Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1526507
82 "e Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts plays a crucial role in improving the overall well-being and health outcomes of the Central Massachusetts community. By funding various health-related programs, initiatives, and research, the foundation helps in addressing prevalent health disparities, promoting preventive care, and supporting the underserved populations in the region. rough its strategic investments and partnerships, the foundation contributes significantly to creating a healthier and more equitable environment for all residents of Central Massachusetts." – Soloe Dennis, Current Director, Director, City of Worcester Division of Public Health "e Foundation reached out to agencies to help us create a healthier neighborhood. We all worked together as a team. e Health Foundation was the catalyst to get people to work together." – Marc Dohan, Executive Director, NewVue Communities, reflecting on the Synergy Initiative, Round 4 ReImagine North of Main Project "I consistently hold up THFCM's Synergy Initiative as the model for how foundations should go about promoting collaborative problem-solving – bringing rigorous program development and evaluation to groups that determine for themselves which issues they want to address. Our retrospective evaluation of successful Synergy projects surfaced a host of best practices and innovative approaches. One of the most critical ways that the Foundation adds value is by having its CEO and other staff members immerse themselves in each Synergy process, raising critical questions and challenging the group to go further than they might otherwise. And then the Foundation steps up to advocate for policy change to support and sustain programs that have been shown to be effective. In all these ways, THFCM makes the most of its resources and influence – in ways that are painfully rare in the field of philanthropy." – Dr. Doug Easterling, Professor, Social Sciences and Health Policy, Wake Forest University "Congratulations to e Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts on its 25th Anniversary! As a State Senator active in income inequality, racial justice, and community development issues, I am deeply grateful for e Health Foundation's commitment to tackling complex issues, recognizing the intersectionality of societal challenges and solutions, and employing its grantmaking resources to make a dramatic difference in people's lives, and communities across Central Massachusetts." – State Senator Jamie Eldridge, Middlesex and Worcester "I am so thankful to e Health Foundation for the wide array of services they provide to truly address health equity. So many rural areas have benefitted from e Health Foundation's work on clean water, transportation and their holistic approach to healthy communities. Congratulations on 25 years of making a positive difference." – Ann Gobi, Director of Rural Affairs, State of Massachusetts "For 25 years, e Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts has been a leader in investing in innovative strategies to upli our community and address systemic health inequities. rough a willingness to not only listen to the challenges raised by the community, but to also be led by the community in identifying the solutions, the Foundation has been a model in grantmaking. Our community is healthier and stronger because of the Foundation's investments and advocacy over the last quarter century, and I look forward to their partnership over the next 25 years." – State Senator Robyn K. Kennedy, First Worcester