WHEAT Move Will Create Multi-Service Community Center

October 5, 2003 - WHEAT Community Services, Inc. has finalized plans to expand its community services by moving across the street to 27 High St., the previous location of Corner Sports & Leisure and JC Penny's. They plan to be in their new location by November 1, and will host an open house sometime later this fall to celebrate their grand re-opening.

Executive Director Jodi Breidel says that the move is necessary to meet growing community needs, as well as to accommodate new programs aimed at helping people become financially independent. WHEAT has provided help to low-moderate income residents of Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Lancaster and Sterling since 1982, primarily emergency food, referrals, transportation and low/no-cost goods and services. In the past two years, they have begun to shift focus from crisis management to helping people break out of their current situations by promoting self-sufficiency, education, youth development, and strengthening families. They have instituted a number of programs to that end: youth mentoring and development programs, parenting programs, families first, career development and college counseling programs, and job support through development of a cyber-café and employment listings.

At the same time, the numbers of people requiring emergency assistance continues to grow, especially given high unemployment and rising housing costs. In concert with other local services such as the Item Appeal and James II Kitchen, last year WHEAT provided over 4500 services to community members and families and distributed over 6000 bags of food. In addition to the food pantry, they also provide client advocacy, transportation, information and referrals, and they distribute federal emergency funds to prevent homelessness. They are gearing up now for their annual Thanksgiving and Christmas giving programs. Partnership with other local and national agencies is the only way to help the growing number of people who come to WHEAT for assistance, says Ms. Breidel. She notes that it can be daunting for clients to be referred out to other agencies when they seek help during times of crisis. WHEAT will continue to guide people to those who can help them best, and continue to collaborate with other providers such as area Senior Centers, but the expanded space of the new location will accommodate as many services as possible under one roof by giving other not-for-profit groups a place to set up offices.

The new building has three floors. The main floor will house the thrift and gift store, the food pantry and a new cyber-café that will offer all community members access to computers, printers and the Internet, as well as a private accessible office area. The downstairs area will include a community room for special events, seminars, youth workshops, and an area for sorting through donations. WHEAT will open up the community space as appropriate to other non-profit and community groups. The upstairs areas will be built into private office areas, to house WHEAT and a number of other agencies. Ms. Breidel says that Battered Women's Resources has agreed to come, and Legal Services, Gardner Visiting Nurses Association (GVNA), Rural Housing Initiative, Mount Wachusett Community College Career Opportunity Center and Fuel Assistance already provide office hours. We are in discussion with WIC, Catholic Charities, United Way and the Monachusett Opportunity Council, of which WHEAT is a delegate agency. Eventually we would like to house as many agencies as feasible and within our mission to provide comprehensive services to low-moderate income residents, including social workers and health care providers.

The new location will also allow for an expansion of WHEAT's thrift store, Hidden Treasures, a retail store that offers good quality used furniture, household goods and clothing. 100% of the income from Hidden Treasures goes to sustaining the rest of WHEAT's work. The store has many benefits, says Ms. Breidel. First and foremost, clients are eligible to receive what they need at no cost. This can help a family provide school clothes or rebound from a fire or eviction, help an unemployed applicant prepare for a job interview, or simply prevent people from doing without necessary everyday items. On the other hand, most people want a hand, not a hand-out, and it is a source of pride and dignity to pay what you can for what you need. But at Hidden Treasures, you don't have to pay high-cost retail prices. Most importantly, the store provides a way for people to confidentially access WHEAT's services. People come and go into Hidden Treasures all day. Most are taking advantage of fantastic bargains. Some are there to get referrals, food, or help getting back on track. No-one needs to know the difference.

Theresa Kane, current president of WHEAT's board of directors, echoes Ms. Breidel's enthusiasm at the opportunities that the expansion offers. "This move is one step closer toward our vision of joining forces to build a better community for all residents. The partnerships between WHEAT Community Services, other area service providers, local businesses, civic, religious and economic development organizations, legislative leaders and everyone who donates to our efforts, reflect the commitment we have to one another. The people we help together are all of our neighbors, and the services we provide represent compassion, understanding, and hope for the future." WHEAT extends an invitation to anyone who can help with the move, either through financial donations to help defray expenses or by volunteering to help with office renovations and setting up the computer café. Anyone with access to office furniture, shelving or clothing racks are urged to contact WHEAT as soon as possible. Donations of furniture, household goods, food, winter clothing, and holiday gifts are always welcome and appreciated, and Contact Jodi Breidel, 978-365-6349, jbreidel@wheatcommunity.net for more information.