For almost 90 years, the United Way of Central Massachusetts has played a critical role in the local community by helping those in need. As community leaders, we convene local resources - donors, volunteers, partners, and agencies to address the most critical human needs, and create a positive, measurable impact in the community.
Haitian Support Fund
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United Way of Central Massachusetts has established a special support fund to aid in the relief efforts following the earthquake in Haiti. As United Way has successfully done for 90 years, we are connecting people to resources. Please consider a donation:
United Way directing funds in three ways:
1. Provide emergency relief now during the recovery stages
2. Support rebuilding efforts in the future
3. Assist Haitians who live in Massachusetts who have been affected by this tragedy
Reputable charities involved in the relief efforts in Haiti:
American Red Cross
Catholic Relief Services
Doctors Without Borders
Oxfam America
Partners In Health
Save the Children
UNICEF
United Way Worldwide
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Campaign Spotlights
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Congratulations Union Hill School
 United Way of Central Massachusetts and Coghlin Companies presented a check for $1,000 to Union Hill School, the Worcester Public School that won the friendly incentive for their United Way Campaign participation. Read more>>
Photo left: Denise Bahosh, Principal, Union Hill School; Anthony Ingrisano, WPS; Sue Coghlin Mailman
Thank You Charter Communications
Employees of Charter Communications concluded their internal United Way fundraising drive with the presentation of a check for more than $13,000 to the United Way of Central Massachusetts. A check presentation was held at Charter’s Worcester office. (Photo right: Greg Garabedian, Vice President and General Manager for Charter’s New England operations)
“Charter strongly believes in the United Way philosophy of giving back to the community,” said Greg Garabedian, Vice President and General Manager for Charter’s New England operations. “Even during challenging times, our employees continued to demonstrate generosity. Charter also matched a portion of the employee donations, making employee donations even more powerful.” Read more>> |
Community Services
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Worcester Earned Income Tax Coalition, EITC, kicks-off the new tax season
Worcester Earned Income Tax Coalition is in full swing! United Way of Central MA has worked diligently with members of the EITC Coalition to make this a rewarding tax season for low income tax payers and our community during this time of great need. Not only are our volunteers from local colleges but we have successfully engaged well qualified and enthusiastic volunteers from local businesses and non-profit agencies. This year, we introduced two new positions, an Intake Greeter who will assist the tax payer before they meet with the Tax Preparer and a Benefits Counselor who will advise the tax payer of additional benefits based on their income.
This year the free tax preparation service will be offered at four sites in our community— Worcester State College; Plumley Village; Main South CDC and Worcester Community Action Council and One Day Event at Southeast Asian Center and Worcester Youth Center. Learn more>>
Thank you to all of our volunteer tax preparers from Assumption College, Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester State College, AllCom Credit Union, Bay State Bank, Commerce Bank, Sovereign Bank, UNUM, SCORE, WCAC, UMass, Legal Aid, Community Healthlink and the community, you make this all possible. |
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Funding Opportunity
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 The Women’s Initiative of United Way of Central Massachusetts is announcing an opportunity for programs to submit grant requests addressing the issue of “Violence Affecting Middle School Girls.”
Click for more information and downloads>>
Special Event: Start your New Year off with a networking event for young professional women sponsored by the Women's Initiative. Learn more>> |
Thank you!
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 Thank you for donating
Your donation is a powerful way to leverage your dollar within your own community. By donating to United Way of Central Massachusetts, you increase the value of your donation by partnering with our team of experts and volunteers who target the best use of your funds locally. Thank you to everyone who donated in 2009!
Thank you for helping us reach our goals for the community!
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Collaboration Spotlight
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 In a recent interview with Worcester Magazine, United Way of Central Massachusetts' President and CEO, Tim Garvin (photo left), discussed the importance of collaboration.
“Our role in the upcoming years is to encourage non-profits to work together, all with a goal of making systemic change." full article>>
Collaboration for success
UWCM led central Massachusetts as part of a diverse state-wide team to begin a series of ground breaking conversations to define and advance a set of shared goals and strategies capable of lifting all children, youth and families toward self-sufficiency and success for life. The action planning team included state-wide public and nonprofit agencies, stakeholders and thirteen United Way chapters.
Using the "Ready by 21" approach and facilitated by the Forum for Youth Investment, we collaboratively developed a blueprint for action which we are pleased to report has been endorsed by Governor Deval Patrick’s Readiness Cabinet. In fact, the Readiness Cabinet is now working to finalize its own agenda for youth based on the Success for Life framework!
In the coming months, we will be working with community leaders, service providers, funders, businesses and policy makers throughout the state to begin implementing these recommendations. Building on the strong foundation of shared goals and objectives outlined in Success for Life, we hope to encourage streamlined investments and focused action.
Please forward a copy of this report. We believe distribution of this important work and integration into all of our individual efforts are essential first steps toward fulfilling the promise we made together: We will not rest until all children and youth are thriving. Download Success for Life>> |
Connecting the Community to Services
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Find help, information, and referrals during difficult times, dial 2-1-1
Disturbing local data shows families across the board are stressed and housing is a huge stress point. From those in/at the brink of foreclosure, about to be evicted, unable to pay housing costs, or among the 2,127 children in the Worcester Public School system who are homeless today. They are seeking all kinds of help from gap funding for rent, to shelter, to support services.
Several organizations in central Massachusetts exist to help our community through this difficult economic time, whether it’s managing finances, assisting with fuel costs, providing food and nutritional assistance, or bridging the gap with mortgages or rental costs. For a helpful list of these organizations, please click here to download an informational flyer.
For more information and referral services please dial 2-1-1, available 24/7 or visit www.mass211.org
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