Director's Letter
 As marathoners cross the finish line this Patriots' Day, I won't be able to help my thoughts from turning to the tragic events of the Boston Marathon bombing two years ago .... With the horror of the event, watching spectators, fellow runners and the Boston police rush in to help the injured was uplifting. As community members we all tune into the marathon each year to celebrate the tenacity of the runners as they embrace a 26-mile (often uphill) challenge. On that day, we also revered the strength and generosity of those who rushed in to help.
 I feel the same mixture of inspiration and pride as I see our Neighbor Brigade volunteers stepping in every day to help when local neighbors are experiencing a crisis. As hard as it may be to ask for help, in the face of crisis or tragedy we all need a helping hand. Out of tragedy comes help, and out of help comes hope. Rushing in to give help in times of crisis is what Neighbor Brigade is all about.
In this newsletter you will learn just some of the reasons our recent recipients have asked for help. We will also invite you to join us at a new run/walk event called Cause+Event Boston on May 17th where we will show our Neighbor Brigade pride. We hope you will sign up and help us spread the word about Neighbor Brigade at this event that is less fundraiser, more pep rally for area non-profits. Come help the Neighbor Brigade team make a big impact.
Thank you again for your continued support and efforts on behalf of our mission. If you have any thoughts to share please contact me at stephanie@neighborbrigade.org.
Stephanie Lawrence
Executive Director |
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SBANE Award Nomination
Neighbor Brigade receives Innovation Award Nomination By SBANE
 Neighbor Brigade was recently honored to be named a semi-finalist for the Small Business Association of New England's (SBANE's) New England Innovation Award, which "recognizes those companies [and organizations] that have transformed their innovative ideas into a product or service that delivers proven value to customers." Neighbor Brigade was one of just 16 New England nonprofits selected as semi-finalists. Although we did not make it to the final round we are thrilled that Neighbor Brigade is being recognized as an "innovator" for our unique mission and valued services. |
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Outreach Initiative
Neighbor Brigade Launches Major Outreach Initiative
Neighbor Brigade is launching a new visibility and outreach campaign this spring! Deb Osber, Neighbor Brigade's Community Partnership and Outreach Coordinator, is working together with our chapter leaders to invite providers and affinity organizations across Massachusetts to join us as referral partners. We will mail out over 20,000 rack cards and flyers during this campaign. We look forward to substantially growing our referral network as a result. Thank you to our corporate and individual sponsors for the generous financial support that has made this campaign possible, and thank you to our chapter leaders and volunteers for your commitment to this project! |
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Recipients Send Thanks
Neighbor Brigade Recipients Send Thanks
Neighbor Brigade's 29 chapters receive requests on a daily basis from individuals and families across Massachusetts who need a helping hand to get them through a difficult period. We love when recipients send comments our way to thank the volunteers and explain why Neighbor Brigade made a difference:
 "Thank you all VERY much for your support during Jim's continued recovery. During this difficult time, it was extremely helpful for me to spend time with Jim, at the hospital and the rehab facility, knowing the kids were having a good meal. We are truly fortunate to be a member of such a supportive community!"
- The Carmody Family, Northborough/Southborough Neighbor Brigade. Jim Carmody sustained injuries in a work-related accident and our volunteers delivered meals to the Carmodys' house 4 days a week for 2 and 1/2 months.
 "The Ashland Neighbor Brigade is such a great resource for our community. I contacted them prior to an upcoming surgery to find out what services they could provide and was pleasantly surprised to know how much they could offer. I ended up utilizing the service for rides to and from work during the period when I couldn't drive -- it was a life-saver. All of the drivers were so kind and compassionate and it was great to know I had help when I needed it most. Like most people I was reluctant to ask for help but I wouldn't hesitate to ask again and I am eager to be able to pay it forward."
- Tracey Lydon, Ashland, MA Neighbor Brigade. Tracey recently joined the Ashland Neighbor Brigade as a member and is currently offering rides to a local neighbor in need.
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New Board Members
Neighbor Brigade Welcomes David Brisson!
 David Brisson joins the board of Neighbor Brigade as a way to "pay it forward" following his family's own experience as both volunteer and recipient. David's wife Jacquie was an original volunteer for the Wayland Neighbor Brigade before she became seriously ill, sadly passing in March, 2014. Volunteers from the Wayland chapter prepared nearly 200 home-cooked meals for Jacqui, David and their three sons Derek, Jared, and Evan, offering the Brisson family a much needed life-line of support during this difficult loss. As a board member, David hopes to leverage his marketing communications expertise to support the organization's fundraising and public awareness efforts. David is an accomplished writer and author. As president of Brisson Group, Inc., David has provided corporate communications and marketing programs for more than 100 companies.
Neighbor Brigade Welcomes Jennifer Rosenberg!
 Jennifer Rosenberg first became involved with Neighbor Brigade when she joined the Lexington chapter as a volunteer in 2012, offering acts of kindness to local neighbors in need. As a board member, Jennifer hopes to utilize her marketing experience to further the organization's mission. Currently an independent marketing consultant, Jennifer has more than 20 years experience in the life sciences, healthcare and consumer products industries. Most recently she was Director of Marketing for Insulet Corporation, a medical device company. Prior to Insulet, Jennifer held senior marketing and brand management positions with companies such as Johnson & Johnson, Abbott Laboratories and Lederle Laboratories. She received a BA from Brandeis University, an MPA from New York University, and an MBA from the Wharton School. She has served on the Board of Directors of a number of non-profit organizations including Facing Cancer Together and Thrive Together. |
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Upcoming Events
Cause+Event Boston - May 17, 2015
 Neighbor Brigade invites you to begin your spring training with us at this unique 5K Run/Walk that lets you pick your favorite charity. If you are already part of our Pam's Run family you know the good work Neighbor Brigade does to help our neighbors in crisis here in Massachusetts - help us spread the word at Cause+Event on May 17th! Cause+Event will be held at Arlington High School. Registration is $30 - with a minimum of $15 going to the non-profit of your choice! No additional fundraising involved. Upon registration pick "Join a Team" and select Neighbor Brigade as your team. Wear your Pam's Run T-shirt or visit our booth at the event's Non-Profit Expo to receive a free 2014 Pam's Run shirt!
Registration closes on May 13, 2015.
Pam's Run - October 18, 2015
Mark Your Calendars!
Sunday, October 18, 2015
Wayland High School
Neighbor Brigade's largest annual fundraiser! Pam's Run will feature a 5k walk/run, a 10k run and other surprises. There will also be fun for the entire family with live music, kids' activities, raffle prizes, food trucks, photo booth and age group awards and cash prizes for top finishers! Stay tuned for registration information! If you are interested in a corporate sponsorship, please contact Stephanie Lawrence at stephanie@neighborbrigade.org. |
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