The 2021 United Way of South Central Massachusetts Campaign Chairman, Kris Marier kicked off the annual campaign at a special Jazz Dinner event held at Point Breeze Restaurant in Webster on October 12th. The Kickoff attendees included corporate partners, donors and member agencies.
The “READY TO LIVE UNITED” theme was introduced by Marier stating “With all the changes in the world during the pandemic, we need to rebuild, reimagine and reconnect to the members of our community. By supporting the United Way, we are able to fund 22 local agencies that provide lifesaving and vital services to those that are struggling to make ends meet. Collectively, as neighbors and co-workers, we share a responsibility for the future of our community. When we exercise compassion for our neighbors, we build a foundation for prosperity. By offering a hand up to one, we influence the condition of many.”
The United Way of South Central Massachusetts focus is education, income, and health. In May of this year the Community Investment Committee met with local non-profit agencies to review applications and make their recommendations for funding for this new campaign year. The UWSCM continues to strive to align its funded programs within Southern Worcester County. It was determined to fund 27 programs that directly impact the residents of the towns of Charlton, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge and Webster.
During the Jazz Dinner event, representatives from the funded agencies described the programs that are backed by the United Way and how this direct support affords them the opportunity to truly make a difference to the lives most affected by the ongoing pandemic, the need for accessible services and how everyone from the youngest infant to seniors recovering from hospitalizations are helped through these programs. Whether it is affordable childcare, food for families, elderly and disabled, health and dental services, homelessness prevention, fuel assistance, legal aid and many more important services that assist the vulnerable in our society, United Way of South Central MA is there to lend support to the non-profit organizations in our area that do so much for our neighbors and fellow community members.
UWSCM Executive Director, Mary O’Coin, stated “That when the pandemic started, MASS 2-1-1, a United Way sponsored program was designated by Governor Baker as the number one resource for all Covid-19 questions. Hundreds of thousands of calls were answered. Many dealt with mental health issues and Covid relief questions. So many were affected and needed that resource line. Thankfully, United Way was there.”
This year $432,000 has been committed through grants to the following member agencies and programs. UWSCM forward funds to the agencies prior to the annual campaign and depends on the contributions of the general public and businesses in our service area to fulfil this commitment. Please consider donating this year so that these worthwhile programs can continue.
BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF CENTRAL MA/METROWEST
• Southern Worcester County Mentoring Programs
BOYS’ & GIRLS’ CLUB OF WEBSTER-
• Youth Development Programs
BOYS SCOUTS OF AMERICA - HEART OF NEW ENGLAND
• Scouting and Learning for Life – Explorers Program
CARE CENTRAL VNA
• Telehealth Remote Patient Monitoring in South Worcester County.
CASA PROJECT, INC.
• CASA Child Court Advocacy Volunteers
CATHOLIC CHARITIES
• Emergency Stabilization and Homelessness Prevention Program
COMMUNITY LEGAL AID
• South Worcester County Legal Assistance Project
FAMILY HEALTH CENTER OF WORCESTER
• Southbridge Family Dental Care Program
• Southbridge Family Health Center
• Webster School based Dental Program
GIRL SCOUTS OF CENTRAL AND WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
• Girl Scout Leadership Experience
GUILD OF ST. AGNES
• Behavioral Health counseling for pre-school aged children
LITERACY VOLUNTEERS OF THE SOUTH CENTRAL MA
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
NEW HOPE, INC.
• Southern Worcester County Violence Prevention Project and Counseling
OLD STURBRIDGE VILLAGE
• Learning Through Experience (LTE) Program
OPEN SKY COMMUNITY
• South County Recreation Program
• South County Homeless Assistance Program (SCHAP)
OUR BRIGHT FUTURE, INC.
• Afterschool Enrichment; Homework Help, Sports and Robotics Program
PATHWAYS FOR CHANGE, INC
• Sexual Assault Youth Education Program
SAINT VINCENT DE PAUL
• Fuel Assistance - Webster
ST. LUKE’S GUESTHOUSE
• Homeless Shelter for men, women and children
YMCA of Central MA—TRI-COMMUNITY FAMILY BRANCH
• Childcare for All Financial Assistance (Childcare, summer programs, Camp Foskett)
• Growing Strong Together Program (Strengthening Families)
• Mind, Body, Spirit for Teens (Youth Development)
TRI-VALLEY, INC.
• Nutrition Program (Meals on Wheels and Community Dining)
WORCESTER COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL
• Behavioral Health counseling for pre-school aged children
MASS 2-1-1
- 24 Hour service that connects people who need vital resources in their community.
The evening concluded with a special award presentation to Janet Scheffler, former Executive Director of United Way of Webster & Dudley who retired upon the merger of UWWD and the United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton. An engraved vase was presented by former UWWD President, William Keefe, recognizing Mrs. Scheffler’s 22 years of hard work and dedication to the communities of Webster and Dudley.
The United Way of South Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Charlton, Dudley, Southbridge, Sturbridge and Webster and is located at 176 Main St., Suite 400, Southbridge, MA 01550. To learn more about programs and donate, visit www.uwscm.org, follow on Facebook @UWSCM or call (508) 765-5491.