Worcester Business Journal Special Editions

6 Giving Guide 2021 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com BY PHYLLIS HANLON | Giving Guide Editor Nonprofit Status 2021 As the days stretched into weeks and then months, the devastating loss of life, income, jobs, housing, access to food and other basic necessities, security and, in some cases, mental stability escalated and exacted a toll that has yet to be fully calculated and comprehended. For non-profit organizations, business as usual often presents nearly insurmountable obstacles; the pandemic brought additional unimaginable challeng- es to the mission and work of these entities. However, in a true spirit of community involvement and com- mitment, these groups led the way in creating and implementing solutions to help keep the economy running and family life somewhat intact. All the organizations featured in this annual publi- cation are having a significant impact on the local community. From newborns to older adults, they are making a lifechanging difference as they rise to the many challenges COVID-19 and now the Delta vari- ant have presented. Early in the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized the need for testing in an attempt to limit the spread, so some non-profits created COVID testing sites. Once vaccines received emergency use authorization, some organiza - tions quickly set up vaccinations centers and continued to monitor the virus through contact tracing. Non-profits recognized that scores of the medical professionals would be needed to care for those who had contracted the virus but faced a dilemma when it came to ensuring the safety of their families. Again, non-profits found a solution. While most childcare facilities shuttered their doors, the YMCA immediately provided a safe haven for families that included child care, meals and educa- tional opportunities in a clean, protected environ- ment. Also cognizant of the adverse effects of pan- demic-induced isolation and anxiety, the Y sought to address individuals' emotional needs and pivoted to fitness classes through a virtual platform. Other non-profit groups presented creative and effective solutions to other virus-related problems. For instance, Community Legal Aid provided pro bono assistance for those facing eviction, difficulty access- ing unemployment benefits and/or food stamps. The Worcester Community Action Council, which serves low- and low-moderate income individuals and families, managed to continue business uninterrupted as the organization adopted online applications and provided virtual and remote services as well as self-ser- vice stations. The pandemic wrecked financial havoc when busi- nesses closed and laid off workers. Fiscal instability led to the inability to maintain mortgage and rent pay- ments. RCAP Solutions stepped up its efforts by focusing on financial assistance for renters, homeown- ers and landlords. The problem of homelessness became more preva- lent during the pandemic so the City asked Net of Compassion to operate two emergency shelters in the City on a 24/7 basis. Not only did these shelters pro- vide a warm, safe place to sleep and a temporary home, but it also offered wrap-around services to ensure that all human needs were addressed. While the pandemic exacted an astronomical toll in terms of human life, it also brought to the forefront of our consciousness, the prevalence of inequity and social injustice on many levels from housing, health- care and employment to poverty, education and food insecurity. Non-profits, who have always been advo- cates for change, responded to the situation and ramped up efforts to examine inequality. As you read these profiles, you'll find a recurring theme: diversity, equity and inclusion. Many organizations have, or are creating, teams that specifically aim to address struc- tural and cultural sources of racism, bias and inequity. As the pandemic lingers, non-profit organizations are finding that some of the emergency measures imple- mented out of necessity, particularly virtual and remote support, have served its target audiences effectively. Some of these new concepts, programs and methods may remain in place once the COVID virus is a dim memory. Infectious disease experts warn that the pandemic is far from over. But charitable organizations have made life more bearable as the world pushes ahead. But in order to maintain services and ongoing support for their clients, all non-profit organizations require alignment with the business community, volunteers and donations to help fulfill their mission and vision. Through cooperation, collaboration and commit- ment, the entire community can foster society's safe reopening. Non-profit organizations serve as a safety net, well positioned to help society resume some sem- blance of normalcy post-pandemic. n Post-Pandemic Forecast: Life Reimagined T o say that 2020 was a "tough" year would be a gross understatement. When the country went into lockdown last March, all of society was negatively affected, from businesses, schools and entertainment venues to retailers, religious institutions and families. Anticipating a brief pause to business as usual at that time, society soon came to realize that a full-fledged pandemic held the world in its grip and would not let go any time soon. S ince 1850, Country Bank has been an integral part of the community, recognized as the go-to financial institution for a wide range of per- sonal and business products as well as a dependable community partner. A state-chartered institution, Country Bank has embraced the values of respect, courtesy and good manners since its incep- tion and is driven by its mission to grow mutually beneficial relationships with customers, community and staff. Headquartered in Ware, Country Bank has 14 offic- es: Belchertown, Brimfield, Charlton, Leicester, Ludlow, Palmer, Paxton, Ware, West Brookfield, Wilbraham and Worcester. In addition to serving as a sound financial resource, Country Bank is dedicated to serving the needs of the local community. Those efforts took on new meaning and purpose with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020. Country Bank had begun planning a series of major events when the COVID-19 virus brought life to a standstill. Anticipating a brief slowdown, plans con- tinued to evolve until it became apparent that the pandemic would impose a more serious and longer lasting impact than first expected. Without hesitation, Country Bank shifted gears to focus on how it could best serve the local community. "We quickly pivoted and listened to the community. We determined where there was a need and then worked to address it," said Jodie Gerulaitis, Vice President – Community Relations. Early in the pandemic, first responders worked around-the-clock to care for those who had contract- ed the disease. Recognizing the importance of keeping them and their families safe, the Bank arranged safe housing accommodations for first responders in Ludlow and Southbridge. Local businesses had to shutter their doors, elimi- nating any income and bringing some to the brink of bankruptcy. Country Bank injected some much-need- ed revenue into local communities by purchasing gift cards to local businesses and then distributed them to customers. These efforts helped to keep the local economy afloat, while also enabling its customers to purchase goods. Focused on basic necessities, Country Bank offered support to many local organizations, including Why Me/Sherry's House, Provision Ministry, The Worcester Youth Center, Worcester County Food Bank, The Mustard Seed, St. John's Food Program, Friends of the Homeless, Rachel's Table, and The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. Food scarcity emerged as a serious problem for a significant portion of the local community. Country Bank partnered with Old Sturbridge Village to provide nourishment for those in need. The original goal was to provide 400 meals to five area shelters, but that number grew to 750 in response to a growing need. Country Bank's Season of Giving Initiatives 2020 provided significant monetary support to a number of COUNTRY BANK: Building Relationships for 171 Years

• Cover