March 2026 - Issue #34

(L-R): Mosakowski Institute Director of Behavioral Health Initiatives Dr. Aaron Haddock, Mosakowski Institute Executive Director Dr. Nadia Ward, Foundation President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei, SPS Assistant Superintendent Judy Maisonet, DESE Commissioner Pedro Martinez, and SPS Receiver/Superintendent Bill Metzger. (photo credit: Steven King, Clark University)

On March 4, Southbridge Public Schools (SPS), in partnership with Clark University’s Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise and The Health Foundation, welcomed Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Commissioner Pedro Martinez to Southbridge High School to learn more about Southbridge CARES, an innovative initiative designed to strengthen students’ behavioral health, increase school engagement, and improve academic outcomes. During the visit, The Health Foundation announced the continuation of funding of $400,000 for the initiative, which totals over $1 million since 2024.

DESE Commissioner Martinez with Southbridge High School students.(photo credit: Steven King, Clark University)

During the visit, Commissioner Martinez toured the school’s Sensory Immersion Room (SIR) and experienced the impact of the technology in action. The SIR is the first space of its kind in a Massachusetts public school, integrating immersive technology, virtual reality, and specialized sensory equipment to create customizable therapeutic environments that help students manage anxiety, decompress, and build self-regulation skills with support from trained counselors.

The SIR is one part of the Southbridge CARES initiative which utilizes a Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework to provide layered behavioral health and academic supports for students in grades 9-12. Commissioner Martinez also met with students and staff to discuss the initiative's impact to date. 

Southbridge CARES co-directors Dr. Nadia Ward and Judy Maisonet praised the initiative and its results thus far: “It is truly amazing and incredibly rewarding to see firsthand how all three of our behavioral health interventions have transformed the lives of the students in this community” said Dr. Ward. “This initiative reflects our deep commitment to caring for the whole child and ensuring every student feels safe, supported, and ready to learn.” added Ms. Maisonet.

The visit highlighted the role of innovative school-based behavioral health initiatives and community partnerships in creating supportive learning environments and helping students thrive both in and out of the classroom.

The initiative was recently featured on Boston 25 News, and The Worcester Guardian also covered the commissioner's visit.

Ms. Dooley will work closely with the Foundation’s grantees and community partners while overseeing the organization’s grantmaking programs – including the Synergy Initiative, Activation Fund, and Board Designated grants. Her work will support the Foundation’s mission to promote health equity through the organization’s grantmaking.



We're Hiring!

The Health Foundation is accepting applications to fill the new Director of Strategic Initiatives position.

Please view the full job description here and share with your networks!

The following resources may be of interest to our nonprofit partners and community members. 

MetroWest Health Foundation

The Spring 2026 Grant Cycle is now open, and proposals will be considered in the Foundation’s priority areas aligned with its 2026-2031 strategic plan: Equitable Access to Care, Food Security, and Health & Housing Stability. Concept papers are due by Friday, March 13, 2026, and proposals are due on Friday, April 3, 2026 by 4:00 pm. For more details, please review the grant guidelines. 

Senator Ed Markey Congressionally Directed Spending

Senator Ed Markey's office will soon be accepting applications as part of their annual Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) process. The website portal for applications is expected to open on Monday, March 16, 2026 at 12:00 pm.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

In partnership with the City of Worcester, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation is offering new opportunities to help strengthen the city’s arts and culture sector and invest in the sustainability of smaller and grassroots organizations. 

• Worcester Neighborhood Arts & Creativity: Applications are due Wednesday, March 25, 2026.
• Facing Change: Sustainable Pathways: Letters of Interest are due Friday, March 27, 2026.

Transportation for Massachusetts (T4MA)

In partnership with Smart Growth America, T4MA has launched the Champions Institute which provides local public officials and community advocates with knowledge and resources to support plans, policies, and funding that promote safe community environments to be physically active. Applications are due by the end of the day on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.

Massachusetts Community Health and Healthy Aging Funds 

The 2026 grantmaking cycle is now open, making funds available for communities that have not historically benefitted from Determination of Need (DoN) dollars. The application deadline is Tuesday, March 31, 2026, by 5:00 pm, and grants are anticipated to start Wednesday, July 1, 2026. Massachusetts-based nonprofit organizations, municipalities, quasi-governmental groups, and coalitions may apply for planning or full grants within the following funding streams:

• Policy, Systems, and Environmental Change 

• Community Health Improvement Planning (CHIP) 

• Healthy Aging 

Massachusetts Broadband Institute

The Connected & Online Program will distribute internet-enabled devices, along with assistive technology and supportive equipment, to eligible organizations across Massachusetts. The goal of the program is to expand access to education, workforce training and telehealth by establishing public device lending programs and on-site device stations, especially in Gateway Cities and rural communities. Applications are due by Sunday, April 5, 2026 at 11:59 pm.

Leadership Worcester

Applications for the Leadership Worcester Class of 2027 are now being accepted. The application deadline is Monday, May 25, 2026. Leadership Worcester is an intensive 9-month program run by the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce that explores a variety of local issues like economic development, public health, and education. Participants gain hands-on experiences through monthly sessions, site visits, and discussions to foster civic leadership and community engagement. 

© 2026 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts