The Beacon Hill Friends House is a Quaker meeting house and a nonprofit residential co-op. Two adjoining row homes on Chestnut Street house 21 tenants who pay rent in exchange for room and board. The rent money goes to support the Beacon Hill Friends House, which hosts a Quaker meeting service every Sunday from 10:30am - 11:30am.
The Friends House mission is to embody the principles of simplicity, integrity, community and faith. The property was handed over to the Quakers when the owner died in 1957. In addition to serving as a co-op and a meeting house, the Friends House hosts a Quaker Studies Program every fall and occasionally presents speakers.
Residents of the co-op typically only stay for two years. Many are Quakers but the house invites anyone to apply for a spot and they encourage diversity among tenants. The rent is lower than the average rent on Beacon Hill and meals are included in the price. The Friends House has a charming library and parlor for resident use.
The meeting space is simplistic but classically beautiful and looks out onto a lovely garden. Typically, between 30 and 40 people attend meeting services.
St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church, in Dover, is located on Springdale Ave. Led by Rev. Mark McKone-Sweet, St. Dunstan's prides itself on community outreach and fundraising for causes such as the Walk for Hunger and the Rodman Ride for Kids. Its Sunday worship services begin at 8am and 10am.
MetroWest YMCA provides programs, services and facilities that are designed to enhance the mental and physical quality of life for families and the community. Nestled in sprawling, plush acres of land, the MetroWest YMCA branch in Hopkinton provides a wide variety of programs for individuals and families. Programs include youth and family programs, education programs, fitness, child care, pool and a brand new recreation center. Summer camps are available.
West Roxbury Main Streets (WRMS) is a non-profit organization that works to promote West Roxbury's business district.
The office is in suite 206.
WRMS has a four prong approach to achieving its revitalization goals: enhancing the physical appearance of the commercial district; improving its economic stability; marketing its features and benefits; and promoting community involvement.
The organization does this through fundraisers and business events.
The Salem Chamber of Commerce works with city businesses to support the downtown economy and promote business for the good of the entire community. The Chamber is the largest organization of its kind in the city. In addition to supporting local businesses in establishing a presence in the city, the Chamber offers networking events and sponsors cultural and civic events as well as other initiatives that foster Salem's growth and vibrance. The Chamber is directly involved in a number of other oranizations that support business and tourism in the city as well as in the region, including Destination Salem, Enterprise Center at Salem State University, Massachusetts Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, North of Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, Salem Main Streets, Salem Parking Board and Salem Partnership.
For more information on how to become a member of the Salem Chamber of Commerce and a calendar of upcoming events and information on participating businesses, be sure to visit the Chamber of Commerce's Website.
The Franco-American Club is a nonprofit cultural community organization fully staffed by volunteers and run by a board of directors. Members receive access to the Franco Lounge, which includes a bar and a TV area. (Nonmembers can rent the club's banquet hall for corporate or personal events.) Outings such as bus trips, dinners and sports matches are also run through the club.
Heritage Park Baptist Church is an independent church in Burlington that exist to "Love God, love others, serve God, and serve others." The church held its first service in 1974 and purchased its current property in 1977.
For those looking for some rest and relaxation while getting some work done, too, just follow the long, dirt road that leads the way to Rolling Ridge Retreat Center. It is set back on a gorgeous and lush property. The office building is comfortable and quiet. Rolling Ridge's meeting room can accommodate groups from four to 80. Pamphlets and further information is available online.
A member of the Minuteman Library Network, the Holliston Public Library offers a great number of services aside from simply borrowing books, including Internet access, self-checkout, homebound delivery, fax, tax forms, proctoring of tests, display space, public meeting room, wireless and multiple copies for book clubs. The library also hosts programs for children (Storytime, book groups), teens/young adults (Teen Zone Book Group, Teen Book Reviews) and adults (History Book Club).
Holliston Public Library also has partnerships with the Holliston Pantry Shelf and TD Bank, and offers museum passes and tickets to the Southwick Zoo. Library cards are free for all Massachusetts regardless of town of residency.
The Celebration International Church is led by Senior Pastors Joe and Donna Sapienza. It is a multicultural congregation. Sunday services are held each week and as well as a family night on Wednesdays. The church also offers school programs for children of all ages.
NRT of Easton owns five conservation areas within Easton and has been an avid supporter of Easton's natural environment since 1967. Its headquarters are located on the Sheep Pasture in North Easton, which it owns and operates.
In addition to NRT's environmental work, the organization has devoted time to community event planning, such as a Harvest Fair held in October.
NRT's manager is Jennifer Cummings, and the organization can be contacted via email at [email protected].
Friends of the Children-Boston is a mentoring organization providing children from at-risk or underserved communities the support and resources to achieve high academic achievement and strong character development. Its programs offer 12 years of comprehensive mentoring--beginning in first grade and continuing through high school graduation--with the ultimate goal that all children will continue on to college and become successful members of society.
Consult its website for various volunteer opportunities.
St. Paul's Episcopal Church provides an inviting, embracing, nourshing and life-giving fellowship for the families of Christian faith. The Sunday liturgy includes a variety of sacred, classical and contemporary music. St. Paul's provides a Sunday school program for children in preschool to 6th grade. Confirmation classes coordinated with Diocesan dates are available for youth.