"Vision for Southbridge" Program | |
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The Southbridge Public Schools, in partnership with 20/20 Onsite, recently launched the Vision for Southbridge program through a $55,000 grant from The Health Foundation. The program will provide comprehensive eye exams and free eyeglasses to students at no cost. Spectrum News 1 recently covered the program.
The Health Foundation previously covered the launch of the program.
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Elevating Regional Transit Needs | |
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Extensive Media Coverage for Regional Transit Funding Report
A recently released report on regional transit funding in Massachusetts found it to be “fragmented and incomplete” and noted that it does not “adequately account for issues of regional, rural, or economic equity.”
The report, "Regional Transit in Massachusetts: Where We Are and Where We Need To Go," was commissioned by the Quaboag Connector with funding from The Health Foundation and research support provided by the Center for State Policy Analysis at Tufts University. It called for a more sustainable funding system and for greater regional equity and investments in rural areas.
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The report was covered by over 20 different media outlets including MassLive, GBH News, and WTAG 580 AM radio, and it comes at a time when transportation funding is on the minds of many across the state. | | |
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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. The Health Foundation has been supporting the project since 2020, providing nearly $2 million in funding.
Project Coordinator Jen Healy recently co-authored an op-ed on the importance of micro-transit. Earlier this year, The Health Foundation's President & CEO Dr. Amie Shei also wrote about the need to invest in transportation beyond the MBTA and RTAs.
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Many regions of the state, especially rural communities, lack RTA service. As legislators finalize the state's FY 2025 budget in the coming weeks, regional transportation funding that supports opportunities for proven micro-transit providers like the Quaboag Connector should be included to advance transportation equity. | |
One Step Closer to Safer Drinking Water | |
On May 21, the Senate adopted budget amendment #59, "Private Wells Study," which provides MassDEP $100,000 to conduct a study and make recommendations for a program to ensure that drinking water from private wells is safe to consume. | | |
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Thank you to Senator Jamie Eldridge for his leadership in sponsoring this amendment and to all the legislators, staff, and advocates who supported it.
The state budget process now moves to a conference committee to reconcile differences between the House and Senate versions, and we will be closely monitoring this important provision. This state funding would be an important first step toward safer drinking water for Massachusetts residents who rely on private wells. The Health Foundation has supported the Private Well Program to Protect Public Health, a Round 5 Synergy Initiative project led by RCAP Solutions, since 2020, providing nearly $1.8 million in funding to date.
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Grantee Spotlight - YOU, Inc.
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Southbridge Bilingual Welcome Center | |
YOU, Inc., a subsidiary of Seven Hills Foundation, operates a Behavioral Health Clinic, Family Resource Center, and Community Connections program in Southbridge which collectively provide individual, family and group therapy; evidence-based parent education groups; information and referral; and case management services for more than 2,500 children and families in need annually.
To address space and parking limitations at its previous downtown location and increase capacity to serve non-English speaking clients, Seven Hills Foundation purchased a new building located at 5 Optical Drive in 2022 and began renovations so that all of its Southbridge-based services could be relocated there. Recognizing the need to make the new space more welcoming and accessible for those with limited English proficiency, YOU, Inc. made plans to create a dedicated Bi-Lingual Welcome Center in the reception area of the new facility.
Funding for the project was awarded through The Health Foundation’s Activation Fund in 2022, enabling purchase of culturally aligned signage, state-of-the-art technology with translation resources, and furnishings for a new playroom stocked with Spanish language toys and books.
The new center was officially dedicated on October 12, 2023, with an open house that drew local and state leaders, agency staff, and community partners, and Foundation staff were recently invited for a private tour of the facility.
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“The Health Foundation’s strategic investment in YOU, Inc. as an affiliate of Seven Hills has ensured that in the communities we mutually serve, cultural and linguistic inequities, poverty, and transportation challenges that prevent vulnerable children and families from receiving vital behavioral healthcare services are addressed.”
Dr. Kathleen Jordan, President and CEO, Seven Hills Foundation
Photo credits: You, Inc.
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Register for Health Equity Trends Summit This Week | | |
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The Health Equity Compact will host its second Health Equity Trends Summit on June 6 in Boston. The Health Equity Compact brings together over 80 leaders of color across a diverse set of Massachusetts organizations – including hospitals, health centers, payers, academic institutions and public health – to advance health equity in Massachusetts. Last year's summit was attended by over 700 individuals in person and virtually. | |
Dr. Shei will be moderating a session entitled "Embedding Equity: State Leaders Collaborating to Advance Health Equity," featuring several Cabinet-level secretaries. | |
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Below are resources and information that may be of interest to our nonprofit partners across the region.
Philanthropy Massachusetts is a membership organization that serves as a bridge between funders and nonprofits, offering opportunities for learning and networking, and access to resources and tools, skill-building, and community-building. Following are two upcoming programs for nonprofits:
Session 1: June 27 from 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Session 2: July 31 from 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location: Virtual
Fees: Members - $275, Non-members - $325
(Apply 20% discount to two or more participants from one organization)
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This is a multi-session, virtual series aimed for Executive Directors of emerging nonprofits with or without dedicated fundraising staff that begins September 10 and ends November 20 with opportunities for in-person networking. Applications will be accepted on a first-come-first served basis and will be capped at 30 participants.
Application Deadline: August 2
Course Fees: $800 for Philanthropy MA Partners and $950 for Non-partners
To add your name to the inquiry list for more information, click here.
Cummings Scholarships are available for both programs. Learn more here.
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The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and unmet needs. Through its unique and impactful approach to grantmaking, The Health Foundation supports community-identified health issues, with health defined broadly to include social determinants of health and with a focus on promoting health equity. As a health conversion foundation launched in 1999 following the sale of the not-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care, Inc., The Health Foundation’s grants have totaled over $56 million to more than 230 unique organizations over its history. For more information, visit www.thfcm.org. | |
© 2024 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts | | | | |
