The Ripple Effects of the Rachel’s Table Teen Board
By Sarah Bate
Teen Board and Visual Design Coordinator
Since its founding in 2008, the Teen Board has been an investment in youth that continues to pay dividends. Many of today’s supporters and partners first connected with Rachel’s Table through the Teen Board. This article highlights how small interactions among teens can multiply into valued partnerships that sustain this vital organization.
A Place to Call Home
After Rachel’s Table Western Massachusetts (RTWM) departed from the Federation, and after the JCC fire in 2022, the Teen Board was left without a consistent meeting space. With two years of COVID meetings on zoom, returning to remote meetings wasn’t an option. Thankfully, the Pleasant View Senior Center opened its doors to us. Office Coordinator Meralee, familiar with the Teen Board because her daughter is an alum, welcomed us into this lovely, centrally located space. The Senior Center, not only a fantastic resource for seniors, allows community groups to book space free of charge during non-operational hours. It has been a perfect home for our Teen Board meetings.
Tapping Into the Teen Network
Teen Board members often join through peer-to-peer outreach. Ask any member, and they’ll likely say they got involved because of a friend or sibling (or in nay cases, siblings!). They stay because they grow passionate about our mission. Community service requirements also bring teens to the program. Thanks to relationships with local schools and clubs like Key Clubs and the National Honor Society, teens seeking service hours often join our events. While some move on after completing their hours, they’ve experienced the passion and drive of peers making a difference. Others stay throughout high school, with some even stepping into leadership roles. Whether teens attend once or become long-term contributors, every interaction at our events is meaningful and welcoming. One teen who joined with her sister many years ago, Rebecca Baranovski, became a graphic designer and came back years later to gift Rachel’s Table with its current logo!
A Growing Tradition of Sportsmanship
Each year in West Springfield, young athletes gather for a regional Track and Field competition named for George Steele. What began as a community event has evolved into a tradition of giving back, thanks to a former Teen Board officer, Emmalene and her West Springfield Women’s Track Teammates, who chose to conduct a food drive to benefit Rachel’s Table agencies! For the past five years, participating teams have collected nonperishable food items for local agencies. This initiative, which wouldn’t have happened without Coach Griffin, a leader both on and off the field, showcases the power of youth-driven community efforts. What started as a single act of generosity is now an annual tradition of helping neighbors in need. In 2024 the team was awarded MIAA Sportsmanship Award for their community service and volunteering!
Funding Our Mission
Three years ago, the Western Massachusetts Charity DanceAthon (WMCD) awarded Rachel’s Table its first donation. Led predominantly by teens, this fundraising event is organized by [name of church] in Westfield. The Teen Board was selected as a beneficiary thanks to Sarah Moriarty, a Teen Board alum and WMCD board member. The WMCD teens have been incredible partners, even attending Teen Board events to see firsthand how their support makes an impact. As the DanceAthon wraps up its three-year cycle supporting Rachel’s Table on March 1st, we celebrate their amazing contributions to our mission. The funds raised have made a real difference, and we encourage everyone to support this inspiring event. This year’s donations will also benefit Rick’s Place and Griffin’s Friends. Learn more about the Charity DanceAthon Here!
Through partnerships, traditions, and peer connections, the Teen Board continues to amplify its impact on the community. Small actions lead to lasting change, proving that investing in youth is an investment in the future.