“The only way ... for our community to be a better place to live is for the people of the community to understand and accept their personal responsibility for what happens.”
— Davis Merritt, Jr.
Network members' voices bring good news and share highlights from around our community
Each year Vital Village honors members of the network through the Unsung Hero Awards. These individuals are member of the Vital Village Network and have extended themselves beyond expectations in their community or organization as a leader in maximizing child health and well-being.  We are accepting nominations for this year's Unsung Hero through Monday, November 20th, 2023 at 9 AM ET. 
Please take a moment to fill out our Bi-Annual Survey. The following questions will help us continue to improve the Vital Village Networks experience and resource offerings. This survey should take 15-20 minutes to complete. The collected information is valuable to improve our efforts and plan for the future. Your participation is voluntary and all questions are optional. Responses will be confidential and anonymous.
Connect with Vital Village Networks at these upcoming events
November Network Connection Meeting 
November 13 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. ET
This will once again be a hybrid meeting. Join us for a special evening exploring how we can use the creative & expressive arts to honor and own our stories and promote collective harmony.
Please register and share with your network. Hope to see you there!
Cultivating Community Connections: Peer Learning & Reflection Hour
November 14 at 3:00 p.m. ET / 12:00 p.m. PT
We invite you to join us for the next Peer Learning Cluster meeting November 14 at 3:00 pm ET / 12:00 pm PT! Peer learning and reflection hours are an opportunity to connect, share and learn from others who are supporting child and family wellbeing in their local communities. The monthly peer-led discussion space is an opportunity to bring questions, ideas, challenges, and successes to a national community for learning and support.
Check out available resources relevant to children and families
My 'Self' in the World: Children's Mental Health Storytimes
Every Thursday from 3:30-4:00 p.m. ET
Vital Village Networks along with Boston Public Library are hosting My “Self” in the World storytime for children every Thursday at 3:30 PM virtually. Please invite your friends and relatives to attend along with you.
Boston Breastfeeding Coalition
Free Lactation Support
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
3rd Annual Community Resources Fair
November 18 from 12:00 - 3:00 p.m. 
The Lower Roxbury Coalition and Wellness Initiative is hosting their 3rd Annual Community Resources Fair on 11/18/2023 from 12:00 pm -3:00 pm at the Dewitt Center- 122 Dewitt Drive Roxbury.

If you are interested in attending, please register below or contact Musu-kulla Massaquoi, Community Program Coordinator at Lower Roxbury Coalition and Wellness Initiative:(617)297-8678.
FUN ACTIVITIES 
Face painting, Games, Music
GIVEAWAYS
Gift cards, Clothing, Diapers, Toiletries and Toys
 Drinks and snacks will be provided
DommiesBlessed
Book list by DommiesBlessed celebrating The Night Sky. Learn more here.
This November, you can also find a list of 21 books for Native American Heritage Month and learn about veteran benefits for families.
Explore data from across the United States
Jobs
Family Visitation Case Aide 
Children Services of Roxbury is hiring a Family Visitation Case Aide for their Roxbury Office. It is a part-time Position 
Boston University is conducting a Research Study
Type 2 Diabetes and Cardiovascular Disease Research Study
Researchers at the Boston University School of Medicine want to learn more about blood vessel health in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Join our compensated study today!
In-Person Birth Doula Training
  • 1-Day DONA Approved Introduction to Childbirth Education Training
  • 5-Day DONA Approved Birth Doula Training
Trainer: Lorenza Holt | 617-953-3606 | lorenzaholt@gmail.com
Cost: $1000
Explore data from across the United States
In The News (ITN)
A study by the National Instituted of Health published on their October 13 2023 News Releases, noted 

Study reveals how young children’s immune systems tame SARS-CoV-2
NIH-supported research finds key differences between children and adults with COVID-19.
 
Colorized scanning electron micrograph of a cell infected with the Omicron strain of SARS-CoV-2 virus particles (yellow and green), isolated from a patient sample.

New research helps explain why young children have lower rates of severe COVID-19 than adults. A study of infants and young children found those who acquired SARS-CoV-2 had a strong, sustained antibody response to the virus and high levels of inflammatory proteins in the nose but not in the blood. This immune response contrasts with that typically seen in adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Co-funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health, the research appears in the journal Cell.
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.