Family Services of the Merrimack Valley

03/11/2026

Thank you for making Bowl a Strike for Kids such a success! 🎳 We’re incredibly grateful to our sponsors for their donations, our mentors for their passionate fundraising, and the hardworking team at Family Services of the Merrimack Valley for bringing it all together. The funds raised will help us continue creating meaningful mentoring relationships for children throughout our community. If you haven’t donated yet, there’s still time to support the mission and make a difference. 💙

DONATE https://fsmv.org/events/bowl-a-strike/

03/05/2026

When local businesses invest in kids, the whole community wins.💛

Thank you to the amazing sponsors of our 2026 Bowl a Strike for Kids Fundraiser! Your support helps mentoring relationships thrive.

See you all tomorrow at the lanes! 🎳
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/BowlaStrike2026

03/03/2026

Connection. Reflection. Intention. 💛

In our Parenting Journey group last month, participants began preparing heartfelt letters to their children. In honor of Friendship Month, they shared lunch and gathered for a photo in front of a banner - a reminder that in community, we grow stronger together.

03/02/2026

Family Services' Bowl a Strike for Kids' raffle is now live - and there's something for everyone!

Fan favorites include:
🏈 Patriots Autograph
🎧 AirPods Pro
🎟️ Amazon Gift Card
🧺 Lottery Basket... and more!

Every ticket supports youth mentoring programs serving children in Lawrence and across the Merrimack Valley. More than 100 children are currently waiting to be matched with a mentor.

Don't wait to purchase! Online raffle closes March 5. Winner drawn at the March 6 event. No need to be present to win.

https://fundraise.givesmart.com/form/3UNhFg?vid=1p0r8x

03/02/2026

In case you missed it, here is how our community is stepping up - from matching gifts to powerful youth stories and free mental health trainings. Take 2 minutes to see what’s happening in your community. 💛

🔗 Read the full update here: https://conta.cc/4kZmDmc

Email from Family Services of the Merrimack Valley Matching gifts, mentoring stories, and ways to get involved.   Helping people thrive, in February 2026   In this issue: 🎳 Matching gifts for Bowl a

02/27/2026

In just nine months, Richard’s mentorship has made a powerful difference in Abel’s life.

Abel has grown from shy to confident and is now passing all his assignments. His mom shared deep gratitude for Richard’s support and encouragement. Most recently, they attended a Boston Celtics game through the Shamrock Foundation - inspiring Abel to join a basketball team.

This is the power of mentorship. 💛

02/26/2026

February was a meaningful month in our Youth Program, ESTEEM. 💛

Youth honored Black History Month by reflecting on influential Black leaders and the Civil Rights Movement. They also built skills around healthy relationships and teen dating violence prevention.

During vacation week, they explored civic engagement through our VOICES curriculum and celebrated their hard work with a field trip and fun!

We’re proud to create spaces where young people learn, lead, and grow.

Learn more about this program: https://fsmv.org/programs-overview/youth-development/

02/25/2026

What if the most important thing a child needed… was you?

Children in foster care need a consistent adult who shows up, listens, and advocates for their best interests. CASA volunteers make that possible. We’re building our next cohort for spring training - and we’d love to talk with you.

Take the first step today. Learn more and sign up:
👉 https://fsmv.org/programs-overview/youth-development/child-advocacy/casa-volunteer/

02/24/2026

Strong teens start with supported parents. 🧡

We’re proud to offer this FREE parent education series in Lawrence for families navigating the teen years. If you or someone you know is raising a teen, don’t miss this opportunity.

Click the link below to learn more. If you’re interested in participating, we’d love to hear from you - please email KValdez@fsmv.org for more information.

🧡 Please share to help us reach more families.

---------------------------------

Los adolescentes fuertes comienzan con padres y cuidadores apoyados. 🧡

Nos enorgullece ofrecer esta serie GRATUITA para padres y cuidadores en Lawrence, diseñada para apoyar a las familias que están navegando los años de la adolescencia. Si usted o alguien que conoce está criando a un/a adolescente, no deje pasar esta oportunidad.

Haga clic en el enlace a continuación para obtener más información. Si está interesado/a en participar, nos encantaría saber de usted - envíe un correo electrónico a KValdez@fsmv.org para más detalles.

🧡 Comparta esta publicación para ayudarnos a llegar a más familias.

https://fsmv.org/programs-overview/parent-education/family-community-resource/

02/23/2026

🚨 BIG NEWS, BOWLERS! 🚨

An anonymous donor just stepped up in a BIG way - and is matching every dollar donated this week, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000!

That means every $50 becomes $100. Every $250 becomes $500. Every gift goes TWICE as far for the kids and families we serve.

Not signed up yet? There’s still time to jump in. Already registered? This is your week to fundraise like crazy - text your friends, post your link, rally your team, and help us unlock every single matching dollar. Let’s rally. Let’s strike. Let’s make it count. 🎳💥

👉 Register today, join a team, donate, or get started here:
https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/BowlaStrike2026

02/23/2026

We’re looking for caring adults (18+) to mentor youth ages 6-14 in our community. Curious? Join our upcoming virtual info session THIS WEDNESDAY to learn more!

👉RSVP to get the Zoom link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OshS0-IvkqFNKMSrHHR0GTG7tlMGtyGB_LVW2sagKtA/viewform

February BFLF Information Session 📢
✨ Make a difference—one relationship at a time. ✨
Big Friends Little Friends is looking for caring adults (18+) who want to support and mentor youth ages 6–14 in our community. Mentoring just a few hours a month can have a lifelong impact.
Curious if mentoring is right for you? Join our upcoming Mentor Info Session to learn:
✔️ What it takes to become a mentor
✔️ The children and communities we serve
✔️ The impact of becoming a mentor
📅 January 28 | 🕕 6–7 PM | 💻 via Zoom
👉 RSVP through the link in our bio and take the first step—no commitment required.


Link to RSVP
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1OshS0-IvkqFNKMSrHHR0GTG7tlMGtyGB_LVW2sagKtA/viewform?edit_requested=true

Apply To Become a Big Friend
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1JyQJJ6ahDj3clOITRvN8eYSgtfWHSK5MHajjyYd7PlY/viewform?edit_requested=true

02/19/2026

Remember when Andy wrote his name on his toys? That feeling of belonging - of being chosen - that’s what mentoring gives a child. 💙

Bowl a Strike for Kids is our annual bowling fundraiser supporting local youth mentoring programs - and you’re invited.

🎳 Friday, March 6
📍 Academy Lanes in Haverhill
👥 Form a team, sponsor a lane, or donate to a bowler

Be someone’s Woody or Buzz. Sign up today!
👉https://fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/BowlaStrike2026

Family Services of the Merrimack Valley will hold its 18th annual “Bowl a Strike for Kids” fundraiser on Friday, March 6th, 2026! Bowl a Strike for Kids provides the funding necessary to match children with positive adult role models so they can succeed in school, form healthy relationships, and...