For 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.
Our Mission: United Way of Central Massachusetts connects people and resources to improve the community.
Women's Initiative Spotlight
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 The Women's Initiative 8th Annual Stepping Up for Girls Reception will be held on September 23, 2010 at Mechanics Hall. This is our most important fundraising and awareness event, so please join us and bring your friends. The success of our work with girls depends on the generosity of our members.
One of the highlights of the event is the awarding of the Lois B. Green Leadership Award and the Meridith D. Wesby Young Leader Award, in honor of our founding co-chairs. Please join us in honoring this year's recipients! Click here for e-vite and RSVP>>
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Education Spotlight
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UWCM applauds the efforts of the Executive Office of Education (EOE) for working to secure the Race to the Top funding for Massachusetts. UWCM's president and CEO, Tim Garvin, is thrilled about the funding and looks forward to working with the EOE to help close the achievement gap in Massachusetts Level 4 schools.
"Race to the Top will allow Massachusetts to fund the reform strategies that we know will make a difference for students," said Education Secretary Paul Reville. "Our sharp focus on improving instruction, increasing the use of student data and expanding supports for both teachers and students position us well to take the next big step in education reform." Read more>>
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Campaign Spotlight
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 Loaned Executive Training, which took place this week, was a great success. Special thanks go to Webster First Federal Credit Union for providing wonderful conference space. We have sixteen dynamic professionals working with us this year, coming from eleven companies. The Loaned Executives will be working on expanding our reach to employees in the workforce Campaigns at over 180 companies.
Deb Larsen – Senior VP at UniBank is Chairing our Loaned Executive Program. She has recruited terrific volunteers from the following companies: National Grid, The Hanover Insurance Group, UMASS Memorial Healthcare, UMASS Medical School, UniBank, Assumption College, Webster Five, Commerce Bank, Unum, Bowditch & Dewey, Fallon Community Health Plan and WPI.
Thank you Loaned Executives and participating companies for your dedication to your community!
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Community Services Spotlight
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Day of Caring 2010
This year, Day of Caring is September 15, 2010. Groups of volunteers and agencies will once again repair together, restore together, laugh together and most importantly impact and inspire the Greater Worcester community together. Last year over 1,000 volunteers participated in the Day of Caring and with your help, this year will be just a s successful. If you are interested in signing-up a team for Day of Caring, please call Kerri Sandberg at 508-757-5631 ext. 221 or email her.
To learn more about Day of Caring click here>>
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Education Spotlight
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 Wednesday, August 18, we had the opportunity to visit one of the unique programs that has taken place at summer camps in our area for the last two months to prevent the typical summer learning loss that comes with being out of the classroom for more than 8 weeks each year.
United Way and seven other partners have worked to pilot a Summer Learning and Literacy program at four area camp locations. The program isn’t about getting kids to read books, but rather incorporating the art of reading and literacy into typical camp activities. The program was funded through a grant by the Department of Early Education and Care and is being tested throughout the state in urban areas.
Those in attendance for the tour and speaking program at the YWCA Camp Wind in the Pines in Leicester were in full agreement that this is an essential program that needs to be widely implemented and accessible to all children.
Wednesday morning’s presentation and tour offered us a snapshot of this project. Worcester Public School Officials, local legislators, and school committee members joined United Way and other non-profit agency staff who demonstrated the success of the program. Those in attendance saw first hand how the children are benefiting from this collaborative approach.
See some photos from our visit>>
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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, 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. Read more>>
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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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