24 | ACTON-BOXBOROUGH REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Introducing the A-B Resource Center IN PARTNERSHIP WITH THE AB UNITED WAY
Recognizing the increasingly complex needs of families, a key priority for Acton-Boxborough Regional School District (ABRSD) leadership has been to create a central physical location where Acton and Boxborough residents can access school registration services (including language screening), alongside information about local community resources. Given the continuing demographic shifts of our two towns, special emphasis has been placed
on assisting families with language barriers and those joining the community from abroad. With this vision in mind, the Acton-Boxborough United Way (ABUW) was eager to support this project as it closely aligns with ABUW’s mission and a partnership was struck between the two organizations. Beginning in July 2023, the ABUW staff will coordinate the services that are offered through the Resource Center. These include, but are not limited to the following. CONCIERGE/HOST SERVICES Providing a warm welcome to the community Recruiting, training, scheduling, and overseeing volunteers to staff the “Welcome Desk” consistent hours each week, prioritizing multilingual capability “KIOSK” OPERATION Helping residents find the resources when they need them Curating and maintaining a library of community information, including creation and translation of several overview handouts summarizing essential resources (food security, transportation, libraries/parks). RESOURCE WEBSITE Making community resources accessible in a digital and online format so families can continue to engage with the services that are helpful to them. UNMET NEEDS Supporting principals and counselors in providing non-school related help to families in need Maintaining a Resource Room (clothes, backpacks, hygiene products) that can be made available to families. Serving as a central location for Unmet Needs referrals from principals/counselors, coordinate fulfillment with community partners (holiday gift, bikes, baby supplies, furniture, sports equipment.)
COMMUNITY PARTNERS Leveraging ABUW’s relationships with community partners to bring services to families Coordinating with community partners to be available for specific dates/times in the Community Resource Center. Programs and services could include, but not be limited to, coordinating with partners to host English Language conversation groups at Center. HEALTHY FAMILIES Coordinate with local Board of Health and/or local pharmacies to host clinics, fairs, and functions that support community health education and access. Examples include, but not limited to, flu/covid booster clinic at Center, host mobile Blood Drive (Dana Farber) outside Center to generate awareness. In the Spring of 2023, state Senator Jamie Eldridge offered his support for this initiative by including an earmark as part of the state’s FY24 budget that is providing the Resource Center with an initial investment of $100,000. This funding allows the District to complete important renovations of the physical space, and funding for other start-up related costs. We look forward to hosting the community for an Open House in October.
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