fall 2019 - rec. desk
TRANSCRIPT
Community Based Recreation Programs for People of All Ages with Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities Living in the
Metro North Communities of Boston Massachusetts
Communitas Recreation, 60-D Audubon Road Wakefield MA, 01880
Phone:781-587-2380 Fax:781-587-2385 Email:[email protected] Web:www.communitasma.org
Fall 2019 October-January
Meet the Recreation Staff!
Taylor Murphy Assistant Director of Recreation
(781) 587-2382
Jess Viens Director of Recreation
(781) 587-2380
Special thanks to Roman Music Services, Malden CDBG, Medford CDBG, Samantha’s Harvest, Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation, Amazing Grace Golf, Austin Prep, Melrose, Reading,
Stoneham, & Wakefield for their support of our Recreation programs!
Communitas’ Mission
Empowering People. Supporting Independence. Inspiring Dreams.
Communitas welcomes, values, respects and supports people of all abilities. Our mission is to meet individual needs—
whatever they are and however they change—while inspiring dreams. We advocate passionately while
compassionately delivering services and programs that expand opportunities, empower people, support
independence and enrich lives.
Jess B. Kendyll
Bridget Brooke Maggie Chloe Brian
Rob
Allie
Gina Frank Lindsey JT
Lawrence Richards Program Specialist
(781) 587-2384
What’s Happening?
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Grades K-5, 6-8 Sibs United are pedal-to-the-metal celebrations of the many contributions made by brothers and sisters of kids with special needs. Sibs United
acknowledge that being the brother or sister of a person with special needs is for some a good thing, others a not-so-good thing, and for many, somewhere in between. They reflect a belief that brothers and sisters have much to offer one another - if they are given a chance. Sibs United area spirited mix of new games (designed to be unique, off-beat, and appealing to a wide ability range), new friends and discussion activities.
Communitas offers Sibs United for grades K-5 and grades 6-8, along with a teen group for 8-12th graders. For the most up to date schedule, join our Sibshop mailing list at www.communitasma.org. Enter your email address in the top left corner to “Sign up for our Email Newsletter.” On the
next screen, click “Sibs United.” *This list will only be used for Sibshop related communication.
Please contact Kim Anderson ([email protected]) for more information and event dates for the fall!
Fall Family Festival
- with Communitas Family Resource Center -
Games & Activities, Hayrides, Pumpkin Decorat-ing, Treats, Face Painting, Farm Animals, Pic-
tures in the Pumpkin Patch, Cider & Donuts
Date: Sunday, October 27th
Time: 1:00pm—4:00pm
Smolak Farms
315 South Bradford St. North Andover
$10 per family
This accessible farm is a great place for the whole family! It’s an easy drive up Rt. 93!
Registration will be on Rec Desk, please RSVP online ! Payment can be made in the form of cash, check , or money order the day of the event.
Better Together Gala—25th Anniversary
Communitas 25th Annual Gala will take place on
Wednesday, November 20th at 5:00 pm at the Peabody
Marriott—8A Centennial Drive Peabody, MA 01960.
Come join Communitas for a great night full of food and
entertainment. Tasting stations are available from a vari-
ety of great local restaurants.
~ Silent Auction ~
Live Auction ~
~Dinner Tasting Stations~
~ Entertainment ~
Tickets are $100 per person or table of ten for $900.
Welcome Lawrence Richards!
Communitas is pleased to announce that we have hired
Lawrence Richards to be the newest member of our rec-
reation team! Lawrence will be starting as the Program
Specialist in September, be sure to welcome him to
Communitas Rec! Check out his bio below:
“I am is new to Communitas and extremely excited to
get start working with everyone. I previously worked in
Melrose Public Schools in The Metropolitan Council for
Educational Opportunity (METCO) program. Since 2011,
I have supported the inner city students both academi-
cally and socially who attend Melrose Public Schools.
During the summers, I worked at an enrichment pro-
gram called Students Without Borders where I was a 1:1
with several students with disabilities. I also have per-
sonal experience with people who have disabilities, as I
am older brother of two siblings who are on the spec-
trum and non verbal. I am truly eager to meet our
Communitas community and bring smiles and laughter
to this program!
YOUTH PROGRAMS
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SINGLE L.E.A.P. DAYS
(Ages 13-21)
Get out and get active! This leisure education
program is for teens and young adults with
developmental disabilities to come together
for learning, adventures and fun! We offer
participants opportunities to try out new recreation activities, plan
outings, and practice social skills with their peers. Participants need to
be able to walk 1/2 mile unassisted, be independent in personal care
and be able to be successful in a staff/camper ratio of 1:4. Participants
that need additional assistance, please call the Recreation Department
to see if LEAP is a good fit for you! Also keep an eye out for our 4 day
LEAP program that we run over school vacations!
Metro Rock & John Brewers
Thursday, December 26th 9:00 am—2:00 pm
Fee: $75
Wamesit Lanes
Friday, December 27th 9:00 am—2:00 pm
Fee: $75
FAMILY SWIM
(FREE for Malden Families)
This unique program offers the entire family the opportunity to swim together where everyone else in the pool just “gets it!” This fully accessible, therapeutic temperature pool with its own fountain will have your whole family smiling! Thanks to a grant from the City of Malden, residents of Malden may use this program for no fee! All families must pre-register with Communitas and sign release form, including current YMCA members. This is not a drop-off program.
Sundays, 3:30 pm—4:30 pm
September 22nd—November 24th
Non-Malden families: $60 per family / 10 weeks
Malden Residents: No fee thanks to a grant from the City of Malden!
Malden YMCA
99 Dartmouth St. Malden, MA 02148
Sensory Saturdays
A Saturday Respite for Kids ages 8—13
Sensory Saturdays is a program that will help kids promote social
friendships, play games and work as a team all to have FUN! Emphasis
will be on structured play! Sign up today!!!
Taylor Murphy will lead this group.
This program is run with support from the Metro North Area Office of
the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) through Family Sup-
port. Scholarships available through the Recreation Department.
Participants must live at home in the Metro North Area (Everett,
Lynnfield, Malden, Medford, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Sau-
gus, Stoneham, Wakefield) AND have completed DDS eligibility.
Saturdays, 9:30 am—12:00 pm
October 5th—December 14th
$50 / 10 weeks
30 Audubon Road Wakefield, MA 01880
Please contact Taylor Murphy at (781) 587-2382 or Tmur-
FLOOR HOCKEY
(Ages 14+)
Come play in a recreational floor hockey league! Participants
will learn skills and drills and have an opportunity to scrim-
mage every week Please wear athletic clothing and sneakers.
Also be sure to bring a water bottle. Family member is
required to stay for the hour program, this is not a drop -off
program!
Wednesdays, 6:30 pm—7:30 pm
October 9th—November 13th
$70 / 6 weeks (Sibling Discount $35)
Stoneham Boys & Girls Club
15 Dale Ct, Stoneham, MA 02180
MIDDLE/HIGH SCHOOL PROGRAMS
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M.A.S.H.
Malden After School Hangout (Ages 14-21)
The M.A.S.H. program is in its 12th year of dependable, enrich-
ing weekly programming for ages 14-21 and is open to students
from all cities and towns! M.A.S.H. provides opportunities for
teens and young adults to participate in health and fitness, per-
sonal and social development and community involvement.
This is a community-based program; teens and young adults
will spend time hanging out with friends, and will have oppor-
tunities to develop self advocacy skills and friendships.
M.A.S.H. meets at Malden High School and offers a small staff
to student ratio. Prior registration is required to attend.
M.A.S.H. runs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 2:00
pm to 5:30 pm. The program cost is $15/week for Malden stu-
dents and $25/day for students from other towns. For more
information or to register, contact Kim Anderson at KAnder-
[email protected] or at (781) 587-2290.
HIGH SCHOOL CLUB
ALL EVENTS MEET AT 30 Audubon Road, Wakefield
Bowling at Town Line Friday, October 18th 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $40
Friendsgiving w/ Young Adult Club Friday, November 8th 6 00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $30
Music Man Play @ North Reading HS Saturday, December 14th 3:30 p.m.. - 6:30 p.m.
Fee: $35
Out to Eat: Red Heat Tavern Friday, January 24th 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Fee: $50
Do you like to hang out and have a good time? Want to meet friends
from other towns? Then this is the club for you! We price our pro-
grams based on ticket prices of activities, staff, gas, food if included,
and a small percentage for administration time.
Sign up for one event, or for them all!
Registration is due one week before each event.
PLEASE NOTE: All trips require a minimum of 8 participants to run.
HALLOWEEN DANCE
Friday, October 25th
6:30 pm—8:30 pm
(Ages 13-21)
$15
We’re celebrating the season with our annual Halloween costume dance! This dance is an inclusive function with
volunteers from surrounding local high schools. Attendants are invited and welcome! Supervision is provided.
Please RSVP online; make sure you check out of the system so your name is added to the list. You can also call or
email to register, but showing up at the door makes it difficult for us to plan for supervision!
Payment is accepted at the door or online. RSVP BY WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 23rd!
ADULT PROGRAMS
HARVEST HOEDOWN DANCE
Yee-Haw!! Come dance the night away and feel free to wear your cowboy hat and boots! Bring your friends and
make some new ones as well. Our fantastic DJ will have you scootin’ your boots to all your favorite songs! We will
have light refreshments available; please eat dinner before you arrive. Supervision is provided; staff and personal
care attendants are welcome!
*Pre-registration and current
Communitas Emergency Fact Sheets required.
Friday, October 4th
Ages 22 and up
6:30 pm—9:00 pm
$10 per person
Most Blessed Sacrament Church, 11 Grove Street Wakefield, MA 01880
RSPV by October 1st to Jess Viens at (781) 587-2380 or [email protected]
FITNESS FRIDAY
(Ages 22 +)
This fall Communitas Recreation will be bringing back “Wellness
Wednesday” revamped as Fitness Friday. This afternoon fitness class
is located at our gym facility, on site! The classes will take place from
3:00 pm—4:00 pm after day program. The class will feature different
forms of exercise including yoga, cardio, and barre.
We will also be discussing healthy eating habits and overall nutrition.
Please register early as we expect this class to fill fast!
Fridays, 3:00 pm—4:00 pm
Dates—TBA
$100 per session
60-D Audubon Rd. Wakefield, MA 01880
Max: 8
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WATER AEROBICS
(Ages 22 +)
This class, for ages 22+, will focus on getting your body moving with
fun, low-impact exercises in the water. The fully accessible and extra
warm therapy pool allows everyone to participate! Classes will be
taught by Jess Viens. Join us and get fit today!
Mondays, 6:00 pm—6:45 pm
October 7th—November 25th
$120 for 8 weeks
Burbank YMCA, 36 Arthur B. Lord Drive, Reading, MA 01867
Min: 7 Max: 10
ADULT PROGRAMS
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YOUNG ADULT SOCIAL CLUB
(Ages 22—35)
Come and join us on a Friday night! Are you looking to get out of your house and hang out with your friends? Then this is the group for you! Call
up your friends and get out of the house for the evening! We price our programs based on ticket prices of activities, staff, gas, food if included,
and a small percentage for administrative time. Sign up for one event, or for them all! Registration is due one week before each event.
PLEASE NOTE: All trips require a minimum of 8 participants to run.
YOUNG MEN’S GROUP
(Ages 22—35)
Ready to get out with the guys for an evening of fun and adventure! Join Recreation staff Frank Collins for a fun Young Men’s Group. This group is geared towards young men who want to get out for the night and socialize with the guys. These “manly” trips will range from going to live sporting events to learning how to cook and prepare a dinner for friends or family! These events will usually take place once a month!
PLEASE NOTE: All trips require a minimum of 8 participants to run.
Corn Maze
Saturday, October 19th 1:00 pm—4:00 pm
Fee: $35
Make Your Own Root Beer—Incredibrew Nashua
Friday, November 15th 6:00 pm—9:00 pm
Fee: $40
BU vs Northeastern Hockey Game
Saturday December 7th 6:00pm-9:00pm
Fee:
Nashoba Valley Snow Tubing
Saturday, January 11th 9:00 am—1:00 pm
Fee: $50
Remember! Registration is due at least one week before the program starts!
YOUNG WOMEN’S GROUP
(Ages 22—35)
This group is for young girls who want to meet new people, learn about the cool things that women can do, and just go out and enjoy being “one of the girls!” Hair, nails, shopping, hiking, you name it!
We meet one weekend a month and have a blast. These trips fill up quickly!
Apple Picking
Saturday, October 5th 1:00 pm—4:00 pm
Fee: $40
Holiday Shopping at the Burlington Mall
Saturday, November 23rd 11:00 am—2:00 pm
Fee: $45
Holiday Show & Mother Daughter Dinner
Saturday, December 7th 1:30 pm—7:30 pm
Fee: $50
Hair and Nails
Saturday, January 18th 1:00 pm—4:00 pm
Fee: $35
ALL EVENTS MEET AT 30 Audubon Road, Wakefield
Out to Eat: Casa Vallarta Friday October 25th 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fee: $50
Friendsgiving w/ High School Club Friday November 8th 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Fee: $30
In The Game Arcade Friday, December 6th 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm.
Fee: $40
UMASS Lowell vs BC Hockey Game Friday January 17th 6:00 pm - 10:00 pm
Fee: $40
ATHLETICS
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TENNIS (Ages 7+)
Ever wanted to give tennis a try? Learn the basic skills of the game and increase hand eye coordination while having fun! This program is good for new and experienced athletes, and can be an especially good fit for athletes who prefer small social situations to large team environments. Athletes must be able to safely stay on assigned courts.
Sundays, 1:00 pm—2:00 pm
September 22nd—November 17th
Woburn Racquet Club, 9 Webster St. Woburn, MA 01801
$70 / 8 week session
Min: 6 athletes
Communitas Basketball
(Traditional & Unified)
*Interested in a sport but don’t see it here? Call the office for some great local resources!
COMMUNITAS TRADITIONAL BASKETBALL
Traditional basketball is played with 5 athletes on the court.
• Suns: Ages 22+
Coaches: Zach Shwartz, Mike Giunta, & Angel Sosa
• Celtics: Ages 13-21
Coaches: Tim Regan & Tracy Bailer
Come compete on one of our 6 basketball teams! Communitas has 4 unified teams (Tigers, Warriors, Magic, & Bulls) and 2 traditional teams (Suns & Celtics)!!
PLEASE NOTE: All information, dates and guidelines in the “Communitas Basketball” program apply to all the Traditional & Unified basketball teams. Siblings and community members in the age group needed as Unified Partners, contact the Recre-ation office for more information.
Registration Information:
• Returning players will be mailed a registration packet in mid October. Priority registration will be granted to return-ing athletes, to save your spot please register with the rec-reation office by November 15th. After November 15th registration will open to the public and there is no guaran-tee your spot will be held.
• ALL forms are due AT TIME OF REGISTRATION—DUE NO-VEMBER 8th.
• If you are new to our basketball program, please do not hesitate to reach out! It is recommended to new players interested to reach out as early as possible! Priority regis-tration is granted to returning athletes, remaining spots will then be open to public registration on Monday No-vember 11th .
Medical/Release Forms: Must be completed and received be-fore participating in the program.
Attire/Equipment: Basketball or gym shorts or sweatpants/warm-up suit and basketball sneakers to prevent injury. Those that do not have the appropriate attire will not be allowed to participate. Jerseys will be checked out and returned to the Rec Department.
Communication: Information and communication between the coaches, parents, and participants will be through email. It is imperative that we have your email address and keep us in-formed if it changes. If you do not have an email, let us know!
Teams will have the opportunity to compete in Special Olym-pics competition. Basketball is a capacity sport for SOMA, so it’s not guaranteed all teams make the end of the year tournament in Worcester.
COMMUNITAS TRADITIONAL BASKETBALL
Unified team pair athletes with and without disabilities as equal team members to compete in the sport they all love! Unified basketball is played with 1-2 partners on the court.
Unified Teams
• Warriors: Ages 35+
Coach: Tim Daly
• Magic : NEWLY UNIFIED Ages 22+
Coaches: Joe Casey & Joe Pelrine
• Bulls: Ages 22+
Coach: Hank Rej
• Tigers: Ages 13-21
Coach: Rob Gibbs
If you have any inquiries or questions about which basketball team would best suit you, please contact Jess Viens at (781) 587-2380 or
GET INVOLVED AS A VOLUNTEER! Who are we?
For 60 years, Communitas’ mission is to support, serve, and advocate for people with developmental disabili-ties and their families to ensure they are valued, respected and have the opportunity to fully participate in their communities.
Who do we serve?
We serve individuals of all ages with all different levels of ability. Communitas serves over 1,000 families. Our youngest participant is 3 and our oldest is 71. We serve participants in East Middlesex, MA encompassing Ev-erett, Lynn, Lynnfield, Malden, Melrose, North Reading, Reading, Saugus, Stoneham, Wakefield and sur-rounding communities.
Volunteer Opportunities:
Volunteers are vital to the success of our programs! Having an energetic, passionate, and dedicated volun-teer can make all the difference in a program working with kids and adults with developmental disabilities. See how you can get involved below!
Special Olympics: We have a Special Olympics team proacting or competing during every season of the year!
Fall: Soccer and Senior Sports
Winter: Basketball (Play alongside your peers ON the court as a unified partner)
Spring: Track and Field, Swimming, and Tennis
Summer: Softball
Inclusive High School Dances:
Are you in high school and looking to complete some volunteer hours? Come to our inclusive dances in Reading! Meet some awesome peers and show off your dance moves. Ask us when our next dance is!
How To Get Involved!
Please contact the Communitas Recreation team via phone or email to get started and to learn what steps are next in getting out on the field and helping this great program become even more fun for all the families
and athletes at Communitas!
Director of Recreation: Jess Viens, (781) 587-2380, [email protected]
Assistant Director of Recreation: Taylor Murphy (781) 587-2382, [email protected]
www.CommunitasMA.org
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Community Happenings-CHECK THEM OUT!
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Samantha’s Harvest works to raise awareness by providing funding for programs and organizations that directly enhance the lives of individuals with Down syndrome. Communitas Recreation is a benefactor of Samantha's Harvest, come check out Samantha’s Harvest annual golf tournament on Friday September 20th!
SAMANTHA’S HARVEST GOLF TOURNAMENT
IT'S NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP BUT TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
Even though summer is unofficially over (sigh), the fun hasn't ended! Come and join us for dinner if you can't make it to golf and enjoy the auction and festivities. Volunteer for the day and be our lunch and dinner guest!
The live auction, hosted by none other than Boston's Best Comic, Tony V, boasts many great items this year - concert tick-ets, hotel weekends near and far, sports items and much more!
So, come and join us on Friday, September 20! We will be holding our fabulous golf tournament at the Members Only Champion-ship Course at Thomson Country Club in North Reading!
Our fun-filled day kicks off with lunch and registration at 11:30am and we will tee off promptly at 1pm. There will be many tastings and contests throughout the course for your enjoyment and dinner will be served right at the clubhouse when you turn in your card at the end of your round Make sure to wear or bring clothing for dinner outside under the tent overlooking the gorgeous golf course!
Register now for dinner or golf! Register online at http://www.samanthasharvest.org/golftournament/. Call Lisa at 781.354.0544 for more information about donations, sponsorship and volunteering and more!
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES We welcome people of all abilities to participate! Experienced staff will work with families to understand the needs of each participant and devel-
op safe and effective adaptations. We will make every effort to help
ensure your successful participation and welcome your input and questions!
REGISTRATION & PAYMENT:
Registration is due one week before the program starts. Payment is accepted:
-In person at the Recreation Department Office (cash accepted)
-By mail – complete your registration form and return it with full payment to:
Communitas Recreation, 60-D Audubon Road Wakefield, MA 01880
-Online at http://Communitas.recdesk.com/recdeskportal via credit card
-By phone via credit card
PLEASE NOTE: REGISTRATION CANNOT BE PROCESSED WITHOUT PAYMENT.
Checks made payable to Communitas; online registration requires a credit card. Full payment must accompany registration unless otherwise stat-
ed. We cannot register you for a program until full payment is received. For payment plan information, please contact the Recreation Department.
There will be a $35 fee assessed on all returned checks.
Once registered, please make the commitment to attend class whenever possible since preparation of program material is
dependent upon the number of participants. Refunds will not be granted for missed classes.
EMERGENCY FACT SHEETS: All participants must have an annual Emergency Fact Sheet on file. Individuals may not participate in Recreation Pro-
grams without a current form. Fact Sheets can be found on our website or in the office.
WAITING LISTS: You may request to be placed on the waiting list without payment should your class choice be full. The Recreation Department
will contact those on the waiting list, in order of placement, should an opening occur. Being placed on the waiting list does not guarantee enroll-
ment in the program.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS: You must notify the Recreation Department at least two (2) days in advance of your cancellation in order to receive a
refund. Refunds will not be granted for missed classes or planned absences. Refunds will not be granted for special events requiring advance pur-
chase of tickets unless a replacement is found. Partial refunds are available if notice is given prior to the second week of a program. Credit or re-
funds will be granted if Recreation changes the location, time, or date of the program which prohibits attendance or if the department cancels the
program due to insufficient registration. All participants will be notified at least two (2) days prior to a program if there has been a cancellation,
except in cases of inclement weather.
Program schedules, fees, instructors, policies and procedures are subject to change. Occasionally, there may be an error in the day, times, fees or
location in the brochure or online. If so, we will do everything possible to correct the situation promptly! Thank you for your patience and under-
standing should these situations arise.
PROGRAM POLICIES: Please note the START and FINISH times of each program and plan accordingly. Please do not drop off
participants more than 5 minutes early or pick them up late. NO participant can be dropped off at a program without the activity leader present. A
fee will be charged for any participant who is not picked up within the 5 minute limit.
SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS: Scholarships are available on a case-by-case basis and may be updated annually. Contact the office for details and to
request an application. Income verification may be requested. Any payment plans are due in full before the end of a program or future registra-
tions may be prohibited until balance is paid.
If you are unable to attend a program due to transportation difficulties please contact us. We do not currently offer transportation but will work
with you to try and make alternative arrangements including carpooling.
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www.CommunitasMA.org
WHAT ELSE DOES COMMUNITAS HAVE TO OFFER?
Outside from the programs we offer in the Recreation Department, Communitas has an outstanding foundation of supports through its other
services provided in the Metro North communities of Boston. Read below about what other happenings are available to our families at Communi-
tas and who you can contact to get involved!
Residential: Communitas has been providing residential care for over 40 years and has a variety of support options!
Contact: Roger Plourde, [email protected]
Day Services: Communitas has three locations for day services in Wakefield, Burlington , and Beverly! Different program offerings including Life
Choices, Career Services, and specialized services are available.
Contact: Neil Wyatt, [email protected]
Family Support: Contact our family support team for all informational and referral assistance for topics including education, medical, behavior,
and other areas of support.
Contact: Judy Santa Maria, [email protected]
LOOKING TO GIVE BACK?
We are always looking for people to help out in
programs, in the office, or visit the communi-
ties we serve to get the word out about our
services. Here are just some of the ways you
can help!
-Coach a team
-Help teach a class
-Chaperone an event
-Basic office assistance
-Data entry
-Deliver outreach materials
-Organize the resource library
DINE FOR A CAUSE (DFC)
Looking for a fun night out during the week? Don’t want to cook? Join
us for "Dine for a Cause" events.
A percentage of your bill will be donated to Communitas’ Recreation
Department. These are also great
opportunities to see your friends from the Communitas family. Make
sure to go to www.communitasma.org to print out each restaurant’s
coupon before you arrive!
Next DFAC is TBD! Keep an eye out for an update on our next
online Newsletter!
*Keep an eye out for more locations to come! If you know of a restau-
rant that offers fundraising nights, please let us know! We are always
looking for new places to try!
Non-Profit
Organization
US Postage
Paid
Reading, MA
Permit No. 64
Phone: 781-587-2382
E-mail: [email protected]
www.communitasma.org
Communitas, Inc
60-D Audubon Road