The year-round population on Martha’s Vineyard is nearly 17,000, and in the summer months that number climbs to more than 100,000, attracting tourists and seasonal residents from around the world. To some, this time of year on Martha’s Vineyard is a mystery, filled with questions about what life must be like in the off-season. “What…
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Every parent wants the best for their children, but when life throws unforeseen circumstances their way; even providing basic needs can become difficult. When Jane* was referred to the Island Wide Youth Collaborative, our Massachusetts Family Resource Center, the world she dreamed of giving her children felt unattainable. “When I walked into IWYC…
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As joyful as the holiday season can be, this time of year also adds a level of stress to daily life. The days are getting shorter and the to-do lists seem to get longer. From holiday parties and school concerts to gift-giving, baking and coordinating travel plans – it is hard not to feel overwhelmed….
Read More“What bothered me most was living in anticipation of military conflict,” recalls MV Community Services Veterans Outreach Coordinator, Bob Tankard, about his time spent as a medic in Korea during the Vietnam War era. Bob joined the Army out of high school and like many veterans, his experience had a profound impact on his future….
Read MoreNo one wants to believe that someone they love is capable of hurting them – physically or emotionally, but domestic violence affects more than 12 million people each year. While Martha’s Vineyard has a distinct romanticism about it – the sunsets, pristine beaches and Island magic that seems to draw us all in, our community…
Read MoreOver 38,000 Americans die by suicide each year. Many of us can likely think of a time when we found out a loved one, neighbor, community or family member passed away; but the troubling thing with suicide is it that too often, it seems to blindside us. In the wake of death – we are left wondering why unable to process the pain we’re experiencing.
Read MoreHead Start is a national program committed to giving every child the opportunity to succeed in school and life beyond school. MV Community Services Head Start program is home-based and locally designed for our Island community. Want to learn more? Read our quick interview below with Head Start Program Coordinator, Cindy Flanders. Q: How long have you…
Read MoreOur largest annual fundraiser is just five days away. We invite you to join us at The Historic Tilton Farm on Middle Road on Sunday, July 28th for an evening that will have a lasting impact on our community. This year’s event has a fresh new vibe, venue, and shortened program. Possible Dreams- 10 things…
Read MoreThe unofficial kickoff to summer, Memorial Day weekend, is upon us and MVCS has an eventful season ahead. From baseball to road races, art shows and auctions – we invite you to join us in all of our fundraising efforts both large and small as we continue to stand by our mission of connecting our Island community…
Read More“A community that excludes even ONE member is NO community at all.” – Dan Wilkins March is Developmental Disability Awareness Month. This national campaign is raising awareness about the inclusion of people with developmental disabilities in all areas of community life. What are Developmental Disabilities? Developmental disabilities are a group of conditions due to an…
Read MoreJoin MVCS’ 2019 Falmouth Road Race Team! Last year, eleven runners rocked the 2018 Falmouth Road Race on behalf of MVCS through the Falmouth Road Race’s Numbers for Nonprofits Program. As a participating charity, we received charity bibs and recruited community members to run for a cause! The team surpassed their initial $13,000 fundraising goal…
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