Local Organizations

En Ka Society

The En Ka Society is a non-profit charitable organization comprised of over 200 women volunteers. Our mission is to aid various non-profit organizations and initiatives that serve the people of Winchester, and residents in need, who are referred to us by established social welfare programs. We provide both monetary assistance and have direct service programs in the community. Funding for these services is raised primarily through an annual town-wide fair held in May and a resale store, En Ka Exchange, located in Winchester. 

For more information about membership, the En Ka Exchange, the Gifts program, the En Ka Fair, or any questions, please contact us at president@enkasociety.org , or visit our website at www.enkasociety.org

Griffin Museum

The Griffin Museum of Photography is a nonprofit organization dedicated solely to the art of photography. Through our many exhibitions, programs and lectures, we strive to encourage a broader understanding and appreciation of the visual, emotional and social impact of photographic art. As an institution, we are committed to insuring that our mindset, our practice, our outreach, our programming and our exhibitions set a framework with priorities for building programs and exhibitions that consider diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion through our mission that is centered around the photograph.

At the Griffin Museum, you will find exhibitions from well-known photographers to those emerging on the scene that explore important themes and thought-provoking ideas. All of our exhibitions and programs are designed to encourage the passionate exploration of the art of photography. We are considered an epicenter for photography and have a reputation as a “taste maker” for an international photographic community.

https://griffinmuseum.org/#

Family Action Network (FAN)

The FAN organization is a Winchester based non-profit 501 (C)(3) organization which began in 1994. We offer the following services:

  • Offer a support network for families with infants and young children
  • Serve as a resource to help unify Winchester's programs for families
  • Offer parenting resources
  • Promote inclusivity
  • Facilitate the exchange of ideas
  • Organize playgroups; children, parent, and family events; educational programs; food and toy drives; playground cleanups; and more

Jenks Center

The Jenks Center offers Cultural,

Educational, Recreational, and Social Service programming for Residents age 55+, to promote active, healthy, and meaningful engagement and connection within the community.

We have many Virtual and Live Events at The Jenks Center.  Many of which we have captured for visitors to view on our YouTube channel. 

Jenks Videos are available under the Events Section

https://www.jenkscenter.org/

Jumelage Association

The Winchester Jumelage Association administers the Twin City relationship of cultural exchange and friendship established in 1990 between Winchester and St-Germain-en-Laye, France, an historic suburb of Paris.

Jumelage conducts numerous programs throughout the year including a summer internship program for young adults from St-Germain and annual joint group trips for adults alternating between France and the United States. In addition, Jumelage aids in cultural exchanges between professional (firefighters, for example,) civic (government officials,) and cultural groups (Music Conservatories, for example,)

Moreover, Jumelage sponsors lectures, concerts, French-themed dinner parties, changing French book offerings in the local library, facilitates informal homestays and receptions for members on both sides of the Atlantic. In the end, the objectives are to promote warmth between the two nations and foster life-long friendships.

League of Women Voters of Winchester

The League of Women Voters is a nonpartisan grassroots organization that promotes civic participation through education on issues of concern to its members and the public. Membership is open to all citizens - women and men - of voting age.

The League of Women Voters of Winchester prides itself on being an integral part of the Winchester community and contributes to the town and its residents by:

  • Leading voter registration drives in Winchester and nearby communities
  • Organizing candidate forums at local and state levels
  • Arranging events for voters to hear opposing views on current issues
  • Hosting consensus studies to shape national League positions
  • Partnering with other groups in town on educational programs
  • Presenting an annual Civic Leadership Award
  • Providing an annual appreciation luncheon for Town employees

The League is nonpartisan and neither supports nor opposes any candidate or political party; it does advocate on issues based on input from its members. For more information, please visit our website at www.lwvwinchester.org.

Network for Social Justice

The mission of the Network for Social Justice, formerly known as the Winchester Multicultural Network, is to foster a movement for systemic change to advance equity and inclusion in the town of Winchester and beyond.

The Winchester Multicultural Network was founded in 1991; the name changed in 2019.

The Network for Social Justice works to build an inclusive community through advocating for human rights, confronting intolerance, and promoting the recognition, understanding, and appreciation of the diversity and similarities that enrich our town.

The Network offers multicultural training workshops and forums, provides advocacy and support to witnesses and targets of bias and discrimination, arranges activities for international residents, and collaborates with town government, local schools, faith communities, and civic organizations to further our mission and support efforts to achieve social justice. Its focus includes issues of race, gender, ethnicity, religion, ideology, socio-economic status, health, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, and differing abilities as well as international newcomers' experiences as they encounter a different culture and language. The NFSJ pursues education, advocacy, and response around human rights and social justice, and celebrates an inclusive community every day. Network programs are free, thanks to the financial generosity of Winchester residents, organizations, and faith communities.

Visit our website at www.NFSJ.org or follow us on Twitter and Facebook.  Our office is at 63 Shore Road, Suite 22, in Winchester Center near the Griffin Museum. To call or email our office: 781 729-7100 and office@nfsj.org

Parent to Parentptp

Parent to Parent is a community-based, non-profit organization that seeks to enhance family communication, increase parents’ understanding of their child’s development, and strengthen the relationship between family, school and community.  Founded in 1982, Parent to Parent is run by a passionate all-volunteer board of local Winchester parents whose children range in age from toddler to adult.  Our programs are always free and open to the public. 

OUR MISSION

Parent to Parent is committed to educating, encouraging and empowering parents to guide and nurture children of all ages by sponsoring quality programs.  We do this by:

  • Supporting the evolving needs of Winchester families as they navigate parenting
  • Providing vetted expert speakers
  • Facilitating discussions through various forums and book groups
  • Collaborating with local schools and community organizations
  • Fostering a non-judgemental environment

Sustainable Winchester

Sustainable Winchester is a nonprofit organization founded for the purpose of educating and raising awareness about sustainability so that residents, officials, and community organizations can be educated and empowered to take action in their day-to-day lives to incorporate sustainability into our community.

WinCAM

Winchester Community Access & Media, Inc. (WinCAM) is a non-profit, membership-based corporation, committed to providing an electronic forum for the free exchange of information and ideas, and a showcase to reflect the talents, skills, interests, concerns and diversity of the Winchester community. We provide television studio and field equipment for member use as well as free training from our expert staff to educate and support member productions.

Winchester ABC

What IS Winchester ABC anyway? It's our own chapter ofA Better Chance, a national non-profit organization thatprovides academically talented students of color with an opportunity to attendoutstanding public and private secondary schools throughout the United States.For 47 years now, the residents of Winchester have, through private donations,made it possible for more than 95 young men to graduate from our fine highschool and go on to college. Each one, in his four years here, has become atrue member of our community. Volunteers support the scholars through servingas host families, providing rides, and organizing events.

Would you like to learn more about how to become involved in theever-growing Winchester ABC family? Click "contact" on our website winchesterabc.org- and while you're there, catch the video!

Winchester Chamber of Commerce

Become actively involved in your business community, benefit from our network, and gain more visibility! Among many benefits: YOUR news in our bi monthly newsletter, website and social media.

https://winchesterchamber.com/

Winchester Coalition for a Safer Community

The Winchester Coalition For A Safer Community is a comprehensive community-based organization, housed within the Health Department, that works collaboratively with town residents, departments and agencies to reduce substance abuse, particularly in the youth community, and to foster safe choices and healthy living through education. To learn about upcoming Coalition programs and to stay in touch with what the Coalition is doing, please “like” us on Facebook.

Winchester Community Music School (WCMS)

WCMS provides outstanding and diverse musical education and performance, accessible to all, in Winchester, neighboring communities, and beyond. The school began in 1981 as after-school lessons in space borrowed from Winchester Public Schools at McCall Middle School. Now WCMS serves 900 students each week ranging in age from 18 months to 102 years. In 1998 we moved into our “Home for Music,” a century-old house on Highland Avenue, restored and expanded through an outpouring of community support. We employ 65 professional teaching artists and serve 5,000 people each year through concerts, workshops, events and outreach, including music therapy and student performances at assisted living communities. No matter what your age or ability level, the exceptional WCMS faculty can help you on your musical journey, from toddlers to teens to seniors; classical to jazz or rock. In addition to private lessons, WCMS offers many fun and affordable group learning opportunities, as well as financial aid for qualified applicants. We also host popular community drop-in activities such as Blues Jams, Broadway sing-along evenings, and Open Mic nights at Starbucks in Winchester Center, and our bands and ensembles play at many Winchester events, such as Farmer’s Markets and Town Day.

Winchester Foundation for Educational Excellence (WFEE)

Founded in 1992, WFEE (www.wfee.org) is a non-profit organization committed to supporting excellence and innovation in Winchester’s public schools. Each year, through a competitive process, WFEE makes grants to teachers to fund both their own professional development and classroom projects. WFEE grants:
build school gardens

  • Introduce new theater and art programs across the district
  • Support WHS science and robotics programs
  • Provide major funding for technology at all WPS schools

Be involved with WFEE!

  • Participate in the WFEE Trivia Bee in February
  • Attend the annual Prom ‘n Aid in September
  • Make a Teacher Tribute in the spring

Sign up for the WFEE newsletter and check out the WFEE grants at your school at the WFEE website - www.wfee.org

Wright-Locke Farm

Wright-Locke Farm is a fun place to visit and get involved. An astonishing 382 years old, the Farm is being reborn as a community farm people of all ages can enjoy, offering certified-organic produce and other local farm products, educational programs for children and adults, seasonal volunteer opportunities, hiking trails that lead to conservation land, and special events for the community, fundraising initiatives, and private celebrations. We are a non-profit 501(c)3 organization that relies on the financial support of the community to maintain our historic property, invest in our development and accomplish our volunteer-driven work.

https://www.wlfarm.org/