Every April, our CONNECT to End Violence program hosts their annual Sexual Assault Awareness Walk in Oak Bluffs. Teal ribbons are handed out to the community, signs with messages of hope and support are carried by walkers and facts about sexual assault line the route. While there is no physical walk this year, the CONNECT…
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Care for Community
Care for Community: A Volunteer Coordination Program MV Community Services continues to respond to the needs of our clients and the community at large. Last week, we worked with Island Grown Initiative, Vineyard Food Equity Network and other community partners to launch Care for Community, a volunteer coordination program to support Island organizations in need of…
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6 Tips for Winter Wellness
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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Island Wide Youth Collaborative Expands
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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Give back this season
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 MoreConnecting Island Veterans with Support
“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 MoreShining a Light on Domestic Violence
No 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 MoreYou CAN help break the stigma.
Over 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
Head 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 More10 Things to Know About This Year’s Possible Dreams
Our 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 MoreSave the Dates- MVCS Summer Events
The 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…
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