December 2024 - Issue #20

As we near the end of 2024, we share some highlights of our productive and rewarding year:

• Launching our Round 6 Synergy Initiative projects by awarding four planning grants totaling $1 million to support school-based mental health, food is medicine, and early education and care;
• Awarding nearly $900K in Activation Fund grants to eight organizations, seven of which were first-time recipients;
• Recognizing our 25th Anniversary with the release of a commemorative book "A Catalyst for Change" and a reception with former and current Directors, staff, grantees, public officials, and community leaders;
• Hosting nearly 40 New England health funders for a two-day convening to network and share experiences amongst colleagues;
• Celebrating the Worcester Regional Transit Authority’s continuation of fare-free service through June 2025 making it one of the largest, longest-running fare-free programs in the country;
• Continuing to support our Round 5 Synergy Initiative projects addressing safe drinking water from private wells, foster parent supports, and rural transportation, which included significant gains in raising awareness of these oft-overlooked issues.

For those able to, we humbly ask that you consider The Health Foundation for your year-end charitable giving. Your donations, memorial contributions, and gifts of life insurance to The Health Foundation Fund, our 501(c)(3) affiliate, can help us expand our grantmaking resources in the years to come. 

For more information, click here. Thank you for your consideration!



Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts Launches Hydroponic Mushroom Farm

The Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts (SEACMA) has successfully launched a hydroponic mushroom-growing facility inside the historic Printers Building in downtown Worcester, as recently reported by numerous outlets including Spectrum News 1, the Worcester Business Journal, and The Worcester Guardian. SEACMA Executive Director Tuyet Tran also discussed the mushroom project on the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce’s “The Voice of Business” podcast.

The project, supported by a $120,000 Activation Fund grant from The Health Foundation in 2023, aims to address food insecurity in the community while fostering a sustainable, nutrient-rich food source through locally grown mushrooms. Foundation staff recently visited the new growing room to learn about the mushroom growing process.  

The mushrooms, which are commonly used in Asian cuisine, are currently being distributed and sold locally, with SEACMA donating a majority of its harvest to local shelters and senior centers. The remaining mushrooms are being sold at farmers’ markets, and profits will be reinvested back into the organization to expand its capacity and build a self-sustaining social enterprise. SEACMA is also exploring opportunities to partner with local restaurants and grocery stores to sell its produce.

Founded in 1999, SEACMA’s mission is to envision a community where all newly arriving and long-settled immigrants and refugees can thrive, actively engage in civic discourse, and contribute to Central Massachusetts while achieving their full potential.



Foundation Recognized by the Worcester Housing Authority

Worcester Housing Authority CEO Alex Corrales presented its 2024 Community Partner of the Year award to

The Health Foundation. (THFCM photos)

The Health Foundation was recognized as the Worcester Housing Authority's "2024 Community Partner of the Year" during its Annual Meeting on December 13. The award recognizes a community partner for outstanding support and collaboration with the Worcester Housing Authority and for making a lasting impact on the community.

The Health Foundation has partnered with the Worcester Housing Authority on A Better Life, a Round 3 Synergy Initiative project; a 2023 Activation Fund project to furnish the "A Place to Live" permanent supportive housing property; and a 2020 Activation Fund project for facility and technology upgrades to its Youth Center in Great Brook Valley.

On December 16, members of The Quaboag Connector leadership team gathered for the final time to celebrate all of its accomplishments since the team started meeting more than five years ago! The Quaboag Connector is a Round 5 Synergy Initiative project led by the Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation in partnership with the Town of Ware and other local partners. Since its launch, the project has aimed to develop a sustainable, scalable model for rural transportation to increase access to health and community resources in the Quaboag Valley region. The Foundation provided nearly $2 million in funding for the project since 2000.

Members of the Quaboag Connector leadership team. (THFCM photo)

To date, the Quaboag Connector has provided over 74,000 rides, including nearly 2,000 free rides for veterans, 3,300 discounted rides to work, 3,800 free health care and pharmacy rides, and more.

For the almost 900 unique riders who have used the Quaboag Connector, the service has been a lifeline, and it is held up as a gold standard for rural transportation. Though Synergy Initiative funding is winding down, as it typically does after approximately five years, The Health Foundation will remain supportive of the Quaboag Connector's efforts related to advocacy and long-term sustainability.



A Catalyst for Change

The Health Foundation is pleased to offer a limited number of copies of its 25th anniversary book, "A Catalyst for Change." This 86 page hardcover book looks back through 25 years of investing in the health of our region through a collection of stories and photos. Please email info@thfcm.org to request a copy.

A Catalyst for Change is also available on the Foundation's website.

Below are resources and information that may be of interest to our nonprofit partners and community members. 

The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts recently announced the launch of the FY2025 Nashoba Valley Community Health Grant Program. This grant program aims to advance the community health of residents in 12 communities: Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend.

The application deadline is January 3, 2025 and award decisions will be announced February 7, 2025.

© 2024 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts