For Immediate Release

February 14, 2012

In today’s difficult economy, youth throughout the region are missing out on enrichment activities that once made summers memorable. United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Summer Fund is working to change all that. Through Camperships, Youth Employment, and Cultural Enrichment opportunities; Summer Fund is gearing up to provide youth in greater NewBedford with the opportunity to enjoy summer while learning and developing valuable leadership skills.

In order to provide these opportunities, United Way is seeking applications from non-profit agencies in Acushnet, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, Freetown, Marion, Mattapoisett, New Bedford, Rochester, Wareham, and Westport that serve local youth during the summer.

Non-profits with a determined 501©(3) status are encouraged to apply for up to $5,000 in funding to provide youth ages 6-21 with camperships, youth employment, or cultural enrichment opportunities.

“It is important to give kids opportunities throughout the summer months,” says Summer Fund Outreach Coordinator Victoria Grasela. “During the summer, youth of all ages need to be engaged in order to keep their hunger for learning active.”

Applications must be submitted by March 21, 2012 to be considered. The guidelines and application are available at http://www.unitedwayofgnb.org/advocate/summer-programs/.  Summer Fund grants are made possible through a pooled fund of contributions from a number of local foundations

For more information about Sumer Fund, please contact Victoria Grasela at 508-994-9625 x10 or vgrasela@unitedwayofgnb.org.

January 31, 2012

For more information contact:

Claudia Kirk, Mini-Grants Program Director

United Way of Greater New Bedford

508-994-9625, ext. 13

2012 United Way Mini-Grants Available for All Volunteer Groups

 Orientation Workshops Set

In a time of limited economic resources and an increasing public desire for change, United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Community Building Mini-Grants Program is offering support to volunteer-based groups who want to make a difference in their community by bringing their ideas and creative solutions to life.

All-volunteer based groups with budgets that do not exceed $25,000 are eligible for grants up to $2,500 for ongoing, year-long projects or up to $500 for one time special events.  The application deadline for all groups is Friday, April 13^th. 

The Mini-Grants Program is the only local program to support all-volunteer grassroots efforts that improve community life through grant making, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities.  Each project should be improve, strengthen and build our community.

Last year, 36 groups received a total of $39,300 in grant funding. The projects supported represent a broad spectrum of local interests, issues and concerns – including neighborhood events, senior and youth activities, public safety, nonviolence, environmental, performing arts, historical, advocacy, and community gardens. Funds are used to provide items essential to a project’s success such as health and wellness items for the Baby Health Project and lumber to build raised beds, soil and plants for a community garden.

“So many local groups have the passion, commitment and creative ideas that could really make a positive impact on the community, but they’re having a difficult time securing funding,” said Claudia Kirk, Program Director.  “The Mini-Grants can serve as a tremendous resource to help them make their ideas a reality.”

All applicants, including past Mini-Grantees, are required to attend one of 4 free orientation sessions, which cover the basics of the Mini-Grants Program and provide groups with step-by-step tips on getting through the application process:

New Bedford:  Thursday, Feb 23^nd @ 6 pm OR Tuesday, Feb 28^th @ 10am at the Salvation Army 619 Purchase Street (please use parking lot entrance)

Wareham:  Thursday, March 1^st @ 6pm at the Wareham Free Library (59 Marion Rd / Rte. 6)

Acushnet: Wednesday, March 7^th @ 6pm at the Acushnet Community Center (232 Middle Rd.)

Pre-registration is required for all orientation sessions (seating is limited).  Application deadline is Friday, April 13^th.  To register or to find out whether your group is eligible, contact Claudia Kirk at 508-994-9625, ext. 13 or at ckirk@unitedwayofgnb.org.  Visit the United Way website at www.unitedwayofgnb.org for more details about the Mini-Grants Program.

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In all, nearly 1,500 toys were donated to help children throughout the city as well as $1,500 that went to purchase additional toys.  Donations of new toys, books, movie passes and stuffed animals were collected throughout the city at all fire stations, as well as Ashley Ford, New Bedford Housing Authority, Star Oil, New Bedford Credit Union and Lowe’s.

“On behalf of all of the organizations receiving toys, we can’t thank the firefighters enough for their tireless effort and dedication to this project,” says Michelle Hantman, United Way President. “We are in our 13^th year of this partnership which continues to help thousands of kids in Greater New Bedford.

Organizations that received toys from the drive include PACE, New Bedford Community Connections Coalition, HarbOur House, NorthStar Learning Center, Immigrants’ Assistance Center, YWCA of Southeastern Massachusetts, Greater New Bedford Women’s Center, Schwartz Center for Children, Donovan House, South Central/ South First Street Neighborhood Association, and Kennedy Donovan Center.

Please click the link below to view the full newsletter.

edition-4-2011

New Bedford Firefighters ask that new, unwrapped toys can be dropped off at any New Bedford Fire Station from 8am-6pm, New Bedford Credit Union (1150 Purchase Street or 120 Dawson Street), New Bedford Housing Authority Office (134 South Second Street), Star Oil Co. (228 Rockdale Ave), Ashley Ford (395 Mt Pleasant Street), or Lowe’s Home Improvement (Locations in N. Dartmouth & Wareham) through Monday, December 19^th. These toys will be distributed to local organizations serving youth throughout New Bedford on Tuesday December 20^th.

“Being out in the community, we see the need growing for a service like this,” said firefighter and toy drive coordinator Captain Rick Shea. “We’re happy to be able to give back.”

In the past, thousands of items have been donated and have been distributed to children throughout the city during the holiday season with help from United Way of Greater New Bedford.

“We are thrilled to be able to partner with the New Bedford firefighters in this effort to reach out to families in need this holiday season.  With so many families just struggling to keep food on the table, Christmas gifts are often lost in the shuffle.  For many children in our community, just having one gift to open on Christmas morning is a luxury.” Said Michelle Hantman, President. “Our partnership will ensure that many deserving children will get toys this year regardless of the situation their family might be in.”

All of the items collected will be separated and delivered to local nonprofit organizations that serve youth.  Some organizations that have received toys from the drive in the past include the Greater New Bedford Women’s Center, Schwartz Center for Children, NorthStar Learning Centers, Donovan House and HarbOUR House / Family Preservation Program. These agencies will distribute the toys to children through their various holiday activities.

Please do not contact the New Bedford Fire Department with toy requests. Please contact United Way of Greater New Bedford with any questions at 508-994-9625 ext. 20.

Each fall, United Way receives help from individuals in the community to assist with its annual campaign, which raises more than a million dollars for local people in need. Leading the effort this year is Campaign Chair Paul Medeiros, Senior Vice President & Lender at BankFive. Mr. Medeiros, along with the Campaign Cabinet, will work to secure new campaigns and help strengthen the organization’s current business relationships.

This year’s Campaign Cabinet includes: Joseph Borges, vice president of business banking at BankFive; Gary Fealy, vice president and market manager at BankFive; Andrew Guilbeault, mortgage lending specialist at BankFive; Mathew Insana, first vice president of commercial lending at Rockland Trust; Valarie Lacasse, vice president/business development officer at Bristol County Savings Bank; Joseph Lopes, loan officer at Massachusetts Growth Capital Corp; Pedro Pelicas, vice president / branch manager at BankFive; Maria Pinarreta, vice president of retail administration at BankFive; Joseph Tavares, vice president of business development at Rockland Trust; and John Sousa, vice president of commercial services at BankFive.

United Way has also welcomed six loaned executives this year, most of whom are employees that local businesses have “loaned” to United Way one day per week to support campaign efforts and help keep administrative costs low.

Members of that team are: Lisa Delgado, assistant branch manager at First Citizens’ Federal Credit Union; Betty Durkin, security assistant specialist at Lockheed Martin; Chris Horta, director at the Bristol County Sheriff’s Office; Gianno Letteri III, Rochester resident; Wendy Mendoza-Rivera, human resources manager at New Bedford Housing Authority; and Pedro Pelicas, vice president / branch manager at BankFive.

The total funding includes awards made to over 60 programs at health and human service agencies through United Way’s Community Fund, as well as two United Way programs – Summer Fund and the Community Building Mini-Grants.  In addition, approximately $85,000 was distributed to donor specified agencies and other United Way programs such as Mass 2-1-1, Volunteer Solutions and the Hunger Commission.  The funding was secured from workplace campaign pledges, individual donations, private grants and corporate gifts to United Way. 

“In the midst of an incredibly challenging fundraising environment, United Way is able to raise funds and leverage resources so that these valuable programs may focus on providing direct services to our community,” said Michelle N. Hantman, United Way president. 

Grants awarded through the Community Fund, which totaled $730,568, are primarily collected through United Way’s annual fundraising campaign each fall and are allocated by United Way’s Citizens Review Committee, a group of volunteers that live and work in Greater New Bedford.  The Committee ensures that recipient organizations meet accountability standards by reviewing their applications, analyzing the program’s history and past successes, and in some cases conducting site visits. 

Summer Fund grants totaled $108,737 – the most ever in the program’s 19 year history – to 30 local programs to provide employment, camp and cultural enrichment activities for at-risk youth.  Through a partnership with New Directions, Summer Fund also provides pre-employment training and assistance with resume writing and interview skills.  

“We saw a real need for quality employment opportunities that provide youth with an opportunity to grow and expand their leadership skills,” said Sarah Gonet, vice president of resource development for United Way. 

Lastly, United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Community Building Mini-Grants Program recently awarded $39,300 in grants to 36 local all-volunteer based groups for initiatives that improve the quality of life and address locally identified issues in Greater New Bedford. 

United Way’s annual campaign kicks off in September.  For more information on how to get involved or make a gift call 508-994-9625 or e-mail Sarah Gonet at sgonet@unitedwayofgnb.org.

United Way of Greater New Bedford’s Community Building Mini-Grants Program recently awarded $39,300 in grants to 36 local all-volunteer based groups for a wide array of projects that make life better and build our local community.

The grants provide groups with the opportunity to pursue initiatives that improve the quality of life and address locally identified issues in Greater New Bedford. Serving as the only local resource to support all-volunteer based organizations with budgets not to exceed $25,000, the program offers grant making, skill-building workshops, and networking opportunities. 

“In these challenging times, it’s encouraging to see so many people who are working together and committed to making our community a better place to live,” said Program Director Claudia Kirk.  

The projects represent a broad spectrum of interests, issues and concerns – including neighborhood, senior and youth activities, public safety, nonviolence, environmental, performing arts, fitness, history, culture, community gardens and events. Mini-Grant funds are used for the essential supplies and necessary materials the all-volunteer groups need to implement their projects in Greater New Bedford. 

The following organizations received Mini-Grants this year:A Piece of Cake – A.S.A.P. (All Scholastic Athletic Program) – ACE (Acushnet Classic Ensemble) – Acushnet Historical Society – Bristol County Commission on the Status of Women – Busy Hands & Loving Hearts – Cove Street Neighborhood Association – Dartmouth Dog Advisory Work Group – Fairhaven Bicentennial Committee – Freetown Senior Club – Friends of New Bedford Free Public Library – GNB Voke Tech After Prom Committee – Grace Community Breakfast – Holocaust Education Committee – Holy Family/Holy Name PTO Health Fair Committee – Inner City Youth – Jireh Swift Elementary School PTO – John W. Decas Community Playground Committee – Kaminhu Longi (Long Journey) Dance Program – Kids That Grow – La Soul Renaissance – Leroy L. Wood School PTO – Martha Briggs Educational Club – Mercy Meals and More – MOMS Club of Fairhaven – Mount Pleasant Street Neighborhood Association – Neighborhoods United – New Bedford High School After Prom Committee – Nittauke (My Land) Committee – O.R.P.H. (Orpheum Rising Project Helpers) – S.T.E.P. (Success Through Empowerment Partnership) – Serenity Garden Community Garden – Survivors of Victims of Homicide Awareness – The Friends of Wareham’s Elderly – The Women In You – V.E.N.C. (Vision, Energy, New Age, Creativity). 

For more information about the United Way Community Building Mini-Grants Program, call Claudia Kirk at 508-994-9625, ext. 13.

United Way has once again stepped up to provide hundreds of young people with summer opportunities, allocating a total of $107,037 in funding – the most ever in its 19 year history – to thirty local programs to provide employment, camp and cultural enrichment activities.

“The fact that we raised and distributed the most funding ever this year is a testament to the importance of this program and the need to provide our young people with quality summer opportunities that help them learn and grow outside of the classroom,” said Michelle N. Hantman, president of United Way of Greater New Bedford. 

Summer Fund is made possible through a pool of funds general provided by the Island Foundation, Bilezikian Family Foundation, Patrick Carney Foundation, Women’s Fund, and Acushnet Foundation, YES and Rainy Day Funds at the Community Foundation of Southeastern Massachusetts. 

Summer Fund was originally begun in 1993 as a pool of foundation funds to provide camperships to at-risk youth.  In response to local needs, Summer Fund expanded in 2008 to include employment opportunities for older youth.    

“We saw a real need for quality employment opportunities that provide youth with an opportunity to grow and expand their leadership skills,” said Sarah Gonet, vice president of resource development for United Way. 

“These aren’t simply summer jobs, but opportunities to make a real difference.”  

Through a partnership with New Directions, Summer Fund also provides pre-employment training and assistance with resume writing and interview skills.  This year, the program also brought on board a part time outreach coordinator to assist employers in securing youth who will most benefit from their positions. 

“Having grown up in the community, I realize the challenges a lot of young people face,” said Victoria Grasela, Summer Fund outreach coordinator and a 2003 New Bedford High School graduate who recently received her Master’s in Public Administration from Bridgewater State College. 

“The key is to give young people the tools they need to succeed.” 

Nonprofits which received funding to provide employment and enrichment opportunities include: 3^rd EyE Unlimited; artMOBILE; AHA! New Bedford / City Celebrates; ARTWORKS; Boys & Girls Club of GNB – New Bedford and Wareham sites; Brick by Brick; Coalition Against Poverty; Community Boating Center; Dennison Memorial Community Center; Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts; Hunger Commission of Southeastern Massachusetts; Immigrants’ Assistance Center; Boy Scouts of America – Narragansett Council; New Bedford Festival Theatre; New Bedford Whaling Museum; New Bedford Youth Court; Our Sisters’ School; PACE YouthBuild; Team Builders; Trips for Kids; Trustees of Reservations; United Front Homes Summer Enrichment Program; WHALE; YMCA Southcoast – Camp Metacomet, Camp Frederick Douglas, Camp Nep-in-NAE and Camp Massasoit; and YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts. 

If you would like to make a donation to United Way’s Summer Fund program, contact Victoria Grasela at 508-994-9625, ext. 10.

“This event is our opportunity to honor the many companies and individuals that have supported United Way throughout the year, allowing us to fund the valuable programs that are so important to our community,” said President Michelle N. Hantman.

Top honors fell to Acushnet Company, taking home three awards: the Rockefeller Award for raising more than $50,000, the Navigator Society for their high percentage of leadership donors, and the Major Firms Challenge Platter which serves as a friendly competition each year among United Way’s larger supporters.

Other recipients of the Rockefeller Award included: the City of New Bedford and New Bedford Public Schools, Lockheed Martin, NSTAR Gas & Electric and Southcoast Health System.

Thirteen organizations received Campaign Excellence Awards – making it the largest category – based on their above average campaigns in both percent participation and per capita gift.

Board Chair Dennis Galvam asked attendees to think about how they can work with United Way in the future to engage employees and provide them with a positive philanthropic experience.

I would encourage all of you to ask yourselves how you can help enhance the United Way experience for those within your organization,” said Mr. Galvam. “I ask this not just to help United Way continue the important work they’re doing, but also because everyone should have the opportunity to help make our community better.”

United Way’s Hunger Commission of Southeastern Massachusetts presented a Community Partner Award to local musicians of the Pearly Baker Band in appreciation of their efforts for the first ever Pearly Baker Anniversary Bash at the Z, which raised more than $18,000 for the program. Mary Ellen Spooner also received a recognition award from the Community Building Mini-Grants Program in honor of her longstanding service.

Additionally, South Coast Media Group won the LIVE UNITED Award for their support of the LIVE UNITED campaign, and Morgan Advanced Ceramics / Alberox Products won the Spirit of Volunteerism Award for their ongoing efforts to promote volunteerism within their organization.

The evening also featured remarks from Gig Lang and a performance by Hayley and Camryn Morais, who are members of the performance troupe Voices in Time.