A place where non-profit Cape Ann organizations can post press releases directly and then those press releases will be reposted to http://www.goodmorninggloucester.com . This is not an advertising space for businesses, fitness or wellness organizations, or music listings.
The web address will be http://www.capeanncommunity.com
To have your community organization news posted here, contact Joey C who will grant access for you to post directly.
The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids program is back! Local children and teens up to age 18 can get free breakfast and lunch meals at 16 locations across Cape Ann.
Last year, The Open Door Summer Meals for Kids program distributed 17,389 meals, all prepared in-house. The program has sites in Gloucester, Rockport, and Ipswich, and continues to add new locations each year.
Full schedule below:
Gloucester Walk-Up Locations
Enrolled locations in Gloucester include: Gloucester High School, O’Maley Academy, Camp Spindrift, GPS Extended School Year at East Veterans, Literacy and Math Summer Learning at East Veterans, and Gordon STEAM Camp at East Veterans.
Ipswich Walk-Up Locations
Enrolled location: Winthrop Elementary School.
Rockport Walk-Up Location
The full schedule is also available at FOODPANTRY.org and will continue to be updated through the summer.
For the second year in a row, Summer Meals for Kids is being entirely funded by The Open Door. Previously, the program received federal funding. Today, it continues thanks to donations and sponsors of The Open Door.
About The Open Door
The mission of The Open Door is to alleviate the impact of hunger in our community. We use practical strategies to connect people to good food, to advocate on behalf of those in need, and to engage others in the work of building food security.
Founded in 1978, The Open Door is a 501 (c)(3) tax exempt nonprofit and community food resource center for low-income residents of Gloucester, Rockport, Manchester, Essex, Ipswich, Hamilton, Boxford, Rowley, Topsfield, Wenham, and Georgetown. In 2025, The Open Door helped stabilize the lives and health of 12,780 people from 5,718 households through the distribution of 2.48 million pounds of food over 136,851 visits.
For more information, visit FOODPANTRY.org.
On Thursday evening, June 18, Wellspring House welcomed nearly 100 guests to its annual ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Year-End Celebration in downtown Gloucester, honoring 51 students who completed English language and computer literacy courses this spring. The evening included a Certificate of Completion ceremony, remarks by Gloucester Mayor Paul Lundberg, and a reception featuring food prepared by students representing their home countries.
In total, 56 Certificates of Completion were presented recognizing completion of four spring ESOL classes and one spring Computer Class, with five students earning certificates in both. Mayor Lundberg joined the speaking program and took photos with students, celebrating a group that reflects the diversity and determination at the heart of the Gloucester community.
Meeting People Where They Are
Wellspring’s ESOL program is built on a simple but powerful principle – to meet people where they are and provide the range of services they need to move forward. Classes are offered in person at the Sawyer Free Library, a partnership that reflects Gloucester’s deep commitment to access and inclusion, and online, ensuring the program is available to participants regardless of schedule or circumstance.
The program’s core instruction is delivered by experienced teachers across three levels: Basic Beginner, Advanced Beginner, and Intermediate, with curriculum covering grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation alongside real-world skills such as completing job applications and navigating public services. Complementing the classroom experience, Wellspring volunteers lead small group sessions that provide additional support for students at all three levels, as well as focused instruction in foundational literacy skills and citizenship test preparation. Computer skills classes round out the program’s offerings.
This year, Wellspring also expanded its digital literacy offerings through 15-hour computer courses covering email, Google Suite, and internet browsing. To remove access barriers entirely, laptops and hotspots were distributed to students at no cost, made possible through a partnership with MassHire Metro North Workforce Board.
“These students are not just building language skills – they are building futures,” said Melissa Dimond, President and Executive Director of Wellspring House. “Every person who walks through our doors is working toward something larger – a better job, a stronger connection to their community, a more secure life for their family. That is exactly what Wellspring exists to support, and we are so proud of everything this year’s students have achieved.”
A Community of Friends and Neighbors
Gloucester has always been shaped by people who came here and built a life, and that story continues with this year’s graduates. These students are not just program participants; they are friends, neighbors, and part of the fabric of this community, working hard to build new skills and deepen their connection to the place they call home.
The impact of that work was best captured by the students themselves. Tania, an ESOL graduate, shared: “I applied for another job and the pay is better. Now I can make appointments for my children and for me without a translator, and in job interviews I no longer need to use a translator.” For Julio, the classroom built something equally important: “I’m feeling more confident when I have conversations with customers. Wellspring has helped me a lot to improve my English. I’m so happy to be here.”
Why It Matters
For many North Shore families, limited English proficiency creates interconnected barriers to employment, stable housing, and civic participation. Financial security is the most powerful foundation for a healthy, self-determined life and English language proficiency is a critical gateway to getting there.
These outcomes are made possible by the generous support of donors, partners, volunteers, and advocates who believe that financial security and opportunity should be within reach for every North Shore resident.
To learn more about supporting or volunteering with Wellspring, please visit wellspringhouse.org.
Date and Time:
Wednesday Jul 22, 2026
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM EDT
Location:
The Emerson Inn
1 Cathedral Ave Rockport MA 01966
Fees/Admission:
$5 for Members
$15 Non-Members
Women & Men always Welcome!
Website:
https://www.theemersoninn.com/
Contact Information:
Michelle 978-283-1601
Send Email
Description:
Join us for a summer networking gathering with light refreshments on the beautiful deck of the Emerson Inn.
*Limited attendance – please register early to secure your spot.
Date and Time
Saturday Jul 11, 2026
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM EDT
EVENT TIMELINE:
5 PM: Streets closed off to traffic & parking
6 PM: Music Stages Open (See below)
6:15 PM: The Red Trousers
7:10 PM: Cape Ann Dancers at Hancock & Main
8:00 PM: The Red Trousers
MUSIC PERFORMANCES BY STAGE:
The West End: Sponsored by Institution for Savings
6 PM: TBD
7 PM: TBD
8 PM: TBD
Cape Ann Savings Bank Stage: Sponsored by Cape Ann Savings Bank
6 PM: TBD
8 PM: TBD
The East End: Sponsored by BankGloucester
6 PM: TBD
7:30 PM: TBD
Location:
Main Street (Closed from Pleasant St to Washington St)
Gloucester, MA
1-160 Main Street Gloucester MA 01930
Fees/Admission:
FREE for the Public to attend
*Registration required for participating Businesses and Non-Profits
Website:
http://www.capeannchamber.com
Contact Information
Michelle Pepin 978-283-1601
Send Email
Event Sponsors
Gold Sponsors
Addison Gilbert Hospital
Applied Materials
Building Center
Endicott College
Silver Sponsors
A&A Services
Ebenezer Tax and Services
LeafFilter Gutter Protection
Description
Main Street, Downtown Gloucester comes alive when the Street is closed off and we have live music, street performers, non-profits, food vendors, and more! A fun night for young and old alike!
Many of the shops and businesses on Main Street will be open and welcoming partygoers. Other Gloucester businesses and local non-profits also will be represented on the Street. It will be a night full of live music, great food, and fun activities with lots of local flavor!
Entertainment:
Headline Act: The Red Trousers
Captain Jack
Cape Ann Dance
Cape Ann Vernal Pond Team
Face Paint by Miss Wendy Food Vendors & Restaurants
Bravo by the Sea
Crepe du Jour
Meat & Sweet Foods
The Lobster Roller
Three Ginger’s Jerky
Whoopie Wagon
June has been a season of celebration at Wellspring House. In a matter of weeks, we marked three milestones: 31 adults graduating from our Healthcare Office Support Training program at MGB Salem Hospital with a historic 100% graduation rate; 18 local Cape Ann high school graduates awarded scholarships, and the first Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund cohort to cross the college graduation stage; and 56 students completing spring English language and computer literacy courses at a joyful evening in Gloucester.
Each celebration is a testament to what becomes possible when opportunity and support come together, and a reflection of what this community has chosen to invest in.
But behind every ceremony is a harder truth. A thriving community depends on people who can afford to live and work locally. When housing becomes unstable and wages fail to keep pace with the cost of living, that foundation erodes. Parents without childcare, residents without reliable transportation, families in unstable housing – these are compounding barriers that, without the right support, make long-term stability feel out of reach.
Financial security is the most powerful lever we have for improving quality of life, health, and opportunity. That belief is at the core of everything Wellspring does.
Since 1981, Wellspring has worked to turn potential into progress across the North Shore, combining housing stability, education, job training, and career readiness under one roof. This year, we worked with more than 2,000 individuals and families across 20 cities and towns. We don’t ask people to choose between stability and advancement. We provide both, simultaneously, for as long as it takes.
Tuesday, June 30th marks the end of our fiscal year. If these stories move you, we invite you to learn more about Wellspring and consider joining the community of supporters who make this work possible. Visit wellspringhouse.org.
Wellspring House celebrated 18 scholarship recipients, many of whom are the first in their families to attend college, at its 2026 Scholarship Award Celebration last Thursday, June 11, 2026, marking a significant milestone for one of the organization’s signature education programs. For the first time, students from the inaugural cohort of the Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund graduated from college.
The celebration brought together scholarship recipients with their family and friends, Gloucester Public Schools representatives including Superintendent Ben Lummis, GHS Principal Dr. John Perella, Wellspring Staff, Board members and supporters, and community members to recognize students pursuing higher education, workforce training, and career advancement. The event also featured remarks from two alumni of the Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund, who reflected on their educational journeys and the support that helped them persist through college and into their careers.
“Looking back, I realize success was never about having all the answers,” said scholarship alumnus Yahir Vasquez. “It came from community, being willing to make mistakes, and continuing to show up even when things felt difficult.”
Recipients of two scholarships were honored during the event. The Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund awards up to $10,000 per academic year, and up to $40,000 per student, with the option to carry funding into a fifth year, to Gloucester residents graduating from Cape Ann high schools and pursuing a higher education degree. To be considered, students must be actively working with Wellspring or referred by a guidance counselor. The Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund supports Wellspring program participants by covering education expenses that many scholarships overlook, including transportation, supplies, books, online resources, and computers. Together, the two scholarships help remove the financial barriers that can prevent students from achieving their educational and career goals.
“Watching the first cohort of Cape Ann High School Graduates Fund students graduate from college is a moment we have worked toward for years, and it speaks to something deeper about how Wellspring works,” said Melissa Dimond, the organization’s President and Executive Director. “We meet people where they are, whether that’s a student who needs extra support navigating in their first semester or someone moving forward from a major family setback losing their housing, and we stay with them as they work toward stability and success. The long-term commitment is what makes the difference.”
The scholarship selection process is led by a special advisory committee made up of members of Wellspring’s staff and board of directors, and community partners. This year the committee reviewed over 35 applications, conducted interviews, and nominated the recipients based on a variety of factors, ranging but not limited to education and career goals, essays, personal statements, and financial need.
“As a first-year Board Member at Wellspring House, I was honored to have the opportunity to serve on the Scholarship Committee. Meeting and interviewing the candidates was one of the most rewarding experiences of my time with Wellspring. Each student shared their unique passions, goals, and determination to further their education, and I was inspired by their drive and commitment to their future. “Knowing that I played a small part in helping support their educational journey is incredibly meaningful. Investing in students and their potential is truly an investment in our community’s future, and I am grateful to be involved in such an impactful program,” shared Krystal Williams, Wellspring House Board Member and AVP, Branch Manager Cape Ann Saving Bank.
“At Wellspring, our commitment to students extends far beyond graduation. We are dedicated to supporting our participants throughout their educational journey and as they take their next steps toward career and personal success. This graduating class represents not only an important milestone, but also the beginning of new opportunities and achievements ahead. Through continued mentorship, resources, and community connections, we remain invested in helping each student reach their full potential,” said Andy Allen, Director of Education and Career Pathways, Wellspring House.
These scholarships are part of Wellspring’s broader Education and Career Pathways programs, which equip adults and young adults with the credentials, skills, and confidence needed to pursue education, employment, and long-term economic mobility. For many recipients, particularly those who are the first in their families to attend college, the scholarships represent more than financial assistance. Through career advising, mentorship, scholarship support, and ongoing guidance, Wellspring helps students navigate the transition from high school to college and from college into careers, creating pathways to opportunity that extend well beyond graduation day.
Many of this year’s scholarship recipients will continue their educational journeys at institutions including North Shore Community College and Salem State University, longstanding Wellspring partners that provide accessible paths to degree attainment for North Shore students.
The celebration reflects the scale of Wellspring’s broader reach across Cape Ann, where demand for these programs continues to grow. During the past year, 135 adults enrolled in Wellspring’s ESOL program, 100 adults prepared for the High School Equivalency Test (HiSET), and 87 high school seniors and recent graduates received career advising and scholarship support services. Wellspring remains the only HiSET testing site on Cape Ann and recently expanded its ESOL programming to include digital literacy and career advising.
These outcomes are made possible by donors, partners, and advocates who believe that financial security should be within reach for every North Shore resident. For more information or to support these critical programs, visit wellspringhouse.org.
2026 Robert Clark Rogers Opportunity Fund Recipients: Britney Aguilar, Yaira Baez, Lizy Erazo Jesika Gutierrez, Auraylia Lord, Kiara Olson, Evan Porter, Jazmin Saloj, Molly Taormina, Julia Tremblay
2026 Cape Ann Graduate Fund Recipients: Sean Abell, Jamani Belle, Ayden Curley, Alyssa Estime, Shyia-Rose Goodrich, Jennifer Magalhaes, Jaylen Severino, Anas Yousif
All Photo Credits: Kendra Dott Photography | Sharon’s Studio of Gloucester
The Sawyer Free Library, in partnership with the City of Gloucester, will host a special dedication ceremony honoring the life and legacy of Ann-Margaret Ferrante on Friday, June 26, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester. The ceremony is free and open to all members of the public.
The event will commemorate Ferrante’s extraordinary contributions to Gloucester and celebrate her enduring role in making the reimagined 21st-century Sawyer Free Library a reality.
As State Representative for Gloucester from 2008 to 2025, Ferrante was a steadfast advocate for education, literacy, and public investment. Her leadership and commitment helped secure support for the historic renovation, expansion, and modernization of the Sawyer Free Library.
The Library and City of Gloucester will dedicate the staircase connecting the Library’s main floor to the Children’s Floor in Ferrante’s honor. The staircase serves as a fitting tribute to her lifelong belief in the power of education and opportunity, symbolically connecting generations of readers and learners while leading to the spaces designed for Gloucester’s youngest residents.
The community is warmly invited to attend. This is a free, public event—all are welcome to join Gloucester in remembering a beloved public servant whose impact continues to be felt throughout the city.
Event Details:
What: Ann-Margaret Ferrante Dedication Ceremony
When: Friday, June 26, 2026
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Where: Sawyer Free Library, 2 Dale Avenue, Gloucester, MA 01930
Open to the public.
For more information: sawyerfreelibrary.org
Jun 9
The Gloucester Education Foundation (GEF) is thrilled to share our FY2026 Impact Report with the community! It celebrates 20 years of GEF, from the early days to today, with a focus on what your support made possible this year, including:
We’re especially impressed with that incredible cover photo by GHS sophomore Shane Widtfeldt, taken in the GHS Auto Shop. Literal sparks were flying as fellow sophomore Sam Watts did some welding!
We hope you enjoy the report, and that it inspires you to support our Spring Appeal. Every gift will help fund programs in Gloucester Schools next fall: programs educators dream up, students adore, and families count on.
Wellspring House celebrated the graduation of 31 adults from its Healthcare Office Support Training (HOST) program at a ceremony held at MGB Salem Hospital on Thursday morning. In a milestone first, 100% of enrolled students, across both the full-time day and part-time evening program, received their diplomas, the highest graduation rate for a class this size in program history. The results reflect a banner year for the program overall: over the past year, Wellspring achieved an 89% graduation rate across all HOST cohorts, the highest in a decade, with 85% of graduates securing new employment with higher wages within nine months of completing the program.
The graduates, North Shore adults committed to building better futures for themselves and their families, completed either Wellspring’s 15-week day program or 32-week evening job training program that prepares residents for careers in healthcare office support. As healthcare employers across Massachusetts continue to face significant staffing pressures, Wellspring’s HOST program is helping connect local residents to real career pathways in one of the region’s most in-demand sectors. Graduates have secured positions across a broad range of local employers, from community health centers to major hospital networks.
“Every person who received their certificate today demonstrated something extraordinary, not just completing a rigorous program, but choosing to invest in themselves and their futures while navigating the very real pressures of daily life on the North Shore. That takes courage. What we’ve built here, together with our partners at Salem Hospital and across the region, is proof that when the right support meets the right moment, incredible things happen,” said Melissa Dimond, President and Executive Director, Wellspring House.
A Program With Deep North Shore Roots
What began in 2002 as a single class at Salem Hospital has grown over more than two decades into a comprehensive workforce pipeline. Salem Hospital has been a cornerstone partner throughout, hosting and helping train participants in a model that works for both students and employers alike.
Today, Wellspring’s Job Training team serves 100 adult students and advises each year, with 658 HOST graduates placed in careers across the North Shore and beyond. Licensed as an Occupational Educational School by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, HOST also offers students the opportunity to earn college credits through an articulation agreement with North Shore Community College, providing a recognized credential and a pathway toward continued education.
“At Salem Hospital, we’re truly grateful for partnering with Wellspring and the HOST program. Programs like this not only strengthen the hospital but our entire community. They create opportunity and help create a workforce filled with compassionate people who want to make a difference in the lives of others,” said Katherine E. Belategui, Nurse Director, Salem Hospital Neuroscience and Orthopedic.
Training That Goes Beyond the Classroom
A unique strength of the HOST program is the depth of its employer partnerships. Wellspring works closely with the Mass General Brigham and Beth Israel Lahey health systems, Lynn Community Health Center, Cape Ann Medical Center, Pediatric Associates of Greater Salem, and others, who not only provide internship opportunities but often become direct hiring partners for graduates, allowing students to build professional networks, gain real-world experience, and transition into meaningful healthcare careers with confidence.
The HOST program’s success is further rooted in Wellspring’s integrated approach, combining workforce training and education programs with wraparound housing stability and support services that help participants overcome the barriers that often derail educational progress. For many graduates, the program represents the first realistic pathway to financial security in a region where a family of four must earn more than $121,000 a year just to cover basic needs.
“Our support does not end at graduation. We maintain a strong alumni network and continue helping graduates navigate career growth, continuing education, job transitions, and new opportunities long after they complete the program. Alumni become part of the Wellspring community, “said Mary Beth Tobin, Director of Job Training, Wellspring House.
Wellspring’s Broader Impact
HOST graduation is one milestone in a broader year of impact. Last year, Wellspring served more than 2,000 individuals and families across 20 North Shore cities and towns, with an emphasis on Lynn, Salem, Peabody, Beverly, and Gloucester, with more than 580 receiving intensive, individualized support tailored to their goals. 95% of families in Wellspring’s homelessness prevention program remained stably housed at the 12-month mark.
These outcomes are made possible by donors, partners, and advocates who believe that financial security should be within reach for every North Shore resident.
For more information or to support visit wellspringhouse.org.
Cape Ann Community 