2024 Community Impact Grant Recipients

Martha's Vineyard Film Society

The Martha's Vineyard Film Society is a non-profit organization that has been playing a crucial role in the cultural scene of Martha's Vineyard for over two decades. The Film Society, which owns and operates the Martha’s Vineyard Film Center in Vineyard Haven, has a mission to bring the best in world cinema to the island community throughout the calendar year and provide opportunities for residents to come together and share their love of great film. Also central to the Film Society’s core tenets is an enduring emphasis on community collaboration. The organization works with many island non-profits and offers the use of its theater and marketing outreach free of charge for many good causes. Just in the last 3 months, the Society has collaborated with NAACP MV, IHT for Veterans Housing Project, and the RED HOUSE (peer counseling center for addictions) to raise over $7500 for those Island resource nonprofits.

One of the Film Center's most cherished traditions are the free screenings of children's movies held annually around the holidays. One such event, a special interactive screening of THE POLAR EXPRESS, is a collaboration between the Film Center and the Vineyard Haven Library, and a wonderful treat for families who don't have easy access to holiday festivities because they live in an island rural community. As one local mother expressed, "It warmed my heart to see my boy get to enjoy a special holiday event like this, sometimes living on the Vineyard, I feel like he misses out on some of that stuff". The Film Center's commitment to putting on events like these, has been a constant for the last decade. Indeed, anyone who wandered into the Film Center during this raucous event, would have been greeted by a cacophony of whistles blowing and children bellowing “All Aboard!” A recent MV Times article about the Film Society’s work, describes the organization as one of the pillars of the island community: “If it takes a village to sustain a community, the Martha’s Vineyard Film Society’s founder/executive director Richard Paradise is one of our most dedicated citizens. Under his leadership, he has turned a fledgling organization into one of the Island’s very significant resources.”

What makes the Film Center truly special is the breadth and variety of its many community collaborations. Over the past 25 years, the Film Society has collaborated with dozens of island non-profits in presenting films to raise money and awareness for those organizations’ missions. These organizations include: Hospice and Palliative Care of MV, American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity MV, MV Community Services, MV Peace Council, MV Preservation Trust, the local NAACP chapter, Vineyard Conservation Society, Windemere, and many more. In the past 12 months alone, The Film Society has helped raise over $10,000 annually for other local non-profits.

The Film Center is an unofficial gathering place for islanders year-round, where people can come together to share their love of cinema and cultural arts. Throughout the year, the Film Society looks for ways to brighten the lives of its neighbors, both young and old. The Film Center regularly hosts school screenings that complement their studies, such as the high school French class screenings of French-language films, and just last September, held an event called "The Older Adult Transportation Summit". For this event, the Film Society offered up the use of the Film Center to the good folks at Heathy Aging Martha’s Vineyard. The event aimed to address transportation issues for older adults on the island, who often live alone and may have difficulty accessing travel to essential services like medical care, grocery stores, and community events. The Film Society's decision to host the event for free is a testament to their commitment to the well-being of the community. In the MV Times article, Film Society Executive Director Richard Paradise outlined the organization's approach to community partnerships: “Sometimes it’s an event that’s a goodwill gesture. For instance, we did a free screening for the volunteers at Hospice & Palliative Care of Martha’s Vineyard. They asked us if we were willing to do this so they could thank their volunteers. I said sure we would do that.” Likewise, they recently held an event with MV Community Services, screening EVERY DAY, a movie that deals with sexual abuse, and the Q&A afterward included two staff members from MV Community Services' CONNECT to End Domestic Violence initiative. Paradise says, “It wasn’t about money, but about

CONNECT sharing the impact of their outreach services. A lot of times, the collaborations are meant to be awareness builders for what an organization is trying to do in our community.”

The Film Center is more than just a place to watch the latest and greatest in world cinema – it’s a place to come together; as one longtime Tisbury resident put it, "We just love the film center, but it's more than great movies, it's where we see our friends!" The Film Society's dedication to using their space for the greater good is an inspiration to all who believe in the power of community. The Film Center has become an integral part of the cultural arts scene of Martha's Vineyard and a cherished community resource.

Island Grown Initiative

Island Grown Initiative’s Gleaning program goes beyond the simple act of harvesting produce. It thrives on generosity, community spirit, and a genuine desire to improve the well-being of our neighbors and friends. Marjorie Peirce has been a dedicated Gleaning Captain whose unwavering commitment has helped shape the program since its inception over 15 years ago. Marjorie has shown passion, generosity, and a deep-rooted connection to the Island community. As a Gleaning Captain, she not only leads a team of volunteers in harvesting local produce but also embodies the true essence of the Gleaning program. Her enthusiasm and welcoming attitude create an inclusive environment for volunteers, regardless of weather conditions or any other challenges that may arise. Marjorie is committed to sharing her knowledge. She goes above and beyond, teaching fellow volunteers about different types of produce, sharing cooking tips, and patiently answering questions about the entire food equity process.

Whether it's explaining how to determine the ripeness of tomatoes or shedding light on the intricate workings of the food distribution system, Marjorie ensures that everyone involved in the program gains a deeper understanding of their impact on the community. Come rain or shine, Marjorie can be found at Island farms, eager to contribute to the gathering of local produce. Her dedication doesn't end there; she extends her generosity by distributing gleaned produce to her neighbors and folks she cares for and incorporates the ingredients into meals for the First Congregational Church of West Tisbury. Marjorie's compassion is particularly evident in her focus on aiding those experiencing housing insecurity, recognizing the profound impact it has on their ability to access nourishing food. Beyond the immediate impact of gleaning, Marjorie plays a role in raising awareness about broader issues related to food insecurity. She transforms gleans into educational spaces where volunteers and staff alike learn about the complexities surrounding food equity. Marjorie's passion extends beyond the fields, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the farmers who cultivate the food and the recipients who will benefit from it.

In 2023, the program achieved an extraordinary feat by gleaning an impressive 67,000 pounds of food. This harvest wasn't just a numerical achievement; it represented the collective effort of a community coming together to make a difference. The gleaned food was shared with various distribution channels, including the Island Food Pantry, IGI’s prepared meals program, Island schools, and other food distribution programs, reaching community members who wouldn’t otherwise have access to local food. When asked about the Gleaning program Marjorie remarked, "Gleaning feeds my soul... getting my hands in the dirt, being part of a team, sharing beautiful produce. This is a community program that really works!” With Marjorie’s help and dedication, the Gleaning program has evolved into a force for positive change, fostering community, educating volunteers, and addressing broader food insecurity issues. Her commitment has not only improved the well-being of the Island community but has also sown the seeds of a more resilient and equitable food system on Martha’s Vineyard.

WellStrong

A bright, cheery smile and a charming laugh to match are what greet those who walk in the door of WellStrong and meet with the kind-hearted friend and mentor, Karen Rae. WellStrong, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, provides a nurturing wellness community for individuals recovering from substance use disorders, making it a cherished asset to the town of Falmouth. It serves as a sanctuary where those in recovery can participate in diverse wellness classes, attend recovery-based meetings, and cultivate a strong sense of community. Offerings range from daily meditation sessions and yoga classes to monthly breakfast clubs, nature walks, open gym hours and various other activities.

Karen started attending WellStrong back in 2019 as a member through the Recovering Champions PHP treatment program, where she began to experience firsthand the magic that is this sober wellness community. From there, Karen attended countless wellness and fitness classes, meetings, and community events provided at WellStrong. When discussing the impact that WellStrong has made on her life, Karen quotes that “WellStrong has been my steady rock and second family throughout my recovery journey; it has provided me with a safe environment to work out my body and relax my mind, and to find non-judgmental support in my ongoing recovery.” She continued to show up, building herself a strong foundation in recovery as well as volunteering her time and energy to the WellStrong community. In 2021, Karen became a certified recovery coach and started dedicating her time and energy to being a WellStrong Peer Wellness mentor. Now several years into this role, she gives peer-to-peer support as a recovery coach and addresses a goal-oriented program created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, titled Whole Health Action Management. This wellness program is a peer-led intervention group designed to facilitate increased well-being, resilience, and self-management of behavioral and physical health among individuals with less than a year of sobriety from substance use. Due to Karen’s unwavering empathy and support, 2023 has been a life-changing year for WellStrong and for all the members of our community. During this year, Karen worked as a Peer Wellness Coach with 12 different individuals, addressing a variety of wellness goals, from stress management to negative thinking patterns, in order to help them achieve better health, happiness, and success in their lives. Over eighty percent of the individuals graduated the 9-month peer wellness program with Karen, one of whom even went on to work within the community of WellStrong.

One of the graduates, Brock Williams, remarks on the difference Karen has made in his life: “Not only did I have a sober mentor that aided me with the skills to navigate a life of sobriety; more importantly, I had a friend, an ally. I wouldn’t have made it this far without Karen and her team at WellStrong.” This is what it means to be a part of the WellStrong community: to have a friend, an ally, and a place to feel supported. Although grant money fell short for our Peer Wellness Coaching program in June 2023, Karen didn’t let this stop her from being a great driving force of support for both WellStrong and the entire community of Falmouth. She continued to bring in new people to the community, led weekly group walks out in nature, started a pickle ball club, provided peer support to WellStrong members throughout the week, participated on fundraising event committees, and attended the community’s fitness and wellness classes. Karen’s dedication didn’t stop there, as she went on to raise just shy of $4,000 for WellStrong over the course of 2023 through a variety of fundraisers, including Go Curling for a Cause, Go Well Go Strong Fun Run, and the Falmouth Road Race. Through her volunteer work, Karen quickly became a shining beacon of hope for those she interacted with. Her genuine care and understanding created a safe and supportive environment where individuals felt heard, valued, and empowered. Karen is an outstanding example of what makes WellStrong so special. She truly embodies the spirit of WellStrong with her infectious positivity, commitment to helping others, and dedication to fundraising and participating in our wellness opportunities. Karen emphasizes that “the community at WellStrong has provided her with a second chance, and she wants everyone who is trying to get sober to have a beautiful, supportive community like this”. Karen has positively impacted the lives of so many people, and with the crucial support of our local community and grantors, she will keep assisting WellStrong in its mission to create healing change. Help Karen and WellStrong continue to provide a safe space for everyone that needs a place that fosters hope and a chance at a healthy, substance-free life.

Friends of Nobska Light

In 2015, the U.S. Coast Guard placed Nobska Light Station on their deaccession list. Recognizing the iconic nature of the light station and her place at the center of the heart of Falmouth, an alliance between community members and the Town of Falmouth vowed to keep her as public space and thus created the Friends of Nobska Light as a 501(c)3 with the mission to save, restore, and preserve Nobska Light Station, to enhance the visitor experience with a maritime museum, and to share Nobska’s story with future generations.

There is no doubt that Nobska Light Station has had an impact on all who have viewed her since she was built in 1876. Even before our recently completed renovations, we estimate that since our inception in 2016, approximately 20,000 people have visited the site annually. Whether it is a destination or simply a pass by from car, boat, bicycle or on foot, people are struck by the beauty of her location overlooking Vineyard Sound. Some are wowed by the majesty of her tower reaching for the heavens, others marvel at how her beacon of light works as a navigational aid while still others find comfort in how the sound of her foghorn pierces through the air to guide ships through inclement weather. People inherently recognize how Nobska Light Station engenders a uniqueness to the Town of Falmouth that we are so very lucky to have.

Our story of profound impact is of one man who is emblematic of most anyone you come across on the street. Nobska Light Station is Falmouth as is evidenced by the breadth of businesses who employ imagery of the lighthouse in their logos. As other communities are known for their topography, or their weather, Falmouth is known for her lighthouse. We are working to collect many stories of how Nobska has impacted the lives of residents creating memories which are unique to our community. As a part of our renovation project, we have constructed a brick terrace between the tower and the entrance to the Keeper’s House offering gorgeous views of Vineyard Sound. As a fundraiser, bricks can be purchased and engraved. In visiting with folks who have purchased bricks, we have been gathering stories of people’s memories of living near or visiting the lighthouse over the years. While some people recall specific life-altering events such as weddings, engagements or vow renewals, many people reminisce about Nobska as a part of their everyday lives.

Longtime resident of Woods Hole, Mr. Frank Yow shares his story of how Nobska Lighthouse shaped his memories for the past 65 years, becoming an integral part of the fabric of who he is. “I started working in the summer of 1957 at the Marine Biological Lab (MBL), heading there early in the mornings. The lighthouse light and the sound of the foghorn were always comforting to me. My wife, June, and I often traveled by there, later with our baby daughter, Kathy. As the years went by, we spent every summer in the area and we always made a point to visit our precious landmark. Later, after June's death, I married Joan and she embraced the Cape and loved going by the lighthouse often, picking up our lobster traps in our boat. She enjoyed the gorgeous setting, the light and the foghorn and we took many pictures over the years. My daughter, Kathy, and I wanted to purchase a brick with both of their names. We are very happy to have the brick placed in a special place memorializing two special women.” Mr. Yow’s story joins many voices who have shared similar emotional attachments to our iconic site.

The very essence of Nobska Light Station has a profound effect on people’s lives and by extension, on the community of Falmouth. Reminisces run the gambit. There are childhood memories of playing on the grounds and rolling down the hill. People coming to the property to find solace or simply to commune with her surroundings, taking in the views. Artists speak of finding inspiration in her panoramic views. Photographers tell tales of awaiting a full moon to take wondrous photographs of the moon over the tower. Cyclists plan their routes to ride by the property, taking a pit stop to enjoy the vista before continuing on.

Runners rejoice at her sight on that Sunday morning in August as the field of runners pass by the light station on their way to mile marker 1 in the Falmouth Road Race. Visitors to Falmouth have Nobska Light Station on their must-see list. So many personal stories demonstrate how Nobska Light Station holds a special place in people’s hearts. To everyone who has had the good fortune to view Nobska by day or by moonlight will forever have those memories to share with their friends and family. Nobska has shaped memories for so many who have had the opportunity to encounter her splendor. As stewards of the property, we look to the future. Our hope is to have future generations feel a personal connection and affection for Nobska Light Station, appreciating what a wonderful and unique landmark we have in Falmouth.

The Friends of Nobska Light plans to protect public access to the property, provide an increasing number of tower tours and allow access to the Keeper’s house and future museum site. Thus, we plan to expand public interaction with Nobska Light Station through tours, programming and accessibility. We plan to work with schools to provide access for field trips in the arts, humanities and interpretive sciences. We are Falmouth. Nobska Light Station is integral to the fabric of who we are as a community, as a people, and we, by encouraging the community to visit Nobska, hope future generations will feel just as Frank Yow does when he speaks of “his precious landmark”. We want the public to feel that Nobska is “their lighthouse”, to understand how her tower, light and property make their community, the Falmouth community, a very special place on earth.