing needs in Auburn and we're able to do that with your help...THANK YOU! If you or someone you know could benefit from the AYFS Food Pantry or Clothes Closet, please call 508-832-5707, ext. 102 or email admin@ayfs.org for a confidential conversation or to sign up. We are here to help!
AYFS Food Pantry is stocked and ready to support families in need
Gently used clothing is available for families who could benefit
Fresh fruits and vegetables to promote healthy eating
Annual Appeal: Won't You Consider Making a Donation
Auburn Youth and Family Services is able to provide support to those in need across the Auburn community largely due to the generosity of donors. Our 2024 goal is to raise $100K and thus far we have collected almost $28K, so won't you please consider making a donation?
To make a donation, please click the "Make a Donation" link below and then click, "Donations" or you can mail your check directly to AYFS at 21 Pheasant Court, Auburn, MA 01501. THANK YOU!!
Recently at AYFS: Thanksgiving Baskets
Would you believe that 197 Thanksgiving Holiday Baskets were distributed, positively impacting 525 people from across Auburn, helping to brighten their holiday. Such impact is only possible through the many donations we received from businesses, the Auburn schools and families across Auburn who generously donated or held food drives...THANK YOU!
"Only by giving are you able to receive more than you already have." -Jim Rohn
December Holiday Giving Program: We Need Your Help
Annually, AYFS, through the generosity of donors just like you, brightens the holidays for approximately 200 families, positively impacting 500+ people! We have an "adopt-a-family" program where individuals and organizations "adopt" a family, learning the family's profile, including children's holiday gift requests, and if you have interest in potentially doing so, please send an email to admin@ayfs.org.
We have other needs, too, so perhaps you can help this way? We need gift cards to Old Navy, Walmart and local grocery stores, along with new clothing donations. Additionally, we appreciate donations of non-perishable food items as those will be used to fill baskets that will be delivered to families. To see how you can help, please email admin@ayfs.org or call 508-832-5707, ext. 103 and you can learn more about how you might be able to help...THANK YOU!
AHS Student Council members held a food drive
The late Don Packard donated stockings every year!
AMS students and families donated lots of food
Beneficiary Testimonials
AYFS has been fortunate over the years to engage with countless families, many returning to volunteer and/or make donations when their life circumstances have improved. Below are just a few testimonials from individuals and families who have benefitted from services AYFS provides:
AYFS “stabilizes our families,” and is “a safe place for us and our kids”
“I like how comfortable staff makes us feel.”
“Loved the company, and that it is a safe place to be able to
talk about our problems”
AYFS doesn’t “make us feel uncomfortable when we need help with food” and “gifts for the holidays”