Youth Empowerment Summit Scholarship Nominations Deadline
2024-04-10 | MA
Do you know a high school senior who displays leadership qualities? Nominate them for the LUK Youth Empowerment Summit Scholarship! Fill out the form and send to YouthDevelopment@luk.org by April 10th, 2024. Find the form here.
Two recipients will be chosen to win a $500 scholarship each!
Recipients of this award must meet the following criteria:

Youth must be a 2024 graduating high school senior.
Youth must currently reside in the North Central Massachusetts region: Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Baldwinville, Barre, Dunstable, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster, or Winchendon..
Youth must be present to receive scholarship at the 25th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit May 2nd at The Boys and Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster gym (365 Lindell Ave, Leominster, MA 01453).
Youth must demonstrate accomplishments in leadership and/or community service

The recipients will be chosen by a group of local professionals who work with youth and youth leaders in North Central MA, who will evaluate and vote on nominees based on the following categories: Volunteering, Extracurriculars, Role-Modeling, Leadership Qualities, Grades, and Reference Letter. The two recipients will be recognized and presented with the scholarship during the 25th Annual Youth Empowerment Summit during the Award Celebration May 2nd.

LUK Job Fair 2024
2024-04-10 14:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | LUK Main Office, 545 Westminster Street, Fitchburg, MA, 01420
Join us at LUK’s Job Fair on April 10th, 2024 from 2:00 to 5:00 P.M. at our Main Office! Learn about specific job details from current staff, talk to our HR team, and even get the opportunity for an on-the-spot interview! Grab your resume and head over to 545 Westminster Street in Fitchburg to learn more about joining our team at LUK Job Fair 2024.
Browse our open positions here: https://www.luk.org/working-at-luk/
Check out our awesome benefits here: https://www.luk.org/working-at-luk/luk-employee-benefits/

PhotoVoice Community Exhibition
2024-04-14 12:00 - 17:00 | Fitchburg Upper Common, 857 Main Street, Fitchburg, MA, 01420, United States
Join LUK Prevention’s PhotoVoice youth photographers on Sunday, April 14th from 12:00 to 5:00 P.M. for their Community Exhibition! Check out the work of these talented artists at Fitchburg’s Upper Common as they showcase the importance of problem gambling prevention. Plus, enjoy food, music, and a raffle!
Learn more about PhotoVoice here.

LAUNCH Into Spring
2024-04-16 13:00 - 17:00 | Launch Trampoline Park, 118 Commercial Road, Leominster, MA, 01453, United States
LAUNCH into Spring with LUK Families Connected! Join us 4/16 from 1 to 5 pm at Launch Trampoline Park in Leominster to jump, play arcade games, bowl, and have a great time! Make sure to JUMP on this free school vacation opportunity! Contact FamiliesConnected@LUK.org with any questions. Registration is required. Register by 4/12 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LUKFCEVENTS

This event is intended for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as their families and/or caretakers, living in North Central MA. For questions about eligibility, contact FamiliesConnected@LUK.org
Launch Trampoline Park: 118 Commercial Street, Leominster

May: Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Jewish American Heritage Month, Mental Health Awareness Month, National Foster Care Awareness Month
2024-05-01 - 2024-05-31 | MA
Asian American, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month
Mental Health Awareness Month
As we celebrate Mental Health Awareness this May, there are a few things to be thinking about:

Our mental health may be impacted by life changes that come with aging.

Maintaining involvement is beneficial to mental health, particularly as we age. To feel involved and connected, it might be beneficial to strengthen your relationships with family and friends, join a social club, or volunteer for a cause that matters to you. A fresh hobby, learning something new, or pushing oneself with brainteasers are all beneficial ways to maintain mental sharpness. Visit SAHMSA for resources for older adults to learn more.

Youth can establish a solid foundation for lifetime well-being with the help of resources, communities, and supportive families.

Making an effort to converse and listen to your kids and teenagers can support their healthy mental development. Positive and consistent relationships have a positive impact on a child’s mental health. Make sure to watch out for any changes in your children and teens behavior or social skills. SAMHSA has resources for parents and care givers.

For those who are pregnant or have recently given birth, pregnancy and childbirth can be memorable but also bring up a range of intense emotions.

While being pregnant is a beautiful thing, it can also be emotionally complex. It’s okay to not feel okay. Anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and mood changes are all common. If you’re struggling, you’re not alone! SAMHSA has resources available to support your mental health journey.

Everyone deserves to receive respectful and culturally sensitive care.

Mental health is for everyone, and everyone deserves mental health support when they need it. Its important minority groups are getting the proper mental health care that makes sure their values, traditions, and experiences are being supported. SAMHSA has resources for multiple minority groups like tribal communities, Black communities, and resources available in Spanish.

LGBTQIA+ community members’ mental health can be supported by inclusive families, schools, and societies.

We celebrate #LGBTQIA+ communities throughout Mental Health Awareness Month by reminding them that they belong. You are important. How you feel matters. You are not alone! If you are in crisis, the 988 lifeline is there for you 24/7.
Visit SAMHSA’s Mental Health Awareness Month Toolkit for ways to spread awareness! www.samhsa.gov/mental-health-awareness-month/toolkit
National Foster Care Awareness Month
Every May, the United States celebrates National Foster Care Awareness Month. Its a time to honor the people and institutions that support foster parents, social workers, activists and children and youth in foster care, as well as to raise awareness of their experiences. With the goal to positively impact the lives of children and families involved in the foster care system, National Foster Care Awareness month is essential for increasing awareness, encouraging advocacy, and raising support.
Interested in foster care? Visit this link to see some frequently asked questions:
Here are a few ways to get involved, support, and make a difference:

Spread the Word. Share information about becoming a foster parent in-person and on social media!
Educate. Educate yourself and others on the foster care system and bills!
Volunteer. Explore volunteer opportunities that impact youth receiving foster care services!

Youth Empowerment Summit 2024
2024-05-02 15:15 - 17:30 | Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster, 365 Lindell Ave., Leominster, MA, 01453, United States
Do you want to bolster your resume, explore free workshops, and learn about potential career options? Join us for the Youth Empowerment Summit on May 2nd to build new skills, talk to local businesses about trade careers, enjoy a live DJ, and get free food!
Registration starts at 3:15 P.M. at the Boys and Girls Club of Leominster, Fitchburg, and Gardner (365 Lindell Ave, Leominster, MA), and programming will begin at 3:30 in the gym. The event will go until 5:30 P.M. and free food will be provided.
This FREE event is for students in grades six and up (middle and high school students). No preregistration required.
Agenda:
3:15-3:30 Registration
3:30-4:30 Resource Tables and Youth Panel
4:30-4:45 Scholarship Announcements
4:45-5:30 Workshops, Food, and Closing

Families Connected - Coffee and Chat
2024-05-09 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-16 12:00 - 15:00, 2024-05-23 12:00 - 15:00 | LUK Families Connected Family Center, 99 Day Street, Fitchburg, MA, 01420, United States
Drop in to the Families Connected Family Resource Center for conversation, support, and of course, a cup of coffee! 12:00-3:00 PM at 99 Day Street, Fitchburg.
Learn more about Families Connected here. For questions, contact FamiliesConnected@luk.org.

National Prevention week
2024-05-12 - 2024-05-18 | MA
The goal of National Prevention Week is to increase public awareness of the value of preventing substance abuse and promoting good mental health! Learn more by visiting www.samhsa.gov/prevention-week
Visit LUKs prevention page here prevention.luk.org

Mental Health 101 with the Berlin Public Library
2024-05-15 18:00 - 19:00 | MA
Join us virtually for this Mental Health 101 training with LUK’s Community Training Academy and the Berlin Public Library! May 15th from 6:00 to 7:00 PM, no preregistration required, free to attend. This workshop is also available to the whole community!
This Mental Health 101 training provides essential knowledge about mental health conditions, fostering understanding and reducing stigma. Participants learn about common mental disorders, their symptoms, and the importance of mental well-being. The training equips individuals with skills to recognize signs of mental distress, offer support, and connect people with appropriate resources, promoting a more compassionate and informed community response to mental health challenges.
Want to book a workshop for your school, library, or organization? Find our catalog with all of our offerings here, as well as the request form to submit an inquiry here!
Click here to join the Zoom at 6:00 PM on May 15th [link will be posted May 14th]

Paid Apprenticeship Summer 2024 Application Deadline
2024-05-17 | MA
Are you over 18 and looking to explore the Human Services field? LUK is offering PAID summer apprenticeships for young adults interested in exploring the Human Services field. This program is funded in part by the Department of Developmental Services and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services.
Here’s what’s required:
– Must be 18+
– An interest in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and other challenges
– Desire to impact the community with positive change
– Interest in continuous learning and resume building
– Availability of at least 25+ hours/week
– Availability to work in-person based out of Central Massachusetts
– Reliable transportation
– Apprentices who complete all required hours and expectations will be eligible to receive a scholarship
Send your cover letter and resume by email or mail to:
Internships@LUK.org
LUK, Inc. ATTN: Human Resources – Summer Internship
545 Westminster Street, Fitchburg, MA, 01420
Find the flyer here.

Summer Plunge with Families Connected - Day One
2024-05-30 15:30 - 19:30 | Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Dr., Fitchburg, MA, 01420, United States
REGISTRATION FOR THIS EVENT IS FULL
Join LUK Families Connected for a fun-filled time at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg! Enjoy a free half-day pass, arcade credits, and a pizza buffet for the whole family, and get to hang out with other families who have similar needs and experiences. Space is limited, so make sure to register soon for our Summer Plunge event!
Thursday, May 30th from 3:30 to 7:30 PM at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Dr, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Registration is required by May 24th; find the registration link here. One registration entry is needed for EACH family member that is attending Summer Plunge.
Spaces is limited, so if you find out you can no longer join us after you register, please let us know!
This event is intended for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as their families and/or caretakers, living in North Central MA. For questions about eligibility or the event, contact us at FamiliesConnected@LUK.org or 978-829-2345.
Learn more about Families Connected here.

Summer Plunge with Families Connected - Day Two
2024-05-31 15:30 - 19:30 | Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Dr., Fitchburg, MA, 01420, United States
REGISTRATION FULL FOR 5/31
Join LUK Families Connected for a fun-filled time at Great Wolf Lodge in Fitchburg! Enjoy a free half-day pass, arcade credits, and a pizza buffet for the whole family, and get to hang out with other families who have similar needs and experiences. Space is limited, so make sure to register soon for our Summer Plunge event!
Friday, May 31st from 3:30 to 7:30 PM at Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Dr, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Registration is required by May 24th; find the registration link here. One registration entry is needed for EACH family member that is attending Summer Plunge.
Spaces is limited, so if you find out you can no longer join us after you register, please let us know!
This event is intended for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including Autism Spectrum Disorder, as well as their families and/or caretakers, living in North Central MA. For questions about eligibility or the event, contact us at FamiliesConnected@LUK.org or 978-829-2345.
Learn more about Families Connected here.

June: Food Insecurity Awareness Month, Pride Month, PTSD Awareness Month
2024-06-01 - 2024-06-30 | MA
Food Insecurity Awareness Month
Pride Month
Pride Month is important because it’s a time to celebrate acceptance, love, resiliency, and creating a more compassionate world! It’s an annual celebration that got its roots from the Stonewall riots back in June 1969. The Stonewall Uprising served as a turning moment in the American Gay Liberation Movement. This month honors and demonstrates the global advancement of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as serves as a reminder of the hardships the community has faced in achieving equality and acceptance and gives people a chance to proudly express who they are. It draws attention to the difficulties and prejudices that the community faces. More significantly, though, Pride Month creates community building, educating, and advocacy while providing a platform for empowerment and belonging.
Importance of Pride Month:
Visibility and representation
Community and support
Education and Awareness
Celebration of diversity
Learn more:
https://www.history.com/topics/gay-rights/pride-month
https://www.papyrus-uk.org/why-pride-month-is-still-needed/
PTSD Awareness Month

Juneteenth
2024-06-19 | MA
Juneteenth, also known as Jubilee Day, Freedom Day, Emancipation Day, or Black Independence Day, is the anniversary of when General Gordon Granger marched his troops into Galveston, Texas on June 19th, 1865 to announce that the enslaved people of the state were officially free. Read our blog post to learn more!

Bingo at the Family Center with Families Connected
2024-06-25 13:00 - 14:00 | LUK Families Connected Family Center, 99 Day Street, Fitchburg, MA, 01420, United States
Families Connected Family Center clients and family members are welcome to join us for a game of bingo! Tuesday, June 25th from 1 PM to 2 PM at 99 Day Street, Fitchburg. Learn more about the Family Center here. Questions? Contact FamiliesConnected@LUK.org.

July: Disability Pride Month, National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month
2024-07-01 - 2024-07-31 | MA
July is Disability Pride Month and National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month!
Learn more about the featured Disability Advocate Spotlights:

Learn more about Brad Lomax
Learn more about Lois Curtis
Learn more about Ed Roberts
Learn more about Judy Huemann
Learn more about Leroy Moore and the Krip-Hop Institute
Learn more about I. King Jordan
Learn more about Jim Sinclair and read “Don’t Mourn Us” by Jim Sinclair
Learn more about Linda Bove
Learn more about Anne Fracht
Learn more about Reggie Clark and Clark’s input during a Harvard Law School Project on Disability Event
Learn more about Elmer C. Bartels

Learn more about National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health.

Massachusetts Emancipation Day (Quock Walker Day)
2024-07-08 | MA
“On Saturday, July 8, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts celebrated its first Quock Walker Day, also known as Massachusetts Emancipation Day, commemorating the end of slavery in Massachusetts.
In 1781, Walker challenged his own enslavement in court, arguing that slavery went against both the Bible and the state constitution. His case eventually led to Massachusetts being one of the first states to abolish slavery.
To learn more about the story of Quock Walker and how the day came to be, The Lexington Observer sat down with Sean Osborne, cofounder of the Association of Black Citizens of Lexington and a historian who helped raise the awareness about Quock Walker’s role in American history.”
Read more of this article from the Lexington Observer.

Back to School Month
2024-08-01 - 2024-08-31 | MA

Worcester National Night Out 2024
2024-08-06 16:00 - 20:00 | MA
Tuesday, August 6th from 4:00-8:00 at the Fuller Family (YMCA) Park.
Visit the Worcester PD’s Facebook event for more info.

Fitchburg National Night Out 2024
2024-08-06 17:00 - 19:00 | MA
Tuesday, August 6th from 5:00-7:00 at 174 Elm Street, Fitchburg MA
Learn more at the Fitchburg Police Department Facebook page.

Leominster National Night Out 2024
2024-08-06 17:00 - 20:00 | MA
Join LCAT, the Leominster Mayor’s Office, and Leominster PD for an awesome night of FREE Family Fun and community building at the Leominster National Night Out 2024! Tuesday, August 6th from 5-8 PM in Downtown Leominster (rain date 8/13). Bounce Houses | Cutouts | DJ | Entertainment | Bike Raffle | Resource Tables | Public Safety Displays | Department of Public Works Touch-A-Truck area | Demos | Free Food | Free Water | Free Ice Cream

Gardner National Night Out 2024
2024-08-08 17:30 - 20:00 | MA
August 8th, 5:30-8:00 PM, 200 Catherine Street, Gardner, MA
Learn more at the event post from GCAT on Facebook

Ashburnham/Westminster National Night Out 2024
2024-08-13 17:30 - 20:00 | MA
August 13th from 5:30-8:00 PM at Oakmont Regional HS (9 Oakmont Drive, Ashburnham)
Learn more from the Westminster Police Department’s post on Facebook

Mentoring Fundraiser - Chipotle
2024-08-14 16:00 - 20:00 | MA
Enjoy tasty food while supporting LUK Mentoring! Show the included flyer when you order at the Leominster Chipotle from 4-8 on August 14th, and 25% of sales will be donated to LUK Mentoring! If ordering online for pickup, use code W2CH32B (does not count for delivery, and only valid from 4-8 PM at the 252 Mill St, Leominster location).

School Health and Wellness Summit
2024-08-28 08:00 - 10:00 | MA
Join the Health Equity Partnership (CHNA9), Gardner Community Action Team, North Central Community Action Team, Gardner Public Schools, and LUK Prevention for a School Health and Wellness Summit! August 28th from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM. This event is virtual, and the link will be sent when you register. Register and learn more at the Eventbrite page: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/school-health-and-wellness-summit-tickets-920934699477

September: Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month, National Recovery Month, Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
2024-09-01 - 2024-09-30 | MA
Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month
National Recovery Month
The purpose of National Recovery Month is to raise awareness of the journey to recovery from substance use disorders and mental health issues. This month is a great time to remember to be inspired, empowered, and hopeful. It offers an environment for recognizing the successes and milestones of those in recovery as well as celebrating their resiliency and strength. In addition to increasing public awareness of the success of treatment and support services, National Recovery Month inspires people to ask for assistance without worrying about being judged. This month has significance for lowering stigma, supporting in recovery, and creating more wholesome and encouraging communities.
Importance of Recovery:
Destigmatizing addiction
Promoting treatment and support
Celebrating achievements
Creating community support
Learn more:
https://www.newenglandrecoverycenter.org/blog/why-national-recovery-month-plays-such-an-important-role-in-addiction-recovery/

Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
The reason Suicide Prevention Month is so important is because it raises awareness of a serious problem that affects people everywhere. This month offers a chance to de-stigmatize discussions about mental health and suicide, promoting knowing when to communicate with someone who might be suffering and the ability to identify behaviors that indicate a need for support. It highlights the importance of early intervention, easily available resources, and networks of support for individuals experiencing suicidal thoughts or actions. Moreover, Suicide Prevention Month serves as a time to honor those who have lost their lives to suicide and to emphasize the significance of prevention. Ultimately, the focus of this month is on raising awareness of suicide and teaching people how to prevent it.
Importance of Suicide Prevention Month:
Raising awareness
Promoting resources and support
Educating
Advocacy
honoring
Learn more:
https://www.samhsa.gov/newsroom/observances/suicide-prevention-month

Mentoring Fundraiser - Panera
2024-09-05 16:00 - 20:00 | MA
Enjoy tasty food while supporting LUK Mentoring! Show the included flyer when you order at the Leominster Panera from 4-8 on September 5th and 20% of the sales will benefit LUK Mentoring! If ordering online, use the code FUND4U at checkout (only available from 4-8 at the 100 Commercial Road, Leominster location).

2024 Worcester Pride Festival
2024-09-07 15:00 - 20:00 | MA
Stop by and say hi at the 2024 Worcester Pride Festival on September 7th from 3-8 in Downtown Worcester! LUK will have info tables from multiple programs, including our Transition to Independent Living (TIL) program, Worcester County Youth Action Board (YAB), and more!
Find more information about Pride Worcester Festival on the Pride Worcester website here.
