Wellesley Connect bridges the opportunity for first generation college-bound Wellesley High School students who want to make college and post-secondary plans a success. Wellesley Connects works closely with the WHS guidance staff and is supported by Wellesley Friendly Aid and The Fund for Wellesley.
Wellesley Friendly Aid hosts an annual forum for local non-profit organizations, schools and town offices that provide assistance to residents. The forums serve to educate the community, inform and update participants on the various resources available to Wellesley residents, and facilitate networking between organizations.
Wellesley Friendly Aid offers walkers, commodes, shower chairs, wheelchairs and other specialty equipment to residents of all income levels for temporary loan at no charge. Donations of wheelchairs, walkers, and shower seats/benches are welcome.
For over 100 years, Wellesley Friendly Aid has brightened the holidays of residents in need. In the early 1900s, Friendly Aid board members delivered baskets with a turkeys and the trimmings.
When cold weather approaches, many low income residents find themselves unable to pay their heating bills. Wellesley Friendly Aid processes applications for those residents under age 60 for the SMOC Fuel Assistance Program, which pays a portion of heating costs.
On Mondays from October through May Wellesley Friendly Aid hosts Friendship Circle, a program for senior women of all income levels. Participants enjoy a wide variety of activities including speakers, holiday parties, musical performances, and excursions in addition to lunch. Wellesley Service League provides transportation and lunch to participants.
Individuals and families can find their worlds suddenly up-ended by an accident, catastrophic event or serious illness. Wellesley Helping Hands is a Friendly Aid program to help residents in distress.
Wellesley Friendly Aid is one of the sponsors of the English as a Second Language Program in Wellesley, which is administered by the Wellesley Free Library. We provide books, classroom materials and space for the various ESL classes that accommodate about 100 students.
Wellesley Friendly Aid is dedicated to giving children living at or near poverty levels an enriching summer camp experience. This program is solely funded by donations, with a major gift from the Wellesley Service League. Last year Friendly Aid provided funding to 67 children.
Throughout the year, Wellesley Friendly Aid receives requests from low income residents for financial assistance. Applications are reviewed on an individual basis.
In addition, we partner with Cradles to Crayons to provide new and gently-used clothing, books, toys, equipment and other essentials to Wellesley children.