Food Pantry Days

Thank you to State Representative Vanna Howard for hosting a "Spice Drive" again for the CBA Food Pantry. With the holidays just around the corner, the demand for spices increases.

Join us on Saturday, November 18, 2023 from 10am-12pm at the Walk-In Center, 450 Merrimack Street in Lowell.

Join us at the Dracut Centre School Flag Raising on Thursday November 9th at 10am, 11 Spring Park Ave in Dracut.

There will be refreshments and a short program, with the raising of a flag that was formally flown over the Capital Building in DC.

Quilts donated by the Chelmsford Quilt Guild will be distributed to the families in the building.

To RSVP or with any questions, contact Thomas Emery, CBA Director of Real Estate, [email protected], or call us at 978-452-7523.

Join us for the CBA Fall Community Swap, happening Saturday November 4th from 10am-1pm at the Mercier Center, 21 Salem Street in Lowell. Bring items you don't want, and go home with something new to you. Donations accepted from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. on Nov 4, but a donation is not required to "shop" the swap!

Want to donate before 11/4 or have questions? Contact Loli at 978-710-8183 or [email protected].

Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy great food with CBA! This year CHOP will not only have great information about community resources, but you will also learn more about the different cultures and customs of your neighbors in Lowell. October CHOP Dinner is being hosted by Lowell FORWARD.

Join us on October 25, 2023 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM at the Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street.

For more details please contact: Dolores Sierra 978-710-8183 or Fabiola Rivera 978-483-0141.

The Legends of Little Canada Walking Tour will begin at the Coalition for a Better Acre headquarters at 517 Moody Street, and will be led by Charlie Gargiulo, whose new memoir, Legends of Little Canada captures the experience of growing up in that neighborhood in the 1960s, and by UMass Lowell’s Bob Forrant who is the local authority on Urban Renewal and its impact on Lowell.

On street parking is available throughout the neighborhood, especially on nearby Fr. Morissette Boulevard.

The walk is free and requires no advance registration.

Join Us!

CBA’s Annual Meeting

Thursday October 12, 2023

Doors open at 5pm, networking and food 5:30pm
St. Patrick’s Church Parish Hall, 282 Suffolk Street Lowell.

For over 40 years, we’ve been Bridging Communities and Impacting Generations of Acre residents. That’s the theme of CBA’s Annual Meeting this year, which our members plan and host - complete with food, raffles, and entertainment representing many of the different cultures of Lowell.

For more information and to RSVP contact: [email protected] | 978-452-7523

Celebrate the abundance of the season at CBA’s Harvest Festival!

Saturday October 7, 2023 from 12pm-3pm
North Common Park, 413 Fletcher Street Lowell

This is a no-cost event to promote a healthy community. There will be pizza, music, raffles, fresh produce, and COVID-19 & flu vaccines. Questions? Contact Ivana Dauwer at [email protected]

Come meet your local candidates running for election at our September CHOP dinner, Wednesday September 27, 2023 from 5:30pm-7:00pm at the Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street Lowell. Lowell has 3 At-Large City Councilors at Large & 1 Councilor per district and 2 At- Large School Committee member and 1 School Committee member per district.

FOR MORE DETAILS, PLEASE CONTACT: Dolores Sierra 978-710-8183 or Fabiola Rivera 978-483-0141.

CBA will hold its annual

Six Degrees of the Acre Fundraiser

Thursday, June 29th

4:30 - 6:30 p.m.

St. Patrick’s Parish - 282 Suffolk Street

The CBA Community Swap is back for the fall! You can bring your treasures to the Mercier Center on Saturday, November 19th and we'll put them out for others to take.

The event opens at 10 a.m., but donations can be dropped between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. If you want to donate, but can't on Saturday, contact Loli to arrange a time to donate - 978-710-8183 or [email protected]

Here are some important things to know before you go:

· We welcome donations that can be carried away by one person, that means no bulky items like furniture.

· We also cannot accept used baby furniture or baby "gear" (car seats, strollers, high chairs, pack n' plays), but clothes, toys, and books are ok.

· All are invited to pick up some new-to-you items and bring them home, even if you don't bring anything to swap.

· Items should be clean and in good used, or new, condition.

Let’s share the abundance of our community.

Seniors are invited to learn how to recognize and stay safe from internet scam with CBA and AgeSpan.

The workshop will be on Monday, 11/14 at 10:30 a.m. at CBA's main office (517 Moody Street, 3rd floor). This session is part of our Latin Empowerment and Advocacy Program and will be conducted in Spanish.

Please contact Fabiola to register: [email protected]  |  978-483-0141

The October CHOP Dinner is the last CHOP of 2022!

It will be a night to celebrate our diverse community with entertainment from CMAA's afterschool program, Acre Dance, and the best part is, food prepared by community members!

Please join us for a meal and conversation. CHOP dinner is always a free event.

Wednesday, September 28th
Dinner is 5:30 - 7:00
Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street

CBA's October CHOP Dinner will offer COVID-19 vaccines at the Lowell Senior Center.
- All ages (6 months and up)
- Vaccine clinic: 4:30 - 6:30
- Gift cards are available until supplies last.
*1st COVID dose = $100 gift card
*All other doses = $25 gift card

CHOP stands for Community Health Opportunity Program, which is why numerous resource providers will also be there to share about the services and programs they offer. CHOP started as a way to connect community members with each other, knowledge, and local resources. All are invited and translation will be available!

Questions? Contact CBA's Latin Empowerment and Advocacy Coordinator, Fabiola Rivera at:
978-483-0141
[email protected]

Celebrate the Abundance of the Season at CBA’s Harvest Festival!

🔵 When: Saturday, October 29, 2022 from Noon - 3 p.m.

🟠 Where: North Common, 413 Fletcher Street, Lowell

🟢 Rain Date, Sunday 10/30

You are invited to CBA’s Harvest Festival - a no-cost event to promote a healthy community. The first 200 people will receive a bag of fresh produce from Mill City Grows and a Market Basket gift card.

Flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics will also be on site!

Those who receive a COVID-19 vaccine will get a gift card (while supplies last): $100 for the first dose, and $25 for all other doses. Remember, children 6 months and up can receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and everyone 5 and up is eligible for their booster dose.

Questions? Contact Ivana Dauwer at 978-483-9082 or [email protected]

We cordially invite Coalition for a Better Acre's past and present

volunteers, partners, directors, and members to CBA’s 40th Annual Meeting.

5:30 p.m.

Thursday, October 6, 2022 

Lowell Memorial Auditorium

Join us for a very special Annual Meeting as we honor 40 people who impacted CBA from 1982 to 2022.  

Your donation, ad purchase, or sponsorship will support CBA in our mission to provide resident empowerment with neighborhood revitalization to build strong, safe communities and help families build better lives for themselves and the next generation.  

While tickets are free for all, capacity is limited. Contact Shamir with questions or to reserve your tickets:

[email protected]

Appetizers, Dinner, and Cash Bar!

AgeSpan will be hosting the September CHOP dinner with programs for seniors. If you have a senior citizen in your life, please join us for a meal and conversation. CHOP dinner is always a free event.

 Wednesday, September 28th

Dinner is 5:30 - 7:00

Lowell Senior Center, 276 Broadway Street

CBA's September CHOP Dinner will offer COVID-19 and Flu vaccines at the Lowell Senior Center.

 All ages (6 months and up)

Vaccine clinic: 4:30 - 6:30

Gift cards are available until supplies last.

1st COVID dose = $100 gift card

All other doses = $25 gift card

CHOP stands for Community Health Opportunity Program, which is why numerous resource providers will also be there to share about the services and programs they offer. CHOP started as a way to connect community members with each other, knowledge, and local resources. All are invited and translation will be available!

Questions? Contact CBA's Latin Empowerment and Advocacy Coordinator, Fabiola Rivera at:

978-483-0141 | [email protected]

Community cookout and block party for families! CBA will be giving away backpacks, school supplies, and dinner for all. Face painting, crafts, and pony rides will be available while we celebrate the end of the summer season and get pumped for back to school!

When: Thursday, August 25th from 2:30 - 5:30 p.m.

Where: North Canal Apartments Parking Lot next to 517 Moody Street, Lowell

REACH LoWELL will offer both flu and COVID-19 vaccines for all ages - anyone who gets vaccinated will receive a grocery store gift card while supplies last.

You're invited to National Night Out in the Acre!

• Tuesday, August 2nd

• 4 - 7 p.m.

• North Common Park

Join your neighbors and Lowell's first responders for a free, fun-filled evening. Who knows who will show up in the dunk tank!

National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community.

The Center for Hope and Healing and REACH LoWELL are hosting this month's CHOP Dinner at the Lowell Senior Center.

Join us Wednesday, July 27th from 5:30 - 7:00 to gather, eat, and learn about the physical and mental health resources available right here in Lowell.

Doors open at 4:30 for a COVID-19 vaccine clinic (first, second, and booster doses for ages 5 and up) and dinner will be served at 5:30.

CHOP stands for Community Health Opportunity Program, which is why numerous resource providers will also be there to share about the services and programs they offer. CHOP started as a way to connect community members with each other, knowledge, and local resources. All are invited and translation will be available!

Questions? Contact CBA's Latin Empowerment and Advocacy Coordinator, Fabiola Rivera at:

978-483-0141

[email protected]

Get into vacation-mode at CBA's 6 Degrees of the Acre!

Thursday, June 30th

5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

St. Patrick's Church

282 Suffolk Street, Lowell

Your ticket to event participation is here. This year’s 6 Degrees of the Acre event will be a casual, vacation-themed, outdoor event at the historic St. Patrick’s Parish in the heart of the Acre. CBA invites you to come celebrate community connection with us!

(Psst… it’s also Yun-Ju Choi’s birthday!)

Saturday, June 11 

11 am - 2 pm 

North Common Park – 413 Fletcher Street, Lowell 

Join CBA and dozens of local resource providers for AcreFest on North Common, a festive and family-friendly event!

AcreFest is a resource fair for you, your family, and friends. ACTION, Coalition for a Better Acre and the Lowell Housing Authority will offer grilled lunch, music, games, an ice cream truck and raffles. We are also offering a COVID-19 vaccine clinic with $25 gift cards for all who take advantage - first, second, or booster doses for kids and adults.

AcreFest is supported by NeighborWorks America, of which CBA is a chartered member. During NeighborWorks Week (June 4-11), NeighborWorks network organizations across the country, such as CBA, celebrate the successes of communities and how NeighborWorks and residents work together to empower people to improve their lives. CBA and NeighborWorks want to connect you with the resources available in our community to provide you with ease and empowerment. 

On Saturday, June 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., connect with the following resource providers:

AgeSpan

Alternative House

American Income Life

Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association (CMAA)

Center for Hope and Healing

Coalition for a Better Acre (CBA)

CTI: Early Learning Program

CTI: Financial Education Center

Dental Dream

DIY Lowell

Element Care

Fallon Health

Greater Lowell Health Alliance

Greater Lowell Technical High School

Hope Dove, Inc.

Jim’s Sticks

Kids in Tech

LatinX Community Center For Empowerment (LCCE)

Lowell Aesthetic & Nail Academy

Lowell Community Health Center

Lowell Historic National Park

Lowell Housing Authority

Merrimack Valley Food Bank

Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership (MVHP)

Middlesex Community College

Mill City Grows

MSPCA

Nonotuck

Pollard Memorial Library

Project LEARN

Solidarity Lowell

Summit Elder Care

The Phoenix

The Wish Project

UML: Lowell Healthy Homes Program

United Health Care   

Join us on the last Wednesday of each month at the @Lowell Senior Center for our CHOP Dinner. The free, family-friendly event will be from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. and is happening on April 27th.

CHOP stands for Community Health Opportunity Program, which is why numerous resource providers will also be there to share about the services and programs they offer.

CHOP started as a way to connect community members with each other, knowledge, and local resources. All are invited and translation will be available!

Questions? Contact CBA's Community Engagement and Events Coordinator, Loli Sierra at:

978-710-8183

[email protected]

Thanks to the City of Lowell for hosting us at the @Lowell Senior Center

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Únase a nosotros el último miércoles de cada mes en el @Lowell Senior Center para nuestra cena CHOP. Este evento gratuito y familiar es de 5:30 pm a 7:00 pm y el próximo se realizará el 27 de abril.

CHOP significa Programa de Oportunidades de Salud Comunitaria (en sus siglas en inglés), por lo que numerosos proveedores de recursos también estarán allí para compartir sobre los servicios y programas que ofrecen.

CHOP comenzó como una forma de conectar a los miembros de la comunidad entre sí, con el conocimiento y los recursos locales. ¡Todos están invitados y hay traducción disponible!

¿Preguntas? Comuníquese con la Coordinadora de Eventos y Participación Comunitaria de CBA, Loli Sierra en:

978-710-8183

[email protected]

Gracias a la Ciudad de Lowell por hospedarnos en el @Lowell Senior Center

The Roberto Clemente League of Lowell will open their baseball season on May 21st. This season, the RCLL will be playing at North Common’s Carney Field. Come support the teams as they face off against some Roberto Clemente League teams from Boston. Festivities start at 11 a.m.

Mercier Center – 21 Salem Street, Lowell (New Location!)

Spring cleaning? Bring your used or new items in good condition to CBA's Community Swap! All are invited to pick up some new-to-you items and bring them home, even if you don't bring anything to swap. Let’s share the abundance of our community.  

Donations will be accepted starting at 9 a.m. on May 21st, the day of the event.

Item donations that can be carried by one person are welcome. Please no bulky items - we cannot accept appliances, furniture, or baby gear, including high chairs, cribs, car seats, etc.

Questions? Contact Loli Sierra at 978-710-8183 or [email protected]

“Nothing can dim the light that shines from within.” – Maya Angelou

Bring your light to Ecumenical Plaza on Saturday, April 30th to the Points of Light Lantern Celebration. This in-person event is a spring celebration of unity and renewal the brings together the food, music, and traditions of Lowell's diverse cultures.

Community members are invited to design their own lantern at this fun, free, family-friendly event. Your lantern will join hundreds of other floating lanterns in the Western Canal just after sunset. The event starts at 6 p.m. and the complete schedule is available at www.pointsoflightlowell.com