Health Care For All
hcfama.org

Diabetes Coalition of MA

Foreclosure Prevention Help

Fuel Assistance

Get info on free tax preparation and EITC refunds
Earned Income Tax Credit

Government Food, Housing and Energy Programs
GovBenefits.gov
GovLoans.gov

Hunger Solutions &
Programs:
Food Stamp Program

Mass.Gov/DTA

Parents Helping Parents website

Common Pathways

Health and Human Services resource links

Creating Community Impact

Mission: United Way of Central Massachusetts connects people and resources to improve the community.
Vision: Central Massachusetts Lives United by investing in educational opportunities, supporting strong families and building healthy communities.

In 2008-2009 UWCM invested $5.8 million dollars into our local community. Link to T&G article

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.

In order to have the greatest effect, United Way of Central Massachusetts first identifies the immediate and most crucial needs of the Central Massachusetts community. With the help of many volunteers, these critical needs and impact areas were identified.

We learned that our community is in a cyclical pattern; children in need grow up to be adults in need. By focusing on the root causes and the needs of our children and youth, we are able to create the greatest positive impact on the future of our community. Our impact areas include.

Ensuring Children’s Readiness for School
Supporting Positive Youth Development 
Helping People Most in Need

In addition to United Way's 2008-09 community investments, the Board of Directors recently voted in favor of awarding funding to be used toward the creation of the Worcester Education Collaborative. In addition to the financial support, the board has authorized United Way to serve as the fiscal agent of the Collaborative and to offer in-kind support.Funding has also been awarded to the Mohegan Council, Boy Scouts of America's capital campaign resulting from the December 2008 ice storm damage. This funding is 10% of the total campaign to restore their property to the condition most beneficial to the thousands of boys and girls that participate in programs at Treasure Valley.

Creating Community Change through Collaborations
Through the following strategic initiatives, coalitions, and community programs, United Way is working to convene partners throughout our community to create lasting change in the most pressing issues of Central Massachusetts.

Women’s Initiative
An initiative that engages the time, talent and treasure of women to make a positive impact on the lives of women and children. The current focus on middle school girls has women mobilizing and educating the community on the rising occurrence of violence in the lives of girls. Two new dynamic programs are currently funded by the generosity of members of the Women’s Initiative. Learn more

Building Brighter Futures with Youth
An initiative that is designed to increase meaningful job opportunities and career potential for low income youth between 16 and 19 years. With business, government, non-profit and youth partners, this initiative is leveraging systemic change in youth employment practices and resources city-wide. Learn more

Together for Kids
An initiative that addresses the increasing incidence of challenging behaviors in pre-school settings through a collaborative process that places mental health clinicians directly in childcare settings. These staff work with children, their families and staff as necessary. Visit UMass Memorial's Community Healthlink website to learn more.

EITC
UWCM is part of the Worcester EITC Coalition, which is working to create awareness about the Earned Income Tax Credit and engage volunteers to help prepare taxes for free. The Coalition recruits volunteers to serve at VITA sites and helps people claim eligible tax credits. We are also working to build awareness about financial issues such as predatory lending practices, pay day loans, and predatory tax preparation services that further hinder an individual’s ability to save and build assets. Learn more

2-1-1
Just as you would call 9-1-1 in an emergency, United Way of Central Massachusetts has partnered with other United Way’s across the state, to establish Mass 2-1-1 to help with non-life threatening needs. 2-1-1 is an easy to remember telephone number that connects callers to information about health and human services available in their community. It serves as a resource for finding government benefits and services, non-profit organizations, support groups, volunteer opportunities, donation programs, and other local resources. Visit Mass 2-1-1's website to learn more.

Homeownership and Foreclosure Prevention
UWCM is partnering with Neighborworks HomeOwnership Center of Worcester which offers an extensive array of services and programs to train, counsel, and finance both potential homebuyers and current homeowners.

Worcester ranks 32nd nationally for the rate of foreclosure. The Foreclosure Crises not only affects the family left homeless, but affects the neighborhood and the city/town tax income, too. Help is available for new homebuyers (First time home buyer training, credit counseling, financial literacy training) and for homeownership preservation (avoiding delinquencies and foreclosures, foreclosure counseling, financial management.)Visit the Neighborworks HomeOwnership Center of Worcester website to learn more.

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Copyright ©2004 United Way of Central Massachusetts

484 Main Street

Worcester, Ma. 01608

phone: 508-757-5631

fax:  508-757-2712