St. Zepherin Parishioner Recommended Charities

For Volunteering Time & Talent:

A Place To Turn
An Emergency Food Pantry in Natick
"A Place to Turn is committed to providing emergency food and clothing to our neighbors in the Metro/West community. We will serve those in need in an atmosphere of caring and mutual respect."
http://www.aplacetoturn-natick.org/

Birthright of Framingham
This organization is a wonderful group of volunteers who provide young pregnant girls with various practical alternatives to abortion, without any of the high profile tactics of some of the other pro-life organizations (some of which have some very fanatical members). Birthright works quietly to provide young pregnant females with free medical attention, advice on adoption services, counseling, and full support after the birth for a period of one year. The parishioners who submitted this organization are big advocates of this low profile but very practical and personal approach, AND volunteer there.
971 Concord St. Suite 6,
Framingham, MA 01701,
(508) 620-0657
http://www.birthright.org/

Massachusetts Citizens For Life
"In recognition of the fact that each human life is a continuum from conception to natural death, the mission of Massachusetts Citizens For Life, Inc. is to promote the respect for human life and to defend the right to life of all human beings, born and unborn. We will influence public policy at the local, state and national levels through comprehensive educational, legislative, political and charitable activities." Membership help is needed at the local chapters to implement their programs.
http://www.masscitizensforlife.org/
Click here for their chapters page (there is a chapter in Framingham)

Knights of Columbus
A Catholic men's fraternal benefit society that was formed to render financial aid to members and their families. Mutual aid and assistance are offered to sick, disabled and needy members and their families. Social and intellectual fellowship is promoted among members and their families through educational, charitable, religious, social welfare, war relief and public relief works. The Knights of Columbus has grown to more than 12,000 councils and 1.7 million members throughout the United States and world. Our local council is #5188, Fr. Robert H. Hurley council in Sudbury, MA. The St. Zephrin Knights of Round Table currently have about 12 members.
http://www.kofc.org/
http://www.massachusettsstatekofc.org/

National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS)
Nonprofit organization serving patients with Multiple Sclerosis in US by supporting scientific research and promoting education.
http://www.nmss.org/
The NMSS of Central New England offers education, support, and advocacy for people with multiple sclerosis and their families in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/MAM/home/

Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International is a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing and homelessness worldwide and to making adequate, affordable shelter a matter of conscience and action. Habitat is founded on the conviction that every man, woman and child should have a simple, decent, affordable place to live in dignity and safety.
http://www.habitat.org/
To help, see Metrowest Habitat for Humanity in Framingham
http://www.habitat.org/script/link.asp?url=www%2Emetrowesthabitat%2Eorg

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Boston
The story of Catholic Charities begins in 1903 with John J. Williams, Archbishop of Boston. After witnessing the appalling social conditions of Boston's immigrant and predominantly Catholic population, the Archbishop envisioned an agency that would provide assistance and hope to families in need. The mission of Catholic Charities is to build a just and compassionate society rooted in the dignity of all people.
http://www.ccab.org/volunteer.htm

United Way of Tri-County
The United Way of Tri-County provides services for thousands of people in 34 communities throughout Norfolk, Middlesex, and Worcester counties so we can direct your support to where it will have the most impact - your community.
http://www.volunteersolutions.org/united-way-of-tri-county/volunteer

Pine Street Inn
Pine Street Inn is a not-for-profit organization committed to men, women and children in need of shelter, sustenance, and the basic moral and material supports necessary to lead a dignified and stable life. It is the mission of the inn, in all its programs, to be a community of respect and hope for each guest it serves; to be a resource through which neighbors and friends can help to meet the basic needs of others; and to serve as a national leader in the fight to end homelessness. Each night, there are 6,210 homeless men, women and children in the City of Boston, a 48 percent increase in homelessness over the past decade. Many of these homeless people turn to Pine Street Inn for help.
http://www.pinestreetinn.org/help/volunteer/general.html/

Parmenter Community Health (of Wayland)
"Provides all residents of our community with exceptional homecare, hospice and supportive services enabling our clients to maintain or improve their current levels of function in the face of disease, disability or the aging process. Furthermore, we enable the dying and their families to face the end of life with comfort and dignity."
http://www.parmenter.org/
Parmenter volunteer page:
http://www.parmenter.org/volunteer.asp

Big Brothers Big Sisters
"Our vision is to provide a mentor for every child that needs or wants one."
http://www.bbbsa.org/

Common Ground Relief
"Common Ground's mission is to provide short term relief for victims of hurricane disasters in the gulf coast region, and long term support in rebuilding the communities affected in the New Orleans area. Common Ground is a community-initiated volunteer organization offering assistance, mutual aid and support. The work gives hope to communities by working with them, providing for their immediate needs and emphasizes people working together to rebuild their lives in sustainable ways." The parishioner who submitted this organization believes it is one of the best charities helping the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
http://www.commongroundrelief.org/
Yes, you can volunteer with them, click here for their volunteer page.