October 2024 - Issue #18

Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center's leadership and supporters gather for a groundbreaking ceremony for the new 44-bed veterans housing complex in Winchendon. (MVOC photo)

Founded in 1981, the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center (MVOC) provides affordable housing, mental health counseling, case management, employment training, and other support programs to military veterans and their families, serving more than 800 clients in 27 cities and towns in North Central Massachusetts. 

On September 30, MVOC hosted a groundbreaking ceremony for its housing expansion project in Winchendon as reported by The Gardner News. This project involves a $25 million redevelopment of the vacant Poland and Streeter Elementary Schools into one combined 44-unit low-income housing complex for homeless and high-risk veterans and veteran family members. 

The apartments will be designed for “aging in place” with four ADA-accessible units on the first floor and with access to all other MVOC supportive services. The property is conveniently located across the street from Winchendon’s senior center and along the MART bus route.

The Health Foundation awarded a 2023 Activation Fund grant in the amount of $110,000 for the purchase and installation of an elevator, which is currently absent in the buildings, to enhance accessibility for residents and guests. 

It is anticipated that the project will be completed in 15-18 months.  

Federal Reserve Board Governor Adriana Kugler and Federal Reserve Bank of Boston President and CEO Susan M. Collins enjoy a walking tour and discussion in Fitchburg with community leaders. (Federal Reserve Bank of Boston photo)

On September 27, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston (Boston Fed) President and CEO Susan M. Collins and Federal Reserve Board Governor Adriana Kugler toured Fitchburg and met with local leaders to discuss recent progress in community development. In 2014, the Boston Fed supported a Working Cities Challenge project to support the revitalization of Fitchburg’s North of Main neighborhood through a three-year, $400,000 grant.

The Health Foundation augmented that initial investment and engaged deeply with the Fitchburg community through the ReImagine North of Main Round 4 Synergy Initiative project from 2015 to 2020, investing over $2 million to reimagine the neighborhood as a gateway to arts and culture. Together, these efforts have attracted a pipeline of over $100 million in new investments, supporting community development and economic development in the region.  

President and CEO Collins and Governor Kugler also participated in a group discussion about the importance of early education and care. (Federal Reserve Bank of Boston photo)



Foundation Honored at Milford Youth Center Event

(L-R) State Representative Brian Murray, Foundation President and CEO Dr. Amie Shei, Foundation Director Dr. Katie Lee,

and Milford Select Board Member Paul Mazzuchelli. (MYC photo)

On September 13, The Health Foundation received the Milford Youth Center's Community Appreciation Award during a fundraiser for the Center's youth programs. The award recognizes community partners and funders for their dedication and support of the youth center. Also recognized for their support of the Milford Youth Center were the law offices of Alavi & Braza, P.C. and Amazon Sort Center - BOS4.

In 2022, The Health Foundation provided an Activation Fund grant of $115,250 for installation of equipment to improve air quality and to increase the efficiency of the HVAC system, providing a more comfortable environment for all.



2000 Board of Directors

Standing L-R: Dr. Guenter Spanknebel, Dr. Thoru Pederson, Dr. Michael Theerman, Dr. Wayne Glazier,

Roger Lamontagne, Henri Sans, Richard Houlihan, Counsel

Seated L-R: Dr. Helen Vassallo, Zoila Feldman, Francis Carroll, Rosemary Heinold,

Dr. Rudolf Utzschneider, Dr. Jan Yost, President

As we continue reflecting on The Health Foundation's 25-year history this year, we recognize the founding Board of Directors, and their dedication to establishing The Health Foundation in a way that would leave a lasting legacy of improved health in the region.

In 1999, the founding board and staff began to develop The Health Foundation's preliminary grantmaking agenda and undertook a strategic planning process. The founders were intentional about not wanting to duplicate the efforts of existing funders in the area. They sought to fill a gap in funding to address upstream social determinants of health in a substantive way, to help organizations increase their capacity, and to leverage The Health Foundation's resources as a catalyst for positive change.

Over the past 25 years, sixty directors with expertise in the medical, social work, human and social services, finance, investment, business, and legal fields have dedicated their time and efforts to shaping The Health Foundation.

The foundation began with $60 million in initial assets. Since then, it has granted close to $58 million to more than 230 nonprofit organizations to improve the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts.



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

ONE Worcester provides consulting and coaching to Worcester-area nonprofits free of charge. It is offering a Strategic Planning Seminar: Harnessing DEI to Revolutionize Strategic Planning.

• Harnessing DEI to Revolutionize Strategic Planning (Click to register) 

This seminar acknowledges strategic planning challenges nonprofits, especially smaller nonprofits, face due to the lack of social, financial, and human resources to readily execute a concerted strategic planning process. 

Date & Time: October 16, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Location: Worcester Housing Authority

Fee: $25

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 that may be of interest:

• Successful Site Visits: Guidance, Strategies and Tips (click to register)

This free program will feature a preview of a new guide developed by funder and nonprofit representatives aimed to improve the site visit experience from both perspectives and stengthen grantor/grantee relationships.

Date & Time: October 21, 2024 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Fee: Free

• Asking Without Anxiety Major Gifts Workshop (click to register)

In this virtual workshop for development professionals, executive directors and board members, participants will learn how to build relationships with donors in meaningful ways and practice making an ask in a small supportive group.

Date & Time: October 22, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.

Location: Virtual

Fees: $75 (nonmember), $50 (member)

© 2024 The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts