Worcester Business Journal

6 Giving Guide 2023 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com BY PHYLLIS HANLON | Giving Guide Editor Nonprofit Status 2023 In addition to these amenities, Worcester is home to many non-profit organiza- tions, whose presence oftentimes goes unnoticed. But the benefits they deliver have a significant impact on the quality of life for those living in Worcester and beyond. This year the Worcester Business Journal publishes its 14th annual Giving Guide, a directory of local non-profit organizations that work to address social, education- al, health care and cultural needs. Without these organizations, the collective "we" would find life much more challenging. Everybody benefits in some way from non-profits, even though they may not realize it. According to The National Council of Nonprofits, "Charitable nonprofits embody the best of America. They provide a way for people to work together for the com- mon good, transforming shared beliefs and hopes into action. They give shape to our boldest dreams, highest ideals, and noblest causes." The Council also reported that these organizations contribute directly to the economy by employing 10 percent of the U.S. workforce. Non-profit payrolls exceed those of most other U.S. industries, including construction, transportation, and finance. The most recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) show that in 2017 Massachusetts non-profits employed 551,117 individuals in some capacity; that figure represents 18 percent of the total state workforce, the fifth highest percentage in the country. In addition to employing a significant portion of the population, non-profit organizations create work opportunities for millions who might otherwise face challenges finding a job. In many cases, these agencies provide training and job placement. Furthermore, surveys show that the non-profit sector has high levels of job satisfaction, which contributes to recruitment and retention. Non-profits have also demonstrated more resiliency throughout the last few tur- bulent years than other sectors, according to the National Council of Nonprofits. These agencies continue to add jobs regardless of economic conditions. Taking a broader look, non-profits help to spur economic activity through a trickle-down effect. For example, if you support a non-profit sponsored event, you are supporting their mission and the people they serve as well as those involved in planning and executing the event. In many instances, non-profit agencies partner with for-profit businesses, thus strengthening the local economy. Commonwealth Insights, a publication of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, reports that non-profits are known for their contributions to human services, education, cultural and historical preservation, health care, and environmental awareness and protection. The non-profits featured in this issue exemplify every one of these categories and demonstrate how they serve the greater good. Several of these organizations provide a broad portfolio of services that address basic human needs, particularly for those with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, addiction, chronic illness, food insecurity, poverty, and homeless- ness. Some of the featured non-profits focus on childhood education and care. The Brookings Institute noted, "Community-based early care and education, delivered at scale, can provide lasting impacts, and may serve as a catalyst for children's success later in life—particularly for those from less resourced environments." Worcester is fortunate to have vital resources like the Guild of St. Agnes and the Rainbow Child Development Center; both agencies create a nurturing environment in which chil- dren can learn, grow, and succeed. Other agencies are committed to a specific focus; for instance, the New England Center for Children addresses the needs of children with autism and the Learning Center for the Deaf provides a portfolio of services for children with impaired hearing. Organizations such as the Central MA Agency on Aging and Colony Retirement work to improve the quality of life for seniors and their caregivers by providing companionship, healthcare, meals, transportation, and other relevant services. Worcester area non-profits address the issue of homelessness, which continues to be a major problem across the country. According to the 2019 Homeless Assessment report from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 18,471 peo- ple in Massachusetts experienced homelessness during that January; 917 of those individuals were veterans and 480 were 24 years old or younger. The report also noted that 1,392 individuals in the Bay State experience chronic homelessness. Non-Profit Organizations: Impacting Quality of Life in Worcester and Beyond U .S. News & World recently released its 2022-2023 results for the "150 Best Places to Live." Worcester ranked No. 69 on the list, ahead of Atlanta, Chicago, and Honolulu. The City does have much to offer: an impressive history; affordable housing; quality public schools, colleges, and universi- ties; a diverse culture; semi-professional sports teams; excellent dining options; and outstanding entertainment and arts venues.

• Cover