Needham Community Council Inc

-accessing technology for all-in response to covid-19 and the resulting increase in social isolation, the needham community council and the council on aging formed a partnership to equip adults in needham with free electronic tablets and tutor supports to help them learn how to use the device. The goal is to allow recipients to engage in social, recreational, educational activities as well as medical appointments and on-line ordering of essentials like prescriptions and food. A team of volunteer tutors along with one full-time staff person help recipients feel comfortable using the device. After a thorough interview process to evaluate the new users' interests, the tablet is personalized with apps and websites that they might find most helpful. Through a variety of learning opportunities from one-on-one training to group classes, new users are connecting to friends and family and discovering the benefits of access to technology.

-free english learning for people who live and work in needham-trained ell volunteers help adult learners at all levels from all over the world. Tutors help students who are new to the us learn english and adjust to the challenges of living in their new culture. Successful tutors are welcoming, patient, flexible and able to work with a variety of different people. In addition, volunteers should be fluent english speakers and familiar with american culture. Volunteers attend a fall or spring training series that prepares them to work with ell learners. After completing the training, the tutors are placed with a student whose schedule matches their own. Pairs then meet regularly once a week, focusing on the student's particular needs.

The council offers various other programs which support people in needham who have under-met health, education or social needs.