National recognition for Point32Health's corporate citizenship | |
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On Tuesday, May 23, Points of Light announced The Civic 50 for 2023.
We are delighted to report that Point32Health was named one of the 50 most community-minded companies in America--for the third time, and the second year in a row. (Tufts Health Plan earned a spot on the list in 2020.)
It is an honor to be acknowledged alongside national brands like UPS, General Mills, Delta, Kellogg, Subaru and Deloitte. We are one of only six New England companies to make the list.
Points of Light is the world’s largest nonprofit dedicated to accelerating people-powered change. Through 145 affiliates across 39 countries, and in partnership with thousands of nonprofits and corporations, Points of Light engages 3.7 million people in 16.7 million hours of service each year.
Now in its eleventh year, The Civic 50 has provided a national standard for corporate citizenship and showcases how leading companies are moving social impact, civic engagement and community to the core of their business.
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Celebrating communities that age well in Connecticut
Connecticut Age Well Collaborative convened legislators, colleagues, award winners and friends at their first Sharing and Celebration Summit at the state capitol this month.
Honored at the event were the 2023 Wellspring Award winners--Age-Friendly Glastonbury, Thrive55+ Active Living Center, Dementia-Friendly Southington and Central Connecticut State University.
Dementia-Friendly Southington, pictured below, highlighted resident Bob Savage, who shares his perspective as someone living with dementia and has been an integral part of the team in making Southington more dementia-friendly.
You can read Bob's story and learn about the other winners in Honoring Community Excellence: Examples of Innovation and Inspiration.
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Photo courtesy of Connecticut Age Well Collaborative | |
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Pivotal funding for digital equity
The Massachusetts Digital Equity Partnerships Program announced $14 million in new grants to organizations addressing statewide digital equity gaps. Of this, $5.1 million will go to Baystate Health, in support of the Western Mass. Alliance for Digital Equity; this grant builds on our Foundation's investments in Springfield.
"Digital equity and inclusion is truly a ‘super social determinant of health,’ critical to meaningful progress toward health equity," said Dr. Frank Robinson, vice president of public health at Baystate Health. "It links people to vital resources, such as jobs, education, health care, food, and information.”
The Alliance for Digital Equity was launched in June 2020 in direct response to digital disparities heightened during the pandemic when people needed the internet to meet basic needs.
Dr. Robinson noted, “It was embarrassingly obvious that digital marginalization for already marginalized people would exacerbate negative health outcomes, economic oppression, and racial injustice."
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Wealth gap widening; UMass researchers show financial challenges facing older people
Changing demographics mean unprecedented longevity for many people. The LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston partnered with the National Council On Aging to understand the financial challenges this presents—and to identify potential solutions.
The research disputes the popular misconception that older people are asset rich. The analysis shows:
- 80 percent of older adult households are struggling or at risk of falling into economic insecurity;
- 45 percent of people 60+ have household incomes that do not cover basic needs; and
- 90% of older households experienced decreases in income and net value of wealth between 2014 and 2016.
Read the full report.
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Foundation supports new resource for nonprofits
Grantmakers Council of Rhode Island (GCRI) is making a new online platform available to Rhode Island nonprofit organizations and foundations at no charge through pooled funding. Point32Health Foundation's contribution supports access to the impala platform, which aims to "democratize access to social impact data and networking... to foster greater collaboration."
The data will make it possible for users to analyze sectors, compare funders and identify financial trends. Nonprofits will be able to refine prospect lists and get insights into funders supporting similar work. This is especially helpful to smaller, under-resourced organizations.
Rhode Island nonprofits will have premium access to impala at no cost to them for 12 months. GCRI will review the use and impact of impala to determine whether future support is warranted. Impala is collaborating with other funders to offer access in Maine and Massachusetts.
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Community conversations continue
The Foundation team continues to glean insights from community through a series of virtual convenings we are hosting to engage leaders, stakeholders and individuals interested in the go-forward thinking of the Foundation. Discussions about policy, advocacy and systems change will help inform how the team operationalizes our strategy.
Sessions are capped at 40 participants to allow for more intimate group discussion. Additional sessions, including conversations on the topic of capacity-building, will be added to the schedule in the coming months.
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New resource helps organizations center racial equity
It is difficult to advance systems change without addressing disparities. The Collective Impact Forum's Racial Equity Toolkit offers community backbone organizations resources to operationalize racial equity in their work.
The toolkit can help teams explore how to center racial equity to achieve strategies, build understanding, strengthen relationships, and support in reaching collective goals.
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Colleagues looking forward to Volunteer Week
We are looking forward to Point32Health's annual Volunteer Week, which takes place Friday, June 16 to Friday, June 23.
As of this morning, more than 1,100 colleagues are registered to serve in community during the week.
They will volunteer at 70+ projects supporting the work of nonprofits addressing food insecurity, improving the environment, helping people experiencing homelessness and so much more.
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Phil Barr joins YMCA Boston board
Phil Barr, president, markets for Point32Health, has joined the board of the YMCA of Greater Boston.
“The Y of Greater Boston is thrilled to have Phil join the dedicated group of volunteer leaders who help us fuel community, health, wellness, stability, and opportunity for hundreds of thousands in the region across all demographics," said David Shapiro, CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. "We feel fortunate to add Phil’s deep personal experience with the Y and wide-ranging strategy expertise as we seek to ensure the Y best meets the evolving needs and possibilities in all our communities.”
Point32Health and our heritage organizations have had a long history of supporting the Y of Greater Boston, including an active Y Achievers Chapter through which colleagues serve as role models and leaders for youth.
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Marty Cohen to retire from MetroWest Health Foundation
After nearly 25 years at the helm of the MetroWest Health Foundation, Marty Cohen, a member of the Foundation board, will retire at the end of the year. Under Marty's leadership, the MetroWest Health Foundation has grown to be a force for positive change by crafting and funding innovative solutions that address a myriad of health needs. During his tenure, the foundation has invested more than $77 million in the community, resulting in a healthier, more equitable and resilient region.
Noting the importance of planning for this next phase, Marty shared that he is looking forward to consulting, traveling, and spending time with family.
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NAMIWalks promotes mental health
A small but mighty group of colleagues and friends represented the Point32Health NAMIWalks team at Artesani Park in Boston on Saturday. Jill Borrelli, vice president of Behavioral Health, served as walk team champion. The group walked to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Point32Health and our Foundation also sponsored the event.
The team has raised nearly $3,000 to date--and will continue fundraising until the end of the month to support NAMI’s education, advocacy and services. Every dollar raised will be matched by the Foundation—increasing our impact and supporting mental health for all.
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Point32Health Foundation in the news
Want to read more about grantee initiatives and Foundation activities?
Visit our newsroom
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Working with communities to support, advocate
and advance healthier lives for everyone.
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1 Wellness Way
Canton, MA 02021
781-612-1000
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