Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Giving Guide 2024 5 U nited in Purpose. United Way of Central Massachusetts, has been at the forefront of driving meaningful change across our community. Through our steadfast commitment to fostering a Healthy Community, promoting Youth Opportunity, ensuring Financial Security, and nurturing Community Resiliency, we are proud to have profoundly impacted the lives of countless individuals and families throughout the region. In the realm of Healthy Community, the United Way of Central Massachusetts has been instrumental in addressing pressing issues such as food insecurity, shelter and housing, and advancing racial equity. Our tireless efforts in this arena have not only provided essential support to those in need but have also helped pave the way for a more equitable and inclusive society. Moreover, our focus on Youth Opportunity, encompassing initiatives such as After-School, Out- of-School Time programs, gender-specific opportunities, and early education and care, underscores our unwavering dedication to nurturing the next generation and empowering them to thrive. Additionally, the United Way of Central Massachusetts' commitment to Financial Security, evidenced through initiatives such as income tax assistance, workforce development, and promoting family stability, has been pivotal in equipping individuals and families with the tools and resources they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency. By addressing urgent needs today for a healthy tomorrow through empowering volunteers, harnessing leadership, and positively shaping our neighborhoods for long-term positive growth, our steadfast dedication to Community Resiliency is a testament to our unwavering commitment to building stronger neighborhoods. We recognize that none of this would be possible without the generous support of volunteers and donors. Together, let us shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of Central Massachusetts' nonprofit sector and inspire generosity and compassion throughout our community. Your partnership and contributions enable the United Way of Central Massachusetts to continue its vital work and make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve. I would be delighted to discuss volunteer and donor options further and tailor a package that aligns with the objectives and preferences of your company or personal philanthropy. Please feel free to contact me or learn more at unitedwaycm.org to explore this partnership opportunity. Tim Garvin President & CEO United Way Central Massachusetts D ear friends, I am truly blessed to lead an organization that continues to make measurable impact in our community. Each year, our work touches the lives of tens of thousands of individuals and families. This impact is made possible through the enduring support and engagement of our donors, volunteers, and community partners. At United Way of North Central Massachusetts, we provide a range of services to our region. We provide funding to community-based organizations that are helping people who are hungry or who need shelter, afterschool programs like the Boys and Girls clubs and the YMCA, youth development programs, domestic violence prevention organizations, mental health initiatives, and other critical efforts serving our residents. We bring organizations, community residents, and volunteers together to tackle these tough issues, knowing no one person or organization can solve them alone. We manage, advise, and direct individual charitable giving. We provide volunteer opportunities for businesses and individuals to connect into our community and to engage on important issues. To sum our work into a single statement, it's that we help people help people. It does not matter if you are a Republican or a Democrat, Christian or an atheist; it doesn't matter if you are from Lunenburg or Athol; it doesn't matter if you are a young person or one of our seniors; if you work in a factory, a farm, or an office. What matters is our collective desire to help others. One of the things that inspires me most about our United Way is that if you look at those who support our work, you will see everyday people. It is the nurse, the fireman, the foreman, the store clerk, the bank teller, the auto mechanic, and the small business owner all doing what they can, all giving what they can to help those most in need. Over the last 18 months, our United Way has directed more funding into our community than at any other time in our history - over $3.5 million to support education and social services in our region. We have developed and led important initiatives to promote youth development, literacy, food security, shelter for families experiencing homelessness, and even flood relief for our Leominster residents who lost so much during the unprecedented and historic event last September. In addition, this past year we deployed over 1,200 volunteers to local organizations and causes. We could not do this work without you – our impact is because of you. So, thank you for your charity, your volunteerism, and your commitment to what matters. As your support continues, so too will our work to build a brighter future for everyone in North Central Massachusetts. With great appreciation, Kory Eng President & CEO United Way of North Central Massachusetts W elcome to WBJ's 15th annual Giving Guide. This popular edition delivers an easy-to-read snapshot of a wide variety of eare nonprofits - sharing each organization's mission and goals, top volunteer activities, major fundraising events and a list of board members and senior leadership. While you may be familiar with many of these organizations, we're confident you'll discover a few new things you didn't know about each one of them in the following pages. Central Massachusetts is home to a dynamic nonprofit community, and the best run organizations are always evolving and adapting their services to meet the changing needs in our community. Our Central MA business community has a long tradition of giving back, and you'll see the names of many top executives and committed corporate citizens serving on the board of these nonprofits. Challenging your staff and leadership team to become involved in volunteering underscores your company values while giving employees the chance to make new community connections while also giving back to those in need. Supporting our nonprofit community is integral to the mission of our sponsor partners - United Way of Central MA and United Way of North Central MA, along with two of our leading community foundations; Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. It's great to team up with these impactful community partners to produce this annual directory. A digital edition of the Giving Guide will be on our website year round at WBJournal.com, and each individual nonprofit profile is on the WBJ website under the "Biz Marketplace" tab. And if you are not already receiving it, be sure to sign up for our monthly Nonprofit e-newsletter! n Peter Stanton WBJ Publisher & CEO From the Publisher

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