Making An Impact is a column authored by members of the Community Impact Team (CIT). The Transcript publishes these articles periodically to inform our readers about the resources and programming available to people of all ages in our community through the CIT’s efforts.
NORTH READING — In your time living in North Reading, have you ever needed a helping hand, or spent time helping a neighbor? Our community offers a lot of resources in direct support to neighbors, in faith-based and nonprofit organizations, and from town departments.
The CIT Social Services Action Team (SSAT) brings together providers to identify emerging social service needs among North Reading households, to share best practices with one another, and to update each other’s knowledge of resources for families and individuals in distress. If you have resources you’d like to make our network aware of, please contact Lil Hartman at lhartman@northreadingma.gov or 978-357-5284.
If you need some help finding resources, check out the following:
Flint Memorial Library
147 Park Street
Flintmemoriallibrary.org
Our library offers public computers and assistance using them to find resources, as well as a helpful reference desk. Open evening hours and weekends, it’s also a place to visit to stay warm in the winter and cool in the summer. All library-sponsored events and services are free.
North Reading Elder Services
Edith O’Leary Senior Center
157 Park Street
978-664-5600
Outreach coordinator Sue Tilton assists residents age 60+ or their families in finding appropriate resources for health, financial and other needs. The Senior Center also provides local rides and lunches for age 60+, weekly blood pressure screenings, Medicare insurance counseling, fuel assistance applications, and health topic presentations.
North Reading Food Pantry
150 Haverhill Street
nrfoodpantry.org
The Food Pantry is open for client shopping Monday mornings from 9:30 a.m. – 11 a.m., and on the first and third Monday evenings from 6:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. You are welcome to use the pantry if you are a resident of North Reading. Please bring an ID and proof of residency, such as a utility bill, with you at your first visit.
Christian Community Service (CCS), whose volunteers run the Food Pantry, also offers emergency assistance on a case-by-case basis. Please call 978-276-0040 with any questions.
North Reading Health Department
Town Hall
235 North Street
978-357-5242
The Health Department offers information and assistance to residents related to environmental health, disease prevention, and enforcement of health codes. Residents may call for support related to hoarding Issues, sanitation, tenant/landlord complaints, no heat, no water, etc.
North Reading Mental Health/Substance Abuse Clinician
Laura Miranda
978-357-5038
lmiranda@nrpd.org
Laura Miranda connects North Reading community members or families to appropriate services when they need help with any mental health or substance use struggle. Other key resources for stress and mental health support include school counselors (grades K-12 only, during school hours), the national crisis line at 988 (talk or text 24/7), and the state behavioral health helpline at 833-773-2445 (talk or text 24/7).
North Reading Veterans Services
Town Hall
235 North Street
978-357-5211
Veterans of the U.S. armed forces and their families may find benefits available especially for them through the VA or state veterans’ assistance programs. If you’re recently discharged, experiencing a change of life circumstance, or having a hard time, please call or visit us to see if we can help. Sue Magner also offers monthly social gatherings for widows of veterans.
North Reading Youth Services
Flint Memorial Library
147 Park Street
978-357-5281
North Reading Youth Services offers youth-driven social and experiential activities to foster healthy self-image and positive decision-making. Join a mentoring group or develop new projects as a volunteer on the Youth Services Committee. The town is currently hiring a Director of Youth Services; see job posting at www.northreadingma.gov/jobs.