Grants from United Way bring summer camps and housing aid to region
The grants were distributed through two targeted programs to address critical regional needs and expand access to after-school and out-of-school time opportunities for children and youth across North Central Massachusetts.
For the 2025–2026 funding cycle, the Community Impact Fund awarded $550,000 to 27 nonprofit organizations, supporting 45 programs in key focus areas including early education and care, youth development, basic needs, and housing and homelessness. These areas reflect some of the most pressing challenges facing families in the region.
Habitat for Humanity North Central Massachusetts Inc. was among the grant recipients.
'Through the Critical Home Repair program, Habitat NCM helps residents stay safely in their existing affordable homes, and the United Way grant will allow us to expand the program to help more local seniors and families,' said Carolyn Read, executive director. 'The United Way mobilizes the caring power of our community, and our partnership will bring that care to more of our neighbors in need.'
In addition, UWNCM awarded $131,271 to 11 local agencies through the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education After School and Out-of-School Time Program. The funding comes from a DESE grant awarded to a regional collaborative of United Ways serving Central, North Central, and South-Central Massachusetts. The initiative supports and enhances after-school and summer programs, ensuring that children and youth have access to safe, enriching environments.
This round of DESE funding will support a wide range of summer programming, offering young people opportunities to attend camp, visit museums and take part in educational field trips. To date, UWNCM has distributed almost $2 million in DESE grant funds to local nonprofit organizations, public school systems and municipalities.
The Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts received a DESE grant to support their summer camp programs.
'We are grateful to the United Way of North Central Massachusetts for their support of our Community-Based Programs,' said CEO Theresa Lynn. 'This funding allows us to bring the Girl Scout experience to girls who might not otherwise have access. From exploring creativity and wellbeing through Joy in Art & Nature, to building confidence in STEAM and social media literacy, and promoting wellness through Your Best You, these programs empower girls. We're thrilled to launch these opportunities this summer, thanks to the United Way of North Central Massachusetts.'
Judy Tomlinson, UWNCM director of community impact, emphasized the importance of these investments.
'Funding local nonprofit organizations is an investment in our communities. These organizations are often on the front lines, addressing urgent needs and creating lasting impact where it matters most. Supporting them means empowering local solutions and strengthening the social fabric around us.'
The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, bmcdermott1@gannett.com, with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Gardner News: United Way funds 38 agencies to support kids, housing and more
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
CBS News
an hour ago
- CBS News
University of Michigan starts new programs for their first-year applicants
The new school year is approaching, and the University of Michigan is adding an early decision program to its undergraduate application process, and will begin admitting students into two new first-year undergraduate programs. Applications to the university for the 2026-2027 year open Aug. 1. Under the early decision program, prospective first-year students must apply by Nov. 1 to be eligible to receive their admission response by late January. With early decision also comes early action, meaning students who are accepted must commit by May 1. In the application, a written signed agreement is required by the applicant, a parent or guardian, and their high school counselor. If accepted, the applicant must withdraw other applications from all colleges and universities. "As we approach the start of an academic year with what is likely to be a record number of undergraduate students, we are excited to offer this new approach to the undergraduate application process at the university," said Laurie McCauley, provost and executive vice president for academic affairs. "The introduction of Early Decision at U-M allows high-achieving undergraduate students to affirm their commitment to the university earlier in the application process and enjoy peace of mind during the rest of their senior year of high school." The university encourages highly qualified students who already know that the university is their first choice to take advantage of this option. Students who are still exploring their options can still apply with the regular decision options, which allow students to apply by Feb. 1, 2026. Participating in any of the above applications will allow students to be eligible for available financial aid. Regardless of the process, admissions staff will still use the same holistic application review and selection process. Once admitted, students can choose two newly added programs from Michigan's catalog. Each of these new programs will be available as options for the University of Michigan's 2026-2027 prospective first-year students.
CNN
an hour ago
- CNN
Flames from engine cause flight to declare an emergency and return to LAX
The FAA is investigating after a Sun Country Airlines Boeing 737 returned to Los Angeles International Airport with flames streaking from its right engine on Monday. 'We weren't even in the air 25 minutes and it sounded like lightning had struck the plane or something had exploded,' passenger Ruth Sorensen told CNN. 'We could actually hear the engine, shutting down after this happened and the flames were coming out.' Flight 430 was flying to Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport with 166 passengers onboard when it experienced 'an issue' with one engine after take off and declared an emergency, the airline said in a statement. 'I was actually seated next to the engine that caught on fire. I saw just a really bright flash out the window,' A passenger named Sarah told CNN affiliate WCCO. 'The passenger next to me held hands and kind of comforted each other, bracing for the worst.' The pilots declared an emergency and returned to land safely at LAX where they were met by fire trucks before eventually taxing to the gate. 'We slept on the airport floor from 3 a.m. until 8:30 a.m. to get on a new Sun Country flight to go home,' Sorensen said. 'Our passengers and crew are our priority, and we appreciate the professionalism of our pilots and flight attendants to ensure the safety of our customers,' the airline said in a statement. CNN's Christine Sever contributed to this report.
CBS News
2 hours ago
- CBS News
Fort Lauderdale police officer injured trying save dog during apartment fire
A Fort Lauderdale firefighter was taken to the hospital after she rushed into a burning apartment to try and save a dog. According to Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue, the fire broke out in the kitchen of the apartment on NW 13 Terrace at NW 8 Street. Fort Lauderdale police were the first to arrive and they were met by two children who said their dog Rocky was still inside. An officer rushed in to try and save him, but she was overcome by the smoke and had to get out. Moments later, firefighters arrived. They went inside and quickly put out the fire while saving Rocky. The officer was taken to Broward Health Medical Center where she was treated for smoke inhalation. The children's mother, who was working at the time, said she received a terrifying phone call from her kids. "My daughter was screaming saying 'The house is on fire, the house is on fire'. I'm like, did you guys call 911? (They kept saying) the house is on fire and we can't find the dog," she said. "I'm just grateful everybody is good, everybody is alive and the dog is alive because they were worried about the dog." Fort Lauderdale firefighters said Rocky appeared to be fine, but was taken to a veterinarian to get checked out. The children were unharmed. They said the fire was mostly contained to the kitchen and since they were able to put it out quickly, the apartment did not sustain a whole lot of damage. The Red Cross is assisting the family.
