The Martha s Vineyard Times
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services
Thanks for sharing your voices
On March 13, 2020, the novel coronavirus went from a distant concern to a full-fledged, in-our-backyard worry. The Island had not yet had its first case of COVID-19, but it was already feeling the effects.
Schools were shut down for what was initially expected to be two weeks, and cancellations began flooding into our email in-boxes faster than we could process them. Restaurants were told they would have to transition from in-person dining to “curbside pickup.” Virtually everything came to a crashing halt as we waited for the inevitable.
MVCS uses grant to strengthen family childcare on-Island
Martha’s Vineyard Community Services (MVCS) has expanded its youth and family programming, thanks to a grant from the Martha’s Vineyard Vision Fellowship, according to a press release. The grant, which was received in the fall, is intended to support and strengthen the Island’s Family Child Care programs.
Part of the grant funds went to hiring Joanne Lambert to fill the new role of family childcare network coordinator. Lambert has a degree in human development from Lesley University, Child Development Association certification, and 24 years of experience as a Department of Early Education and Care licensed family childcare provider.
The Martha s Vineyard Times
‘They are our neighbors’: Homeless shelter sees ‘phenomenal successâ
With homelessness still prevalent on-Island, Harbor Homes provides support, and plans for the future.
Upon entering the shelter, director Lisa Belcastro (pictured) and staff provide fresh masks and hand sanitizer to guests.
Homelessness continues to be a major issue on-Island, with financial struggles of COVID, and winter weather exacerbating the danger for folks who do not have adequate and consistent living situations.
In January, Harbor Homes took the helm of homelessness prevention and remediation on Marthaâs Vineyard, with support from the county, Marthaâs Vineyard Hospital, Marthaâs Vineyard Bank, two family foundations, Bad Martha Farmerâs Brewery, Marthaâs Vineyard Community Services, and others.
Itâs time to change the conversation around substance use on-Island
As we round the corner on a year of living with COVID, most of us are aware of the impacts of the pandemic on our lives â isolation, anxiety, boredom, depleted savings, depleted tolerance, depleted goodwill (perhaps). An incredible thirst for travel, the sight of smiling faces, and spending time in crowded places.Â
In a story published on Tuesday in STAT, the Boston Globeâs daily health newsletter, the CDC reported another grim effect on the lives of Americans: a 20 percent increase in, and the highest-ever number of, fatal overdoses ever recorded in the U.S. in a single year.Â
The Martha s Vineyard Times
Students STEP up
Schools, M.V. Community Services create a comprehensive support network to aid students in taking steps toward their dream job.
MVRHS student Justin Corl arrives for work at Brickman s in Vineyard Haven. Jeremy Driesen
Hallie Britt is an educational support professional at the high school. She accompanied Justin Corl to Brickman s. Jeremy Driesen
Jen Woods is a special education teacher for the Voyager program and a transition specialist. She accompanied Justin to Brickman s. Jeremy Driesen
Justin Corl gets started in the storeroom, where he will re-tag shoes that are going on sale. To do this, he has to match codes he s been given to the codes on the boxes. Jeremy Driesen