Westwood, Massachusetts
Community Organizations
Westwood keeps a public list of the organizations that serve the town, and it is longer than you would guess for 16,000 people. These are six of the most established, described below in their own words or the school district’s, and every one of them takes volunteers.
Non-Profit Organizations
| Organization | What they do & contact |
|---|---|
| Westwood Community Chest | In its own words, a community based non profit organization that works to improve the well being and quality of life of the residents of Westwood, Massachusetts. Its motto is Neighbors Helping Neighbors, and the school district notes that it awards camperships to summer camp for school-aged children. PO Box 250, Westwood. |
| Hale Education | A private nonprofit that describes itself as widely recognized for its flagship camps, youth programs, family and community activities, school partnerships, and professional development opportunities. The school district describes it as managing a naturalized area of Westwood and Dover. It holds 1,200 acres and opens the trails to the public. 80 Carby Street. |
| Westwood Land Trust | Formed to promote the protection and stewardship of open space and natural resources in the Town of Westwood. It lists twelve protected properties by address. |
| Foundation for Westwood Education | In the school district’s own words, it partners with residents and local businesses to raise funds and award educational grants to both the Westwood Public Schools and community organizations. The town also lists it under its former name, the Westwood Education Foundation. Its own web address did not resolve when this page was built, so no link is printed here. |
| Westwood Food Pantry | In the school district’s own words, a nonprofit that provides essential provisions to individuals and families in Westwood who need temporary assistance. |
| Westwood Historical Society | Listed by the town among its community organizations. Its own web address did not resolve when this page was built, so no link is printed here. |
Town & Senior Resources
| Organization | Notes |
|---|---|
| Westwood Council on Aging | The Senior Center at 60 Nahatan Street, with outreach social work and a town van. Director Mary Ellen LaRose. 781-329-8799. |
| Westwood Public Library | Free programs, computers, and a card that works at libraries across Massachusetts. Main library 660 High Street, Islington Branch at Wentworth Hall, 273 Washington Street. Library Director Elizabeth McGovern. 781-326-7562. |
| Westwood Youth & Family Services | Counselling and family support at Wentworth Hall, 273 Washington Street. Director Katy Colthart. 781-320-1006. |
For current hours and a fuller list, see the town’s Community Links page at townhall.westwood.ma.us.
Where to Read About Your Town
Three outlets cover Westwood by name. Westwood Minute describes itself as Westwood Massachusetts Local News, Events, Classifieds and Alerts, and it reports Select Board and School Committee meetings one by one with the date on every story. Westwood Patch carries town news, schools and elections. The Westwood Media Center at 15 Perwal Street records public meetings and carries them on its government channel, so you can watch a vote you missed.