“Some people think they are in community, but they are only in proximity. True community requires commitment and openness. It is a willingness to extend yourself to encounter and know the other.”
David Spangler
Network members' voices bring good news and share highlights from around our community
Our very own Janice Thomas, a member of Vital Village Community Partnership (VVCP) recently ran a 10K with Blackgirlsrun.

"In the life of an athlete you go through many changes, injuries, being a woman of color, running while black.” She reminds us that running is part of a healthy and vibrant life, despite the stereotypes and the naysayers.

VVCP works to build on community strengths and focuses on projects that create opportunities for self-care and wellness, peer advocacy, addressing neighborhood safety, and improving social cohesion through child enrichment and family engagement.
Vital Village Community Partnership
Our Goals
1.    Promote awareness of local resources
2.    Build investment in enhancing the neighborhood
3.    Build a stronger network of connections for families
Congratulations to Janice
Photo Courtesy of Janice Thomas
Connect with Vital Village Networks at these upcoming events
MHC In-person Meeting:
The Mental Health Committee is community-led and aims to be diverse in ethnic, cultural, and professional backgrounds as well as in education, age, and experience. We bring our strengths together to actively listen to, learn from, engage with, and transform our community to destigmatize mental illness and promote positive mental health and well-being. Through providing opportunities to belong, access to resources, and education, we will help to create a beloved, safe, and resilient community.
The mental Health Committee is planning to have its first in-person meeting on 11/01/2023.

Please register to attend and to know more about the group and how we can create a beloved community for all.
SAVE THE DATE
Network Connection Meeting: Please save the date for the November Network Connection Meeting on Monday November 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 Stay tuned for more information coming soon.
Check out available resources relevant to children and families
My 'Self' in the World: Children's Mental Health Storytimes
Every Thursday from 3:30-4:00pm
Vital Village Networks along with Boston Public Library are hosting My “Self” in the World storytime for children every Thursday at 3:30 virtually. Please invite your friends and relative to attend along with you.
The next two story times will be on: 
Vital Village Networks along with Boston Public Library are hosting My “Self” in the World storytime for children every Thursday at 3:30 virtually. Please invite your friends and relative to attend along with you.
Thursday: October 26 at 3:30-4:00 PM
Families with young children are invited to virtual Children’s Mental Health Storytimes co-hosted by the Vital Village Network Mental Health Committee and Boston Public Library.
All of Us Research Program Looking For More Participants
The All of Us Research Program is a historic effort to gather data from one million Americans to learn more about how individual differences in lifestyle, environment, and biological makeup can influence health and disease.

Boston Medical Center is an enrollment partner for All of Us New England. More than 7,700 participants at BMC have enrolled so far.

If you join All of Us and provide biosamples, like blood or saliva, you may choose to learn more about your DNA, including your genetic ancestry, risk for certain diseases, or reaction to certain medications.

To learn more, please contact Cheryl McCloud, communications and community engagement manager for All of Us at BMC, at Cheryl.mccloud@bmc.org 
Visit information tables on
The Talbot Green
Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 pm
The Moakley Green
Thursdays, 11:30-1:30 pm
Boston Breastfeeding Coalition
Are you pregnant, nursing, or know someone who is? Come to one of our drop-in support groups around Boston! Our groups offer professional lactation counseling, fun playgroups for your young child, and support for anyone struggling with the ups and downs of parenting.
Learn more about events and resources by our partners and community organizations
Shaping the Future of Social Work in Public Health
A Virtual and In-Person Event
Monday, October 23, 2023 | 4:00 – 5:00 PM
Zoom; Kilachand Center Room 101
610 Commonwealth Ave, Boston, MA 02215
Monday, October 23, 2023 | 5:00 - 6:30 PM
Welcome Reception for Dr. Tami Gouveia to Follow
Kilachand Center Lobby
Join the Center for Innovation in Social Work & Health (CISWH) for a compelling conversation on how social workers can strengthen public health with CISWH Director Dr. Tami Gouveia and Boston University School of Social Work (BUSSW) Dean Barbara Jones.
In The News (ITN)
Place Your Order for Free At-Home COVID-19 Tests
All residential households can once again order one set of four free at-home tests from USPS.com. Visit https://special.usps.com/testkits to order your tests and to also read important information about extended expiration dates for at-home tests. 
Explore data from across the United States
Jobs
2024 Community Food Systems Fellowship Applications
Brief Description:
The Community Food Systems Fellowship is an 18-month leadership program that aims to increase opportunities for diverse local food system leaders to build their skills, capacity, and networks. Emerging leaders who are committed to food justice and equity should consider the Community Food Systems Fellowship. Apply today to be part of the 2024 cohort!
Application Deadline: November 3, 2023 at 11:59pm ET 
New MassHire Downtown Boston Young Adult Career Center Services
MassHire career coaches are available to help Boston residents, ages 18 to 24, with many different tasks, including exploring interests and careers, enrolling in job training programs, applying for jobs, and more. This comprehensive program offers a wide range of services tailored to young adults’ needs and aspirations.
Learn more and view the Community Food Systems Fellowship Roadmap at: https://www.vitalvillage.org/projects/community-food-systems-fellowship
Explore data from across the United States
GROWBABY Research Network Open House
October 26th, 12:30-1:30PM ET
Brief Description:
The GROWBABY Research Network is an innovative learning community of practitioners, researchers, and group care advocates dedicated to advancing group medical visits and group well-child care. Come to our Virtual Open House to learn more about projects & research opportunities!
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Have an event, job opportunity, or resource to share with the network?
Vital Village Networks is a network of residents and agencies committed to maximizing child, family, and community well-being.