Highlights of Our Ongoing Programs
Heat Assistance Program
Community Action Inc. has been our trusted partner for 10 + years. With their help we have established a Heat Assistance Program for the low-income elderly population in Greater Haverhill. We have given $80,000 of heat assistance to hundreds of households. 100% of the money we give to that fund goes directly to the elders in Haverhill who have no more benefits and by using our fund, Community Action has a way to keep them warm and the lights on.
Happy Rides
Grand-Families
Agespan, formerly Elder Services of Merrimack Valley, is a critical partner who helps us reach many of the elders we help, including those in the program we call, “Grand-Families”. Elders are finding themselves in a position of having to take in one or more children. The parents are no longer in the picture, sometimes due to incarceration, addiction or death, and these elders are now in a position that they did not plan for and cannot afford. We provide food, clothing and occasionally fun such as camp, so the child can have an experience they would not get otherwise, and the caretaker can get some needed respite. This program supports elders who are struggling to survive, and it helps children get basic needs filled.
The Grand-families program
helps multi-generational families with
the unexpected costs associated
with raising children.
Nandi Munson, Community Outreach Manager for AgeSpan, receives Walmart Gift Cards for our Grand-families program at AgeSpan.
Liv Brooks received Walmart Gift Cards for our Grand-families program at Community Action Inc.
“I just received a $50 gift card from the Breakfast Exchange Club and I wanted to say a heart-felt THANK YOU for thinking of us grandparents who find ourselves unexpectedly raising our grandchildren.”
J.C.
Social Connection Committee
Social Connection Committee
launches a new initiative together
with the Haverhill Council on Aging
to help older adults alleviate
social isolation.
Mary Connolly, Director of the Haverhill Council on Aging, will help spearhead this initiative by offering taxi vouchers to homebound elders.
The goal is to get them out and about to have some fun and feeling loved.
“We take great pride knowing that
our community involvement
and the contributions we make
have great impact.”
Breakfast Exchange Club
continues our support of NEET!
Your journey awaits!
Since the program began in 1981 NEET’s dedicated volunteer drivers have driven over 2 million miles.
Thanksgiving 2022
The BECGH members donated and assembled Thanksgiving Day dinner bags to then be distributed to our local Grand-Families.
“I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate the kindness of the Breakfast Exchange Club – Thank you.”
J.C.
Veterans Day Breakfast – November 11, 2022
This year with the support of Raff’s Café in Haverhill MA the club sponsored breakfast and lunch for our Veterans.
We Thank You for Your Service.
Back to School – 2022
“The backpacks and gift cards are awesome! I can’t tell you how much my staff, the grandparents and the grandchildren appreciate all the extra support from the Breakfast Exchange Club. So Generous – Thank You!”
Family Care Support Program Director, Crystal Polizzotti
Field of Honor - Newburyport, MA - 2022
The Field of Honor is a place for remembrance and reflection of the events of September 11, 2001; the men and women of the United States Military who serve, or have served, our Nation; first responders, aid workers, and journalists who put their lives at risk to help others; and our own personal heroes.
The Breakfast Exchange Club of Greater Haverhill purchased 5 flags one for each of the towns we support – Boxford, Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, and North Andover.
These dedicated flags remind us that we must never forget and that there is strength in unity.
Community Action Inc. - 2022
Club members presented a check to Community Action for $5,000.
This money will go towards those in our community that need home heating assistance.
“I am absolutely blown away by both the engagement and generosity of your organization. Your collective efforts to raise critical funds, while creating awareness about local organizations and community needs is remarkable.”
Kerri Sheeran Perry
President/CEO Community Action
N.E.E.T. - 2022
Club members presented a check to Northern Essex Elder Transport (N.E.E.T.) program. Transportation continues to be the number one unmet need for seniors in all communities.
The N.E.E.T volunteer drivers provide much more than a ride to a medical appointment. They provide companionship, which positively contributes to their overall health and wellbeing.
Dorina Sawyer / N.E.E.T. Administrator
“Connection: The energy that is created between people when they feel seen, heard and valued. When they can give and receive without judgment.”
Brene Brown
Rebuild Together - 2022
The mission of Rebuilding Togethers is – “Repairing homes, Revitalizing communities, Rebuilding lives; as we assure that income-challenged homeowners, particularly older adults, veterans, disabled, or families with children live in warmth, safety, and independence.” Their vision is safe homes and communities for everyone!
Thanksgiving - 2021
Over the last few years, in conjunction with the Family Caregiver Support Program at Elder Services and Community Action in Haverhill we have helped support local grand-families – grandparents caring for their grandchildren because of family issues. Thanksgiving bags were assembled and distributed.
“It’s an honor for myself and the club members to help these grandparents – who we see as heroes. They love and care for their grandchildren with no extra income and often with no additional support.”
Club President, Diane Galvin
"There is so much joy in knowing you've helped make someone's holiday as special as possible."
Bonnie Sisson
The Field of Honor Celebration - 2021
Breakfast Exchange Club of Greater Haverhill purchased a flag for the 2021 Field of Honor celebration in North Andover.
The Field of Honor is a Memorial as a lasting tribute to those men and women who have served our country in war and peace. Those who survived were forever changed. Those who died were forever young in their loved one’s memories.
$10,000 Grant for Fuel Assistance - 2019
Breakfast Exchange Club of Greater Haverhill presented Community Action, Inc. in Haverhill with a grant in the amount of $10,000 to be used for fuel assistance for older adults. The money was set aside in a special fund created by the Breakfast Exchange. Each year low income elders, in need of heat assistance, can apply for these funds through Community Action. The Breakfast Exchange Funds may be used for those elders who deplete the funds received from CAI, or they can be used to fill a gap if funding is not available. Each year, on average, about 50 households are assisted with these funds.
“We are mission-driven and trying very hard to raise awareness of the Club’s impact in helping to support the needs of older residents in the communities of Boxford, Groveland, Haverhill, Merrimac, and North Andover, the Club’s service areas.”
Lora M
Freedom Shrine Re-Dedication Ceremony - 2018
We are so thrilled to have our Freedom Shrine back on display at the Haverhill Public Library. Our Re-dedication Ceremony was a great way to showcase the documents as well as bring awareness to the Freedom Shrine and what it represents. We were so lucky to have Representative Andy Vargas and Veteran Julian Jaramillo speak and discuss a few of our club’s core values, Amercianism and Community Service. Special Thanks to the Haverhill High School Chorus for their beautiful rendition of The National Anthem and God Bless America. (10/9/2018)
What is a Freedom Shrine? The Freedom Shrine, exclusively a project of Exchange Clubs, is dedicated to serve as a living symbol of the rich heritage of of the fight for freedom upon which our nation was founded and to insure these principles against any enemies of freedom. It is a reminder of our continuing struggle to insure these principles for ALL of our citizens. The Freedom Shrine is an empowering reminder of the duties and responsibilities of American citizenship as well as its rights and privileges.
Rebuild Together Day - 2018
“Volunteerism is vital in all times; it keeps our communities alive… and will make a difference in the lives of those who will come after us.”
Clifton Taulbert
February Vacation
February vacation bags were packed by our members for local grandparents caring for their grandchildren! Each one was filled with snacks, coloring activities, and gift cards. Thanks to Chunky’s Cinema Pub of Haverhill for the movie tickets!
With our National Exchange Project in mind we made sure to include resources and educational materials on child abuse prevention.
Hats, Socks & Glove Drive for the Homeless Veterans
