Worcester Business Journal

6 Giving Guide 2020 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com BY PHYLLIS HANLON | Giving Guide Editor Nonprofit Status 2020 The idea behind this project was "…to highlight the orga- nizations that continue to make strides to improve the quality of life here in Central Massachusetts." This special publication gave a voice and visibility to groups, agencies and organizations that work tirelessly with limited budgets to feed, clothe, house, educate and otherwise help those in our community who need assistance. This year the intent of the Giving Guide remains the same, but social and economic circumstances are quite dif- ferent. In 2019, the state was enjoying an unemployment rate of 3.3 percent and home prices had risen 10 percent from the previous year. This year (as of May 22), the unemployment rate skyrocketed to 15.1 percent, families were searching for ways to pay for rent, utilities and food, and quarantining became the "new normal." Many businesses, including restaurants, entertainment venues and retail stores, shut- tered their doors in March due to the pandemic. Schools also ceased on-site operations, thrusting parents into the unfamiliar role of educator. The domino effect from these closures affected, and continues to affect, Americans in numerous ways. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) officially declared that the COVID-19 virus has created a global recession. In 2020, the Giving Guide continues the tradition of fea- turing local non-profits. But this year's issue brings greater urgency. The COVID-19 virus has presented challenges that are taxing organizations that already operate on shoe- string budgets. However, the role of our local non-profit organizations has never been more important than now. Although the federal government has provided some financial support with the Health and Economic Recovery Omnibus Emerging Solutions Act (HEROES Act) and the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), some individuals, families and business owners still struggle to pay bills and put food on the table. Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has created a widespread health crisis not seen in a century. The numbers of positive cases and deaths released in daily reports have been rising steadily. Although Massachusetts appears to have slowed the progression, significant risk still exists. Throughout these last few months, non-profit organiza- tions have been working diligently to address a variety of unmet needs. Their assistance and support have helped to ameliorate some of the pain. During the current crisis, health care agencies, such as the Edward M. Kennedy Community Health Center, Family Health Center of Worcester, Open Sky, Seven Hills Foundation and Venture Community Services and others, have demonstrated creativity and flexibility in devising pro- grams, protocols and new processes to protect their staff and those they serve. As hospitals were flooded with those who contracted the virus, alternative venues for the overflow of patients became scarce. To prevent the spread of the virus in its group homes, HMEA created an Isolation Center in a matter of weeks and adopted telehealth and virtual support systems. Catholic Charities reports the number of families they have served in the last few months has tripled. Reliant Foundation has given more than $161,000 in emergency grants to 28 non-profit organizations in Central Massachusetts and Metro West. As non-essential businesses were required to close their doors, the YMCA immediately offered child care services for front-line workers. Food insecurity issues prompted the Y to begin weekly meal deliveries in Worcester, Fitchburg and Southbridge. From the beginning of the crisis, the Y has strived to maintain connections with its members through phone calls and virtual classes. The Worcester Community Action Council shifted to virtual learning and educational activities for its 300+ chil- dren and families in an effort to maintain academic levels. While the COVID-19 virus has created chaos in every aspect of life, many of the non-profits featured in this year's Giving Guide embrace hope and belief that good will come of this pandemic. Much credit goes to these non-profit organizations that pivoted nimbly to adjust to new circum- stances, continuing to deliver services while ensuring staff and client safety. In the future, goals, processes and business as usual will undoubtedly take on a new look. But these organizations, many of which have been in existence for decades, have faced crises in the past. Although the present situation is unlike any the world has faced in a century, forward-think- ing leaders are readying preparedness plans for inevitable changes in the future. These organizations have shown resiliency and resource- fulness during this crisis, but face tremendous financial challenges now and in the foreseeable future. Now it is the community's turn to help them weather the inevitable financial challenges they face as we move toward containing this pandemic. n Non-Profits Rise to the Challenge of COVID-19 I n 2010, the Worcester Business Journal published its first Giving Guide. This new publication shined a spotlight on approximately 20 non-profit organizations in Worcester and surrounding towns. I n an effort to shed a spotlight on some of our region's most impactful nonprofits, we are proud to be publishing the 11th annual Central Massachusetts Giving Guide. The need for support of our nonprofit community has never been greater, as many organizations have suffered from funding shortfalls along with an increased demand for services. The goal of this publication is to provide an easy-to-read snapshot of each organization's mission and goals, top volunteer activities and major fundraising events, as well as a list of board members and senior leadership. While you may be familiar with many of these organizations, we're confident that you'll discover a few new things you didn't know about each one of them. Central MA is home to a dynamic nonprofit community, and the best run organizations are always evolving and adapting their services to meet the changing needs of the marketplace - especially during this time of crisis. Our business community has a long tradition of giving back, and you'll see the names of many top executives and committed corporate citizens on the boards of each of the nonprofits profiled in this issue. That engagement is not only energizing for those who serve on the board of directors, but also for a wide variety of companies and their employees who volunteer both time and resources in giving back to those in need. Supporting our nonprofit community is integral to the mission of our long time partners in the Giving Guide, the United Way and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, and for our new partners the Esler Foundation and Harpswell Capital Advisors. It is great to be teaming up with them to produce this annual directory. Successful companies care about their employees and their community. So if your company is looking for a way to engage in doing good, dig into the Giving Guide and find more out about the exciting work that these great organizations are doing and how you can lend a helping hand. Also note that a digital edition of the Giving Guide will be on our website year round at wbjournal.com,and each non- profit profile is also on the WBJ website under the "Biz Marketplace" tab - meaning the Giving Guide is alive in print and online! n Peter Stanton WBJ Publisher & CEO Peter Stanton Publisher/CEO New England Business Media From the Publisher

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