Peabody holds Social Service Summit

PEABODY – The city’s top community leaders and organizations participated in a Social Service Summit held at City Hall Thursday in effort to address Peabody’s growing economic and social needs.Coordinated with the North Shore Community Action Programs (NSCAP), more than 60 churches, government groups, and other non-profit organizations discussed ways to service members of the community battling the difficult war with poverty.”Over the past year, with the sub-prime mortgage crisis, escalating gas prices, and looming budget cuts, I have seen first hand many of the hardships that are confronting those struggling in Peabody,” said Mayor Michael Bonfanti. “I have also come to understand that within our community lies an untold potential to improve people’s lives.”Bonfanti urged members of the community to “enhance the coordination of social services in order to provide the highest level of support to those who need it the most.”Representatives from area organizations, such as Elizabeth Hogan, executive director of NSCAP and Rev. John MacInnis of St. John the Baptist, gave an update of their most recent efforts, as well as shared their hopes and goals for the next year.”To make a city like Peabody work, many, many dedicated people pour their lives into working with families, individuals, and children in team,” said mayoral aide Sean Fitzgerald. “Times are very tough for many of Peabody’s (residents).”Bonfanti noted that Peabody has made the commitment to assisting the less fortunate.”I believe that government has a responsibility to protect the most vulnerable, both young and old,” he said. “By working together, we can ensure that Peabody’s service organizations can continue their valuable work for our community.”Fitzgerald said the groups will meet quarterly to keep their ideas from evaporating.