November 2025 - Issue #30

Students experiencing the Sensory Immersion Room. (Clark University photo)

On October 17, Southbridge Public Schools (SPS), in partnership with Clark University’s Mosakowski Institute for Public Enterprise and The Health Foundation, welcomed local officials and community leaders to celebrate the launch of the district’s new Sensory Immersion Room (SIR) at Southbridge High School as reported by the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.



The first of its kind in a Massachusetts public school district, the SIR integrates immersive technology, virtual reality, and sensory equipment to create customizable, calming, and therapeutic environments. The space supports adolescents, including those experiencing behavioral health challenges or sensory differences, by helping them manage anxiety, decompress, and develop emotional regulation skills. Students can interact with meditative features, practice mindfulness techniques, and learn strategies to regain focus and control.

The SIR represents the third tier of the Round 6 Synergy Initiative Southbridge CARES project, a comprehensive, school-based mental health program aimed at fostering mental, personal, and academic growth. The Health Foundation has awarded $675,000 to the project to date.

“We’ve already seen results”

- Dr. Nadia Ward, executive director of the Mosakowski Institute at Clark University

The initiative’s other tiers include MAAX (Maximizing Adolescent Academic eXcellence), an evidence-based social-emotional learning curriculum taught by trained counselors in a required health and wellness course, and MI PEACE, a digital platform that connects at-risk students with counselors and service providers who can screen for mental health issues, develop action plans, and coordinate supports across students’ networks, including parents and guardians.

(L-R) SPS Assistant Superintendent Judy Maisonet, Foundation President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei, SPS Superintendent Bill Metzger, Clark University Associate Professor of Practice Dr. Kathleen Williamson, Mosakowski Institute Director of Behavioral Health Initiatives Dr. Aaron Haddock, and Mosakowski Institute Executive Director Dr. Nadia Ward. (Clark University Photo)



Fall Reception

The Foundation hosted a fall reception on October 29. (THFCM photo) 

On October 29, The Health Foundation hosted a fall reception to recognize recent grantees and enable grantees, foundation directors, community outreach committee members, and staff to network with one another. The reception also offered an opportunity to bid farewell to valued colleague Jennie Blake, Vice President for Programs, who is transitioning out of her role at year end after relocating to Georgia with her family over the summer.

Ms. Blake has been a thoughtful and invaluable partner to The Health Foundation’s grantees and a steady guide through every stage of the grantmaking process. We are grateful for her care, collaboration, and hands-on support and appreciate the many ways that she has strengthened this community of partners. We wish her the very best in her next chapter!



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Recent News

Opinion | Why we need to test Mass. well water



A recently published opinion piece in the Boston Globe from Conservation Law Foundation President and CEO Bradley M. Campbell, highlights the need for developing a set of statewide health-based standards and requirements to test water quality in homes with private wells. The Health Foundation's Round 5 Synergy Initiative Private Well Program to Protect Public Health project, led by RCAP Solutions, has been advocating for safe drinking water for the past several years.

Views from

the Field

In a recent Grantmakers in Health Views from the Field article, Dr. Shei discusses the importance of a phased, multi-pronged approach to supporting the Nashoba Valley region after the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center in 2024 following the Steward bankruptcy.

What would health care subsidies ending mean in MA?

In this Worcester T&G article, Dr. Shei weighed in on the effect the loss of health care premium tax credits will have on Massachusetts residents and the health care ecosystem.

Family Childcare Success Project on The Chamber Exchange

The Health Foundation's Round 6 Synergy Initiative Family Childcare Success Project was recently discussed on the Worcester Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Exchange TV Show. You can watch the interview with Project Director Leslie Baker.

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

The United Response Fund SNAP Rapid Relief grant is a crisis response fund established in Massachusetts to address the significant risk to food security resulting from federal decisions that will disrupt SNAP benefits. This statewide effort, which involves the 13 United Ways across Massachusetts, aims to serve all 351 communities by rapidly deploying critical food resources to meet urgent, immediate community needs. 

Organizations may receive up to $20,000 through this grant, specifically structured to provide relief from the loss of monthly SNAP benefits in Massachusetts.

More information on the fund and how to apply can be found here.

MassDOT

Transit authorities, nonprofits, and municipalities can apply for grants for existing or new microtransit, or last mile transit services through the Microtransit and Last Mile Transit Grant Program. The FY25 Supplemental Education and Transportation Funds (ETF) budget has made $10 million available. Other funding opportunities offered by MassDOT include:

• FY26 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) Operating and Mobility Management Cycle. Applications are due November 7; and 

• FY26 Community Transit Grant Program (CTGP) Vehicle Cycle. Applications are due November 21. 

Massachusetts Broadband Institute

The Connected & Online Program is a new initiative that will distribute up to 27,000 internet-enabled devices, along with assistive technology and supportive equipment, to eligible organizations across Massachusetts. The goal 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 November 7.

RIZE Massachusetts Foundation (RIZE)

RIZE recently announced the second round of their Mosaic Municipal Matching Grant Program designed to support municipalities in addressing the opioid crisis by providing financial assistance to enhance their initiatives. Applications are due on November 7 and the grant period will begin in March 2026.

MetroWest Health Foundation

The MetroWest Health Leadership Program is a six-month knowledge and skill-building program designed to change the way local health executives, managers, and officials think and act as leaders. Applications are due November 9.

Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation Free Adult Dental Clinic

The Massachusetts Dental Society Foundation will host a free adult dental clinic, Mission of Mercy (MOM). This one-day event is open to any adult seeking the following treatments: Extractions, Fillings, Limited Root Canals (front teeth only), X-Rays, Fluoride Varnish, and Oral Health Education & Training. All treatments are administered by licensed dental professionals and are provided at no cost. No insurance or identification is needed to receive treatment. Pre-registration is NOT required, and patients will be seen on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors open at 6:30 am for the clinic, which will be held on November 15 at the DCU Center in Worcester. Learn more. 

AGO Webinars: Resources for Addressing a Changing Landscape

The Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division of the Office of Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell is continuing its webinar series focusing on the changing and challenging landscape currently facing nonprofit organizations due to the federal administration. The final session offered is:

• Session IV: Advice for Smaller Volunteer Led Organizations on November 18 at 11:00 am. Register here.

A new Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division (NPCD) Resource page includes video recordings of the first three sessions and the AGO NPCD page includes additional resources and contact information.

Philanthropy Massachusetts

The Fundraising Certificate program is designed for those working for a nonprofit or board members actively and directly working with an organization's fundraising and development plans. One of the primary activities of this class will be to craft a strategic development plan for your nonprofit. Space is limited for this online training. Apply by November 14th for a 10% discount. Applications are due December 1. 

© 2025 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts