DECEMBER 19, 2025
Stepping into Winter with the Commonwealth Corps Greetings Commonwealth Corps Community! As winter fully arrives across Massachusetts, our members are settled into their service roles and finding their stride and momentum. Over the past few months, we’ve seen members take on larger responsibilities, deepen relationships at their host sites, and contribute in meaningful ways to communities across the Commonwealth.
As we move through the shortest days of the year, it can be challenging to stay energized, focused, and connected. But this season also gives us a moment to reflect on what service looks like: steady, intentional, and deeply rooted in community. Whether members are supporting holiday drives, preparing for midyear projects and reports, or simply offering consistency in spaces that need it most, their work reminds us that impact isn’t always loud or dramatic and sometimes it’s the quiet, reliable presence that makes the biggest difference.
As the days begin to lengthen, we look forward to seeing how the strong foundation built by members and host sites grows into even greater accomplishments in the new year. Looking ahead, winter brings additional opportunities for our community to come together. At the end of January, we’ll host our two-day Midyear Member Meeting, a chance for members to reflect, recharge, and sharpen the tools that will support them through the rest of the service term. And in February, will be our Host Site Midyear Meeting, bringing partner organizations together to collaborate and plan for a strong second half of the year. Keep an eye on your inbox - save-the-dates will be arriving soon! As always, thank you for being part of this community and for the passion, care, and creativity you bring to service every day. Stay warm, stay healthy, and wash your hands! Brighter days are ahead and we’re grateful to experience them with all of you. Warmly, Victoria Tucker Commonwealth Corps Program Manager
DECEMBER 19, 2025
www.mass-service.org
Program Feature
Get to know one of our Host Sites for the 2025-2026 service term! At Gould Farm, our mission is to promote recovery for people living with mental health and related challenges through meaningful work, community living, and clinical care in a supportive, welcoming environment. Each year, this mission is strengthened by the people who choose to immerse themselves in our therapeutic community, including our Commonwealth Corps members, whose service expands what we can do for guests and the broader Farm community. This summer, we welcomed Maggie and Ray, who bring curiosity, compassion, and a shared commitment to the connection between wellness, meaningful work, and community. Their service focuses on continuing key initiatives started last year: deepening our food philosophy work, refining and using our wellness assessment tool, and helping coordinate external resources that support our REACH program. In addition, both members engage directly in the Farm’s work teams. Maggie joins us with a background in psychology, food systems, and community engagement. Her past work with the Somali refugee community in Maine, her leadership in wellness and sustainable eating initiatives at Bates College, and her experience as a collegiate rower all shape the thoughtful way she approaches community, food, and wellbeing. Having spent summer 2023 with our Fellside team, she returns to Gould Farm already connected to our culture and values. This year, Maggie serves three days per week on the garden team and two days with wellness—exploring firsthand how food, daily routines, and health intersect for guests and staff.
Ray brings nearly a decade of experience as a mental health specialist and residential counselor in clinical and hospital settings. His background in facilitating psychoeducational, art, and recreational groups, as well as his work with individuals managing dual diagnoses, makes his transition to the Farm especially meaningful. Drawn to Gould Farm’s integrated model, where work, wellness, and community life support one another, Ray spends three days each week on the campus crew and two days contributing to wellness initiatives while learning new skills across our programming areas. Hosting Commonwealth Corps members allows us to pursue goals we could not otherwise dedicate consistent staffing to: innovations in wellness, expanded guest support, and new opportunities for handson learning. Maggie and Ray have already increased our capacity by joining essential work teams, bringing creative energy to our wellness initiatives, and helping us better align food, health, and community practices. Their service makes it possible to grow our programs in sustainable, thoughtful ways, benefiting both current and future guests. The Commonwealth Corps partnership continues to leave a lasting impact: strengthening our programs, expanding what we’re capable of offering, and advancing the Farm’s mission in meaningful ways. We are excited for the year ahead and grateful for the dedication Maggie and Ray bring to our community every day.
DECEMBER 19, 2025
www.mass-service.org
Member Feature
Meet our Commonwealth Corps Members serving at Gould Farm MEET MAGGIE I was immediately drawn to the Commonwealth Corps because I wanted to continue to work directly with organizations whose actions support compassionate, person-centered mental health care. I had been connected to the Gould Farm community as a volunteer before beginning this service term, and felt that the Commonwealth Corps would further support my passion for working alongside others in discovering what best supports their health and wellness journey. I feel so grateful to be serving at Gould, and have found so much meaning and joy in working on three different wellness-related projects, which include introducing a wellness assessment tool, implementing a collective nutritional framework, and developing weekly wellness programming. In this work, I hope to create spaces of connection and positivity for others to explore what wellness means to them, through movement, social connection, artistic expression, and intellectual engagement among other aspects.
Maggie at Gould Farm
So many moments stand out to me when I think about how my service has impacted me so far, so I will share broadly about the experience of supporting others while they learn a new skill. I work in the garden in addition to helping with wellness activities, which is a space that offers a wide array of skills to be learned across the seasonal work done at the farm. It can take a lot of courage to try something new, and even more courage to try something like learning how to transplant seedlings or assemble and operate an apple grinder. It has been so moving to serve with folks navigating challenges as they try new things, working together to accomplish something that once felt daunting or scary. The way somebody smiles or celebrates after achieving a task or goal is something I will never forget in my time of service here so far. These moments remind me that connection with others and ourselves can be a powerful resource in times of hardship, and that even just telling someone you believe in them can go a long way.
Because of Commonwealth Corps I... understand that service can happen concurrently at the micro and macro-systemic levels. The daily actions we take to support others during our times of service coupled with the decision to share with other people and organizations about what moves us to serve can act together to create opportunities for societal growth.
DECEMBER 19, 2025
www.mass-service.org
Member Feature
Meet our Commonwealth Corps Members serving at Gould Farm MEET RAYMOND I joined the Commonwealth Corps because I wanted to be part of something bigger than myself, work that truly supports people’s wellness and resilience. Serving gives me a chance to turn that passion into real, everyday impact. I’ve worked to expand access to meaningful wellness resources by organizing groups and improving communication with participants. These efforts have helped community members feel more welcomed, engaged, and connected. Serving in this role has pushed me to step outside my comfort zone. Facilitating groups, communicating with partners, and handling unexpected changes. Each experience has helped me become more confident and adaptable. I now feel better prepared for future leadership roles in wellness and community engagement.
A NOTE FROM GOULD FARM As Maggie and Ray settle deeper into their roles, we’re already seeing how their presence enriches the Farm—from the enthusiasm they bring to daily work, to the thoughtful ways they engage with guests, to the steady progress being made on longer-term wellness initiatives. Most recently, Maggie helped bridge efforts with the Garden team, supporting the creation of a “Five Pillars” cardboard model of our food philosophy that became a central visual tool during our community meeting.
Raymond at Gould Farm
Ray has also been instrumental in developing a new REACH offering by coordinating with a local music therapist and performer to lead an upcoming group. Together, they have helped shape a wellness assessment pilot grounded in the eight dimensions of wellness and facilitated a committee of staff and volunteers working to develop a farm-wide food philosophy which they introduced to the broader organization at a recent community meeting.
Because of Commonwealth Corps I... discovered new strengths, built meaningful relationships, and found a deeper sense of purpose in serving others.
DECEMBER 19, 2025
www.mass-service.org
Program Feature
Immigrant Family Services Institute Our mission at the IFSI Afterschool Program is to help students excel and reach their full potential in a safe, fun, and inclusive environment, and this year our Commonwealth Corps members, Jean Samuel and Berlandina, have played an essential role in advancing that mission. Their combined efforts have expanded our capacity, strengthened the quality of our programming, and allowed us to serve a greater number of students with more individualized attention and care. Jean Samuel brings a remarkable level of patience, reliability, and consistency in his interactions with both youth leaders and younger students. His calm presence and ability to build trust have helped students feel more confident, supported, and motivated to participate, especially those who benefit from additional encouragement and guidance. His leadership with youth leaders has also helped them develop essential skills, reinforcing our commitment to empowering young people through mentorship and responsibility. Berlandina has been equally invaluable to our team, contributing through her strong organizational skills, compassion, and proactive engagement with students who need extra academic or emotional support. She provides consistent homework assistance, connects thoughtfully with students who struggle with concentration, manages attendance, communicates with parents, and helps coordinate enrollment and overall program logistics. She has also taken on a significant role in community outreach, helping to distribute information, support new enrollments, and strengthen our connection with families. Hosting Commonwealth Corps members has allowed us to grow in ways that would not have been possible otherwise, including opening a new after-school site and expanding our reach into the community.
In addition to her day to day contributions, Berlandina has shown inspiring personal and professional growth. She has stepped out of her comfort zone, becoming more vocal, confident, and proactive, qualities that have enhanced her work with students. One impactful example includes a student who initially struggled with focus and often reacted harshly toward her; through patience, encouragement, and affirming the student's strengths, she helped transform that student’s attitude, behavior, and confidence. Together, Jean Samuel and Berlandina have helped create a positive, structured, and uplifting environment that benefits students, volunteers, and staff alike. Their dedication, teamwork, and commitment to uplifting young people reflect the heart of our mission. The relationships they have built, the systems they have strengthened, and the impact they have made will continue to support our community long after their service term concludes.
DECEMBER 19, 2025
www.mass-service.org
Member Feature
Meet our Commonwealth Corps Members serving at the IFSI Afterschool Program
Berlandina at the IFSI Afterschool Program
MEET BERLANDINA I joined the Commonwealth Corps because I really like working with children. I wanted to improve my skills and make a difference, in my local community. The program attracted me because the program offered interactions with people, from cultural backgrounds who speak many languages. The environment gave me a chance to grow personally to develop awareness and to learn new ways to support students well. I feel proud of my work. One of the accomplishments I am most proud of's helping students build confidence, during homework time. I help students who have trouble concentrating or who doubt themselves. I spend time learning each student’s name. I greet each student warmly and that builds trust, with students and families. My effort creates an atmosphere. The atmosphere makes students feel seen and valued. I saw a moment with a student who often had trouble focusing. I praised the student’s intelligence and the quality of the student’s work. The student felt a boost of motivation. The student now works hard during homework sessions. The student wants to show what the student can accomplish. Every day the parents arrive at the center. I greet each child by name. I watch the child smile. The experiences have shown the impact of the service. Have shown the growth I have achieved with the support of the advisor.
Because of Commonwealth Corps I... have the privilege of serving the community.
DECEMBER 19, 2025
www.mass-service.org
Member Feature
Meet our Commonwealth Corps Members serving at the IFSI Afterschool Program
Jean at the IFSI Afterschool Program
MEET JEAN I was drawn to the Commonwealth Corps because I want to directly impact my community and help young people in places of learning and development. I have chosen to serve in this role because it combines two things I truly care about which are education and mentorship. One of the things I am proud of so far is having good relationships with the youth leaders I supervise. I work closely with the youth leaders to make sure they are confident in their support for teachers and younger students, which in turn makes the smooth running of the program possible. I also assist volunteers and students with their homework when needed, aiding in the creation of a positive learning environment. Service has already shaped me in meaningful ways. One such moment was supporting a student who had been struggling to stay engaged with their assignments. After taking the time to sit with them, explain concepts, and encourage them step-by-step, they finally grasped the material, and their excitement reminded me how powerful patience and connection can be. Experiences like this have helped me grow as a leader and reminded me why I chose this work: small acts of support can make a big difference in someone's day. Serving with the Commonwealth Corps has strengthened my communication, leadership, and empathy, and continues to teach me how to show up for my community with purpose.
Because of Commonwealth Corps I... was able to meet new people and develop my professional skills which will be useful later in life.
DECEMBER 19, 2025
www.mass-service.org
Commonwealth Corps Update
The 2026-2027 Request for Proposals (RFP) The Commonwealth Corps Host Site Request for Proposals (RFP) process kicked off in November, and we’re excited to support organizations ready to deepen their impact through service. If your organization is looking to host dedicated Commonwealth Corps members, expand capacity, and strengthen communities across Massachusetts, now is the time to start planning. Below you’ll find key dates for this year’s RFP process along with tools to help guide your application from start to finish.
All applicants must either attend a webinar live or review a recording; live participation is strongly encouraged. Mark these key dates to stay on track as the process will begin earlier than usual this year: Tuesday, November 18, 2025: Info Session about being a Commonwealth Corps Host Site Wednesday, December 3, 2025: Initial Application Released (Required) Monday, December 15, 2025: RFP Released Tuesday, December 16, 2025: Host Site Application Q&A Friday, December 19, 2025: Initial Application Due (Required) Tuesday, January 6, 2026: Technical Assistance Webinar (Post-RFP) Thursday, January 15, 2026, by 5 PM: Full Application Due (Required) Be sure to download the Host Site Application Checklist on our website at www.mass-service.org/for-organizations/commonwealth-corps where you can also explore more about the Commonwealth Corps program and the full RFP process! The initial application is a required step in the host site application process. For questions about Commonwealth Corps please reach out to CCquestions@mass-service.org.
DECEMBER 19, 2025
www.mass-service.org
November 4, 2025
Member Potluck Get Together
The training was followed by an exciting fall theme potluck, with delicious food items brought by our incredible members!
We had a wonderful time getting our service members together in early November for our Fall Member Event! This year, members gathered at the MSA office to reconnect with one another, participate in professional development, and kick off the holidays.
We had a wonderful time at our Fall Member Event, and are looking forward to our next in-person gathering next year for our Mid-Year Meeting!
The day started with a brief member professional development opportunity led by Victoria related to mental health and well-being. Members took the opportunity here to explore mental health and how it impacts day-to-day life, along with tips and strategies on stress management, resilience, and finding inner calm.
Save the Date! Dec. 15
Request for Proposals (RFP) and Full Host Site Application released
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Lily Freeman
Dec. 16
Dec. 19
Q&A Session for Host Site Applicants (Webinar)
Host Site Initial Application due to MSA
Dec. 25
Jan. 1
Jan. 6
MSA closed and members do not serve
MSA closed and members do not serve
Host Site Applicant Q&A
Jan. 15 Full Host Site Applications DUE
Note: Dates may vary by subscriber. For questions, contact Sally Kim, Commonwealth Corps Associate Program Manager, at skim@massservice.org. View all Host Site Application dates and materials on our website.