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July 16, 2020 Giving Guide 2020

United Way of Central Massachusetts

Responding to the Crisis:

The Worcester Together Fund, a partnership between United Way of Central Massachusetts, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF), and the City of Worcester, was created to support those in our community impacted by the coronavirus.  To date, $9 million has been raised from corporations, foundations and individuals and our hope is to raise a total of $10 million.  We have received over 200 applications for funding and more than $6.8 million has been awarded to organizations in our community.  

The impact of these grants will be felt in our community both in the short and long term. The immediate focus has been on the critical basic needs of food, shelter, vulnerable populations, and enhancing operations. In the weeks and months ahead, the focus will turn to recovery and renewal for those most impacted during this crisis.

Future Goals

1. Improve the lives of the citizens of Central Massachusetts by connecting people and resources in our community.

2. We continue to recognize our 100th Anniversary by honoring the support we received in the past, while looking forward to strengthening our future impact in the community.

3. Increase revenue to support the ever-growing needs in our community, particularly in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis.

4. Support programs to improve the mental and physical health of residents of Central Massachusetts.  

5. Increase financial stability for families and individuals in need.

6. Strengthen the safety net available to meet the needs of vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on food insecurity and those experiencing homelessness.

7. Create opportunities for donor engagement and volunteerism around specific, timely issues.

8. Continue to fund gender-specific programs for girls ages 10 – 14 to reduce and prevent violence.

Giving Opportunities

The United Way of Central Massachusetts accepts online or mail-in donations year-round, and is thankful to all who give their time, talents, and treasure to help us in our mission to deliver lasting, positive impact in the communities of Central Massachusetts. 

Opportunities to contribute include: 

  • YouthConnect: The United Way-funded network of youth serving organizations that provide neighborhood-based recreational, educational, and cultural activities to underserved Worcester middle and high school-aged youth.
  • Worcester Free Tax Coalition: Support this program’s IRS-trained volunteers who help low-income families take advantage of earned income and other available tax credits.
  • Holiday Wish List: Helps those in need have a happy holiday season by donating items, such as clothes, books, and toys or volunteering to serve meals or wrap presents.
  • Women’s Initiative: Fund gender-specific programs for girls ages 10 – 14 to reduce and prevent violence.
  • Fundraising Opportunities

Women’s Initiative Stepping Up* – Tuesday, October 6, 2020, Hogan Center, College of the Holy Cross, Worcester.   For more information, please contact Emily McCann at emily.mccann@unitedwaycm.org

100th Annual Meeting and Community Celebration* – Thursday, September 24, 2020.  For more information on the event or sponsorships available, please contact Ginger Conti at ginger.conti@unitedwaycm.org

100th Anniversary Events – We are planning to host a series of smaller donor events and engagement activities to recognize our 100th Anniversary.  For more information, please contact Ginger Conti at ginger.conti@unitedwaycm.org

*All events planned for fall 2020 are subject to change, due to the ongoing pandemic and mandatory state social distancing advisories.

Volunteer Opportunities

The United Way improves the community by harnessing the power of volunteerism with a variety of short and long-term opportunities.  A highlight is our Day of Caring, our annual corporate volunteer day. In 2019, close to 1,000 employees completed 80 projects for organizations in need.  The 28th Annual Day of Caring is scheduled for September 17, 2020.

Other opportunities to volunteer your time:

  • COVID-19 related volunteer opportunities;
  • Mentor eighth grade girls in basic money management skills at our Women’s Initiative Dollar $cholar Conferences held in the fall and spring;
  • Help low & moderate-income families and individuals complete their tax returns;
  • Support women’s leadership and empower adolescent girls by volunteering on a Women’s Initiative committee;
  • Replenish food pantries at the Letter Carriers Food Drive, held the 2nd Saturday every May.

UWCM’s volunteer website (volunteer.unitedwaycm.org) is a central location for all volunteer opportunities. 

United Way of Central Massachusetts

MISSION STATEMENT

Connecting people and resources to improve the community.

United Way of Central Massachusetts

484 Main Street, Suite 300
Worcester, MA 01608

Phone: 508-757-5631 

unitedwaycm.org

Full-time employees: 12

Annual revenues: $5 million 

Year founded: 1920

Service area: Auburn, Barre, Boylston, Brookfield, Douglas, East Brookfield, East Douglas, Grafton, Holden, Hubbardston, Leicester, Millbury, New Braintree, Northborough, Northbridge, North Brookfield, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Princeton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Spencer, Sterling, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, West Boylston, West Brookfield, and Worcester

Top funding sources:

1. Workplace campaigns, consisting of individual donors

2. Foundation support 

3. Corporate contributions

Board of Directors

Timothy J. Garvin, President & CEO

Naomi Sleeper, Imperial Distributors, Board Chair

Kola Akindele, UMass Medical School

Maureen Binienda, Worcester Public Schools

Matilde Castiel, M.D., City of Worcester

Joseph Carlson, Central MA Labor Council

Jeffrey Chin, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central MA 

Therese Day, UMass Memorial HealthCare

Sheilah H. Dooley, Clerk, Pernet Family Health Services, Inc.

Joseph M. Hamilton, Esq., Chair, Community Impact, Mirick O’Connell

Kerri Melley, Chair, Women’s Initiative

Deb Larsen, Wells Fargo

Dan Mastrototaro, Hanover Insurance Group

Representative James J. O’Day, 14th Worcester District

Elizabeth Oluokun, Unum

Luis G. Pedraja, Quinsigamond Community College

Gina Plata-Nino, Central West Justice: Community Legal Aid

Paul Provost, Worcester Telegram & Gazette

Mary Lou Retelle, Anna Maria College

Alex Richardson, Worcester Red Sox

John Shea, Esq., Mirick O’Connell

Brian Sullivan, Berkshire Bank

Rev. Clyde Talley, Treasurer, Belmont A.M.E. Zion Church

JT Tanacea, Bank of America

Edward H. White, Chair-Elect, National Grid