October 2019
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Mary O’Coin, Executive Director
unitedwayssc@verizon.net
508-765-5491 (office) or 508-864-8437 (cell)
United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton Kicks Off 2019 Campaign, Presents $249,250 Check to Local Agencies
OCTOBER 3, 2019 -- Southbridge, MA -- In a kick-off event for the United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton's (UWSSC) 2019-2020 campaign, more than 70 people attended a ceremony at Cohasse Country Club, where agency networking and a check presentation highlighted the evening.
The 2019 campaign theme, “Change Doesn’t Happen Alone,” was illustrated in an emotional speech by Campaign Chairman Dawna Dagenais.
“Reach out a hand to one and influence the condition of all. Change doesn’t happen alone. Together ... we can inspire hope and create opportunities for a better tomorrow,” Dagenais said.
UWSSC Executive Director Mary O’Coin, Dagenais and Board President April Parzych presented 17 agency representatives with a $249,250 check, signifying the promise the UWSSC has made to support their (and other) programs and services.
The UWSSC provides funding to local agencies throughout the three towns to support the United Way's mission of improving lives through education, financial stability, health, basic needs and literacy. The organization has funded more than 26 programs through 19 nonprofit partner agencies annually, including The YMCA of Central MA – TriCommunity Family Branch, New Hope, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Open Sky, Tri-Valley Elder Services, Community Legal Aid, St. Luke's Guesthouse, Pathways for Change and many more.
In May, the UWSSC's Community Investment Committee met with local non-profit agencies to review applications and make recommendations for funding during the 2019-2020 campaign year. New agency Our Bright Future joined the list of many nonprofits who received UWSSC grants to help provide services from October 2019 through September 2020 (see attached for complete list).
The UWSSC accepts donations year-round, but is especially grateful for community, business and individual contributions during its campaign season, which runs through December 31. Online giving is always available at unitedwayssc.org, where there is additional information about the organization, the campaign and agency partners. You can also visit the unitedwayssc.org or Facebook at UnitedWaySSC or call (508) 765-5491.
2019 - 2020 United Way Funded Agencies and Programs.
American Red Cross of Central & Western MA Disaster response & Preparedness Sound the Alarm – Smoke Detector program
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest BBBS Southbridge and Charlton Site Community Programs
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) Child Court Advocacy
Catholic Charities Emergency Stabilization & Support
Community Legal Aid Tri-Community Legal Assistance Project
Family Health Center – Southbridge Dental Clinic Medical Clinic
Girl Scouts of Central & Western MA Girl Scouts Leadership Experience
Literacy Volunteers of the Tri-Community English for Speakers of Other Languages
Mohegan Council – Boy Scouts of America Explorers Program
MASS 2-1-1 Get Connected - Get Answers/ 24 hour multilingual free & confidential. Assists with: Counseling, domestic violence, emergency shelter, senior services, crisis prevention, veteran’s services and more.
New Hope SAFEPLAN program
Old Sturbridge Village Learning Through Experience Program
Our Bright Future Afterschool Enrichment; Homework Help, Sports and Robotics Program
Open Sky Community Services South County Housing Assistance Program Litchfield Avenue Residence & Supported Housing
Pathways for Change Sexual Assault Youth Education Program
St. Luke’s Guesthouse Homeless Shelter
Tri Valley, Inc. Nutrition Programs
Worcester Community Action Council Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program
YMCA of Central MA – Tri-Community Family Branch Childcare Program Active Older Adults LiveSTRONG at the Y Camp Foskett Camperships “Y” Care Financial Assistance Strengthening Families Teen Nights