Celebrating Extraordinary Businesses and Individuals! United Way of Central Massachusetts will host their Annual Business Meeting and Celebration on Wednesday, May 8, 2013 at 4:00 p.m. at Mechanics Hall. Individuals, businesses, and corporate teams will be recognized and celebrated for their extraordinary work to assist United Way in carrying out its mission. Read More

Local postal workers deliver mail and collect food.United Way of Central Massachusetts and The National Association Of Letter Carriers strive to collect 400,000 pounds of food.Letter carriers will do much more than deliver mail on Saturday, May 11, 2013. They will help fill the food banks in the central Massachusetts area that have become bare in these tough economic times. Read More

As the Communications Director for United Way, I have written press releases and stories about the Dollar $cholar event, but had never actually participated as a volunteer. This past Monday, however, I volunteered as a mentor for the first time for the Dollar $cholar conference and, having now experienced this event first hand, would like to share my personal reflection. Read More

As part of National Volunteer Week, United Way of Central Massachusetts honors outstanding volunteer, Margaret Hanson of North Brookfield, MA with the Inspire by Example Award. Margaret will be recognized at United Way’s Annual Celebration on May 8, 2013 at Mechanics Hall.Margaret is described as “the heart and soul of North Brookfield..." Read More

Local company is passionate about giving back to the community! Saint-Gobain and its employees donated both the materials and their time to refinish the gym floor at Girls, Inc. in Worcester, MA this week. By giving this old gymnasium floor a new life, Saint-Gobain is making a long-term significant difference in the quality of the experience for many girls in the city of Worcester. Read More

Approximately 1 in 3 children in Massachusetts are overweight or obese, with low-income children having even higher rates. In low-income neighborhoods, there is frequently a lack of access to full-service grocery stores and farmer’s markets where residents can buy healthy, affordable foods. Without reliable transportation, low-income families are limited to convenience and corner stores that usual Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) was one of ten United Ways in the nation to be invited to participate in United Way’s newly formed Graduation Initiative Partnership. In an increasingly interconnected world, coordinated action at local, state, and national levels will be required to create significant change and make a lasting difference in our communities. Read More

On March 13, 2013, the Women’s Initiative of the United Way of Central Massachusetts hosted a one-of-a-kind Shoe Event at the DSW Store in the Greendale Mall to thank members for their commitment to the Women’s Initiative since its founding 10 years ago. More than 150 members of the Women’s Initiative and their guests attended the event, donating more 400 pairs of shoes. Read More

As part of National Volunteer Week, United Way of Central Massachusetts will honor the outstanding work of volunteers with Inspire by Example Awards. Community volunteers who demonstrate a commitment to community service will be selected to receive special recognition for the valuable work that they do to strengthen the community. Read More

Giving the gift of heat this winter season. National Grid made a generous gift of $155,000 to United Way of Central Massachusetts to ensure that all families in central Massachusetts have heat this winter. This donation will go directly to the Worcester Community Action Council’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Read More

On April 22 – 24, 2013, 230 eighth-grade girls from Oak Middle School in Shrewsbury will be given the tools to be more confident with their money, learn how to use credit wisely, and gain a better understanding of a household budget at the 9th annual Financial Literacy and Economic Empowerment Conference, Dollar $cholars. Read More

Providing valuable skills and experiences to youth. United Way Youth Venture of Central Massachusetts is excited to launch a program for youth ages 12-21 to initiate their own social ventures that benefit their community. In partnership with the YWCA and the Dynamy Youth Academy, youth venture teams will receive training and tools to help build leadership, teamwork, and entrepreneurial skills. Read More

Make a difference in the lives of adolescent girls! The Women’s Initiative of United Way of Central Massachusetts is looking for 100 women who are willing to volunteer for one day at the Dollar $cholar financial literacy conference to be held April 22-24, 2013 from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Assumption College. Read More

James B. Garvin, NASA Scientist and older brother of UWCM's CEO Tim Garvin, visited with students and staff from Clark University and University Park Campus School on Thursday, February 7, as part of a series of leadership events. Read More

United Way Worldwide has declared February 11 as National 2-1-1 Day. 2-1-1 is an easy-to-remember telephone number that is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as a resource for referrals, as well as health and human services information. Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts, part of the Worcester Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition, is excited to announce that the 2013 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites are scheduled to open starting at the end of January (site list and details attached). The VITA sites provide low- to middle- income working families in central Massachusetts with free tax preparation assistance. Read More

“This is about creating opportunity and economic growth. After twenty years of good work and experience at reforming education, we know what works,” said Governor Patrick. “If we are going to accelerate our growth and create opportunity, we must invest. This is not only about the students’ social and economic future – it is about ours.” Read More

On the morning of December 23rd, 65 Worcester firefighters built the groups' record 19th ramp in 2012 for retired firefighter, John Carey, who recently lost part of his leg due to complications from cancer. Mr. Carey served 37 years in the Worcester Fire Department and was not yet home, still undergoing rehabilitation following his surgeries on the day of the build. Read More

United Way's Request for Proposals is starting off the New Year with excitement from agencies looking to create change in this community. More than 65 people from nonprofits throughout central Massachusetts attended an information session about our grant process on January 4, 2013. Read More

United Way Youth Venture of Central Massachusetts is looking for two new partner sites to host the program from Feb - June 2013. The program's mission is to inspire, train, fund, and support youth ages 12-22 to launch their own social ventures and become lifelong leaders of positive change in their communities. Read More

As we set goals for the New Year, we want to take the time to appreciate and celebrate the successes of the past year. We made great strides in advocating for the programs and policies that advance the common good. Thanks to your support, United Way is making a real impact on the issues we all care about: education, family stability, and health. Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts is issuing a request for proposals (RFP) aligned with our strategic vision to LIVE UNITED by investing in educational opportunities, supporting strong families, and building healthy communities. Organizations that meet the qualifications specified in the funding guidance document are invited to apply. Read More

Give the Gift of Fuel, Food, & Shelter to a Local Family. With more than 1 in 4 children in Worcester living below the poverty line and the average age of a homeless person in central Massachusetts at 8 years old, United Way of Central Massachusetts asks you to please remember that many people within our community struggle to meet their basic needs during the winter holiday season. Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts wishes you a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season. We thank you for all you have done in 2012 to LIVE UNITED and look forward to continuing to work with all of you to make our community a better place for all who work and live here. Read More

As the end of the year approaches, the Worcester Fire Fighters Local 1009 “Ramp Gang” celebrate two major milestones in 2012: they built their 100th ramp and completed a total of one mile of ramp. This year alone, these amazing firefighters, in partnership with United Way of Central Massachusetts, donated their time to build 18 new handicap ramps for individuals in central Massachusetts. Read More

Hundreds Converge on Capitol Hill Dec. 4-5 to Protect Charitable Tax Deduction. United Way of Central Massachusetts is joining hundreds of nonprofit leaders on December 4-5, 2012 in the nation’s capital to urge lawmakers to protect a 100-year-old American tradition of common-sense tax policies that encourage giving and help support critical programs and services for people in need. Read More

Celebrate the Holidays by Giving Back to the Community! As the holidays approach and we reflect on the blessings we have received during the last year, our minds and hearts turn to those most in need in our community. As has been the tradition for many years, the Community Services Program at United Way of Central Massachusetts is proud to bring you our 2012 Holiday Wish List. Read More

On November 14, 2012, United Way of Central Massachusetts partnered with American Diabetes Association, MassBio, Novo Nordisk, and Joslin Diabetes Center to bring Changing Diabetes Day to the State House for World Diabetes Day. Diabetes poses a serious threat to individuals and families across the Commonwealth. Read More

In partnership with United Way of Central Massachusetts, the Full-Service Schools Roundtable hosted a discussion at College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA on November 9, 2012 to discuss the vital role school-community partnerships play in student success. Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts has announced the results of the 2011-2012 Fuller Foundation Small Capital Grants. 14 agencies were awarded more than $53,000 total. These grants were available to all current United Way of Central Massachusetts partner agencies and were made possible through the generosity of the Gorge F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation. Read More

United Way would like to publicly THANK all of the linemen and women for their tireless work - in awful conditions - to ensure that all citizens have power, are safe, and can return to everyday life. We bestow upon them the LIVE UNITED Honor and are extremely grateful for their dedication and hard work. Read More

As you know, nearly 8 million people have been impacted by the devastation caused by Hurricane Sandy. To respond to this unprecedented storm, United Way of New York City, in coordination with United Way U.S.A., has established a regional fund to address near-term and long-term recovery needs of impacted communities. Read More

On Friday, October 26, 2012, Wegmans Northborough presented the largest single store donation to United Way by a grocery store in New England. Wegmans presented two $25,593.67 checks to United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Tri-County United Way. Wegmans is clearly committed to LIVING UNITED by making a difference in every community they serve. Read More

On October 16, United Way of Central Massachusetts was thrilled to visit with Ralph Smith, managing director of the Campaign for Grade-Level Reading, who gave a keynote address at an event held at College of the Holy Cross. This event, hosted by United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Worcester Education Collaborative, was a community briefing on Worcester's Grade Level Reading Initiative. Read More

On October 8, 2012, Tm Garvin, President and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts, appeared on the Hank Stolz Experience and explained the role of United Way in this community. Tim highlighted the mission, along with the strategies that support the mission. If you want to understand what our United Way does in this community, watch the interview here! Read More

For the past 94 years, the leadership and employees of Saint-Gobain demonstrate the same generosity and compassion community leaders envisioned when they formed the United Way of Central Massachusetts in 1920. Saint-Gobain kicks off its annual workplace campaign for United Way of Central Massachusetts this week with events, such as an employee barbecue, road race, and tent sale. Read More

The Worcester Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition (EITC) helps working Individuals and families move from "getting by" to getting ahead" by providing free tax preparation and assistance. The Worcester EITC is holding two volunteer information sessions on Monday, November 5th and Tuesday, November 13th from 5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Read More

The Women’s Initiative of United Way of Central Massachusetts hosted its annual Stepping Up For Girls event on Thursday, September 20, 2012 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. Nearly 400 people attended the event, raising more than $70,000 for programming for girls that evening. Read More

United Way Chooses Recipient for Vehicle Granted through the Recycled Rides Program. Al Brodeur's Auto Body and The Hanover Insurance Group work with Local Partners to Help Worcester Women get back on the Road! A Worcester Woman and Her Two Boys Drove Off in Their Donated 2008 Honda Civic. Read More

As part of its annual fundraising campaign for United Way of Central Massachusetts, Commerce Bank is again offering its customers and the public the opportunity to join the Bank in supporting the United Way by making a donation to the organization at any of its 13 offices in Central Massachusetts. Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts is currently seeking two full-time Americorps Vista Volunteers. Americorps VISTA Members are volunteers, receiving a modest living allowance, health insurance, and other benefits in exchange for a year of service. Open Positions: Volunteer Center Coordinator VISTA and School and Community Partnership Coordinator VISTA Read More

Planning for the 2012 holiday season is under way! We are seeking short-term, fun, and interesting volunteer opportunities from mid November through January 2013. We invite you to be part of our annual Holiday Wish List, which provides agencies and programs with a widely distributed, professionally published means of volunteer recruitment. The Wish List will also be available on our website. Read More

Family Festival to Promote Healthy Affordable Food for All. The Worcester Food & Active Living Policy Council announced plans today for “Worcester Food Day”, scheduled to be held on Saturday, October 20th from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Regional Environmental Council’s Main South Farmer’s Market located at the YMCA Central Branch. Read More

Saint-Gobain continues to show their support for United Way of Central Massachusetts! This one-day tent sale on October 13, 2012 from 9am - 1pm on their Worcester campus is open to the public! All proceeds will be donated to the United Way! Bring your friends and stock up on DIY products at the tent sale! Volunteers are also needed for this event. Read More

The Women’s Initiative of United Way of Central Massachusetts is pleased to announce three new committee members: Kate Myshrall of Seven Hills, Kerri Melley of Baystate Financial, and Stephanie Williams of Anna Maria College. As committee members, these women will join the Coordinating Committee to carry out the many responsibilities for the Women’s Initiative. Read More

On Wednesday, September 12, more than 1,300 people showed up for the largest one-day volunteer drive in the region! These amazing men and women put on LIVE UNITED t-shirts and big smiles, and spent the day volunteering at nonprofit organizations throughout the region. Read More

The Women’s Initiative of United Way of Central Massachusetts will host its annual Stepping Up For Girls event on Thursday, September 20, 2012. The reception and program will be held at Mechanics Hall from 4:30-6:30 p.m. More than 500 women (and men) from local colleges, businesses and non-profits will attend the event on Thursday night which is sponsored primarily by Bank of America. Read More

Promoting the Kickoff of United Way’s Annual Workplace Campaign. United Way of Central Massachusetts thanks Commerce Bank for generously promoting United Way’s workforce campaign at the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Club held on Thursday, September 7, 2012 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA. Read More

United Way’s Board of Directors is a dedicated group who are invaluable to the community, both for their enthusiasm in raising money and wisdom in assuring its distribution. United Way is thrilled to have such talented and diverse business and community leaders joining the board this year! Read More

Statement on National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month from Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. September marks the start of National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, a time for us to encourage America’s children to develop healthy habits that can last a lifetime. All kids deserve to experience the positive health benefits of daily physical activity and healthy eating. Read More

On September 12, keep your eyes open for more than 1,000 people in LIVE UNITED t-shirts as they take to the streets of central Massachusetts to participate in this unique community-wide event. Every year volunteers including individuals from the corporate sector, unions, and colleges, participate in one-day communities service projects created by local agencies. Read More

It is time to RSVP to the Women's Initiative 10th Annual Stepping Up for Girls Event on Thursday, September 20 at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. The Women's Initiative continues to change adolescent girls' lives for the better by engaging the support and involvement of the women in our community. Read More

Article in the Telegram & Gazette: Linda A. Cavaioli of Worcester, Executive Director of the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, will receive WCCA-TV 13's annual Father Michael Bafaro Humanitarian Award Oct. 18 at Maironis Park in Shrewsbury. The award is given to a person who is recognized for their service to humanity. Congratulations Linda! Read More

Some recent improvements are set to expire at the end of the year which would negatively impact working families. Your voice is needed to urge Members of Congress to make these improvements permanent and to protect the EITC in conversations regarding deficit reduction and tax reform. Read More

A few weeks ago, working with the City of Worcester’s Division of Public Health, we helped to distribute an important health survey to our friends, supporters, partners, and contacts. After distributing this survey on our website, Facebook, Linked In, and Twitter, we received a note that they had more than 1300 responses to the survey! Thank you for LIVING UNITED! Read More

Mobile Farmers' Market unveilied on Monday, August 20th at Grant Square Park in Worcester. The market will make 10 stops a week to neighborhoods throughout the city, bringing fresh produce to low-income residents. The Veggie Mobile is part of the Regional Environmental Council's Food Justice Program, which works to increase the accessibility and affordability of healthy produce for city residents. Read More

The House Appropriations Committee recently released a draft of their funding bill that once again calls for dramatic cuts to the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS). The bill directs agency staff to shut down CNCS and eliminates funding for vital programs including AmeriCorps and VISTA. Read More

Tim Garvin, President and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts, spoke at UniBank’s Grand Opening Celebration in Worcester, MA yesterday. As part of the grand opening, UniBank has committed $100,000 to area nonprofits. Read More

CONNECTING PEOPLE AND RESOURCES TO IMPROVE THE COMMUNITY: United Way of Central Massachusetts Investing more than $5.7 Million in Community. United Way of Central Massachusetts has announced the results of their most recent grant cycle. 35 agencies were awarded nearly $2.8 million, representing 51 programs serving the greater Worcester community. Read More

In commemoration of the Women’s Initiative’s 10th Anniversary, 40 Founding Members came together to establish a Founder’s Challenge Match. Each founding member has been asked to consider making a donation over and above their annual donation. Read More

The City of Worcester and United Way of Central Massachusetts were one of the 32 finalists for the All-America City Award for their proposal to improve third grade reading. As part of the conference, Tim Garvin was invited to present some of the literacy struggles within the city of Worcester and the initiatives underway to increase literacy. Read More

These six college students share the common goal of wanting to discover more ways to give back to their community and hope to not only gain business experience and practice, but also inspire others to LIVE UNITED! Read More

United Way Opens Day of Caring Registration for Nonprofits in Central MA. Each agency is invited to develop unique projects specific to their organizational needs. Projects can include restoration and repair; preservation and beautification; gardening or neighborhood cleanup; and recreation and social events with community interaction and client contact. Read More

Thank you to Charles Ribakoff, CEO of The Harr Companies for matching all 2011 employee campaign contributions! You clearly understand the importance of the work we do and what it means to LIVE UNITED! You are an example of how great business leaders inspire great campaigns. Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Read More

Addressing the Issue of Violence Affecting Adolescent Girls: The Women’s Initiative of United Way of Central Massachusetts recently awarded $300,765 to fund 12 programs in central Massachusetts that directly impact the lives of adolescent girls. Read More

UWCM awarded Susan and John Lawrence the “Inspire by Example” Outstanding Volunteer award. The “Inspire by Example” award is given to local volunteers by the United Way of Central Massachusetts each year during National Volunteer Week. Recipients are chosen for their exceptional community commitment and for going above and beyond to help those in need. Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts received a check for $500 from the student council at the Raymond E. Shaw Elementary School in Millbury. Under the leadership of Principal, Jenn Bellville, these students have committed to living the DREAM: Demonstrate Citizenship; Respect School Self and Others; Embrace Differences; Actively Participate in Learning; and Maintain a Safe Environment. Read More

Nonprofit organizations within United Way of Central MA service area are invited to submit a service project to be completed by volunteers during Day of Caring, on September 12, 2012 Day of Caring provides volunteers an opportunity to make a difference in the community by participating in local community service projects. Read More

Tim Garvin, president and CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts, and Alexandra Noonan, the summer youth volunteer intern and Holy Cross student, join NECN Morning Show to discuss the importance of volunteering. Volunteering in the summer is a great way for youth to fulfill community service requirements, build resumes, give back to their community, and connect with other youth. Read More

Members of the Women’s Initiative gathered at Becker College to celebrate last year’s accomplishments of the Women’s Initiative. About 85 members and guests enjoyed the beautiful surroundings and gardens of 80 Williams Street hosted by Michelle Jones-Johnson, Robert Johnson, and Becker College. Read More

Maryellen and Michael Collins hosted an intimate gathering of Alexis de Tocqueville members at their home, Grenon House, on April 25, 2012. Dr. Michael Collins greeted everyone and talked about why the United Way is important to this community and to UMass Medical. Tim Garvin, President/CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts thanked everyone for coming. Read More

Join United Way's Summer Youth Volunteer Program! It's FREE and open to youth ages 13-17. The program runs for 6 weeks (6/18-7/27) and is comprised of "done-in-a-day" community service projects. Each project is based at a local site within the Worcester Community. Read More

The United Way of Central MA is currently seeking three full-time Americorps VISTA Members to serve a one year term with the Volunteer Center. Americorps VISTA Members are volunteers, receiving a modest living allowance, health insurance and other benefits in exchange for a year of service. Read More

Kevin O’Sullivan, President and CEO of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiative, will lead the United Way of Central Massachusetts campaign this fall. “The United Way continues to be a tremendous resource in Central Massachusetts for helping people in need as well as galvanizing community support for key public services such as education, family stability and health." Read More

New program combines work of city health officials, hospitals, and community partners. “Reducing obesity, focusing on cancer, reducing arthritis, but how do we braid all those together to have a single strategic plan,” says Tim Garvin, with United Way of Central Massachusetts. Read More

An ambitious plan to ensure that more Worcester children are reading at grade level by the end of third grade has been chosen as a finalist for the All-America City Award, sponsored each year by the National Civic League. Read More

United Way in partnership with Worcester Public Schools will be co-hosting the second annual Getting Ready Day event on Wednesday, June 6th from 8:30-12pm. Getting Ready Day is a part of Worcester Public School’s preschool and kindergarten open house and is specifically focused on increasing student readiness and parent engagement early for entering preschoolers and kindergartners Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts held the 2012 Annual Celebration held at Mechanics Hall in Worcester on May 22nd. Local businesses and leaders were honored for their commitments to the community. The theme for this year's annual celebration was "Journey to Success." With the United Way at the center of the compass, the community is on a journey toward improvement. Read More

“So often, we think of contributing food during holiday time; but during the summers when children are not in school receiving free and reduced breakfasts and lunches – there is a critical need. And with our current economy, the need for food has increased dramatically, up 17% from last year alone. The Letter Carriers' Food Drive fills that need,” said Paul Soucy, Director of Labor- AFL/CIO at... Read More

United Way of Central Mass held its second annual United Way Youth Venture Selection Panel. The panel served as the culmination of the work of three teams of young people. Since December, these teams have been crafting, creating, and refining ideas for social ventures that will help the community they belong to- be it their school, another school, or their city. Read More

The Telegram & Gazette highlights the short film “Breaking Through Main South Concrete,” a production of Youth Empowerment & Activism (YEA). The YEA video production represents an extension of the ongoing work of United Way and its partners to transform Main South through the Promise Neighborhoods initiative. Read More

The United Way OF Central Massachusetts's Annual Celebration held on May 22 in Mechanics Hall was featured in both the Telegram & Gazette and GOLOCAL Worcester News! Celebrating United Way of Central Massachusetts’ Journey to Success, many local leaders and businesses were honored for their contributions to the community. Read More

Each month, Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC), highlights significant "stars" who have provided extra special help with their customers and programs. Through the Donor of the Month section of their website, the agency thanks donors, volunteers, staff, and board members who contribute their time and attention to making WCAC its best. Read More

Rainy skies did not dampen the spirits of community leaders and Worcester Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) Coalition members as they joined 125 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) volunteers and site coordinators for the Coalition’s annual ceremony to celebrate the accomplishments of the volunteers at Quinsigamond College on April 23rd. The ceremony’s theme, “Our success rests with volunteers... Read More

United Way of Central Massachusetts recently held their annual workplace campaign within the Worcester Public Schools, among hundreds of other local companies. As a challenge to all school employees, local benefactor and business owner, Charles Ribakoff, HARR Motor Group, offered a cash incentive for school supplies to the school with the highest participation and the highest dollar amount... Read More

Marcy Reed, President of National Grid Massachusetts and Chair of the Board of Directors for United Way of Central Massachusetts, shared a letter to the editor in today's Telegram & Gazette voicing her support and praise for the work being done to improve the community. "I consider myself lucky to be part of this community when I see the United Way of Central Massachusetts doing what it does best Read More

Congratulations to this year's "Inspire by Example" Outstanding Volunteer winners: Pepper's Fine Foods and Catering; Patricia & Charles Surette; Darcy Schwartz; and Susan Mitchell--all who are wonderful examples of volunteers in action. It is National Volunteer Week and we want to thank you for connecting people and resources to improve our community. Whether you participated in Day of Caring... Read More

Through our United Way Community Support Fund, National Grid recently granted $155,000 to be used exclusively for local energy/fuel assistance. United Way is proud to connect people with resources to improve our community--designating these funds to Worcester Community Action Council's fuel assistance program Read More

The Massachusetts Service Alliance (MSA) recently announced a statewide call for volunteers with the launch of their YOU Generate campaign. This initiative is focused on increasing the number of volunteers in the Commonwealth and creating awareness of how volunteering can solve critical community issues. The campaign launches statewide during National Volunteer Week, April 15 – 21, 2012. Read More

Commerce Bank lead the way in the 2011 campaign with over 83% of their employees donating to United Way of Central Massachusetts. In an economic climate that continues to be sluggish they managed to increase their donations to the community by 17%. Additionally, they gave many hundreds of hours of volunteer time to help improve the communities where they live and work. Read More

The National Children’s Study is a multi-year research study that will examine the effects of environmental influences on the health and development of more than 100,000 children across the United States, following them from before birth until age 21. Read More

Superintendent Melinda J. Boone told the staff yesterday that they will all have to reapply for their jobs at the school or look elsewhere. Principal Paula Severin plans to resign at the end June, and University Park Campus School Principal Ricci Hall will take over in July, said Worcester public schools Chief Academic Officer Jeffrey J. Mulqueen, who accompanied Ms. Boone to Claremont yesterday. Read More

“Not only can we stop summer reading loss, but we can all have a good time promoting reading, writing, and other literacy activities!” Staff member at a participating program. United Way is pleased to share with you the recently released final evaluation from last summer’s Summer Learning Collaborative, which our United Way has been a part of for the past two years. Read More

The Women's Initiative Dollar $cholar Program engages local women in providing financial literacy education to adolescent girls. Recently, the Women's Initiative held its full-day conferences for middle school girls, utilizing the time and talent of more than 100 professional women as volunteers and role models. “Our volunteer mentors want to be able to look these girls in the eye and encourage... Read More

Thursday, March 22, 2012 - Governor Patrick legislators and advocates to sign H. 3754, “An Act to Provide Retirement Options for Nonprofit Organizations.” Providing support to small non-profits and their employees who often are without a long-term retirement account, Governor Deval Patrick signed into law today legislation that creates a state-administered contributory retirement plan for... Read More

National Volunteer Week, April 15-21, 2012, is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to engage in their communities. It's about taking action and encouraging individuals and their respective communities to be at the center of social change--discovering and actively demonstrating their collective power to foster positive transformation. Read More

Women’s Initiative Next Generation, simply known as “WINGS,” is a young women’s group dedicated to improving lives in our community by directly supporting the mission of the Women’s Initiative-- to promote women’s leadership and philanthropy to create positive and measurable change for women and children. Read More

The Worcester Earned Income Tax Credit Coalition opens Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites through the end of February. Please note, that most sites will go to an abbreviated schedule after February and those days and times will not be determined until mid February. Translation available.
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January 25, 2012, Governor Deval Patrick released his budget proposal for FY2013, and we are happy to inform you that afterschool and youth programs were supported in this budget proposal. The After School and Out of School Time Quality Grant (Line Item 7061-9611) at the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education was level funded in this proposal at $1.41 million. Read More

Recently, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) released updated nutrition standards for school meals. The first update in more than 15 years, the new standards will help schools provide healthier breakfasts and lunches for millions of students. Read More