United Way of Central Massachusetts commits additional $500K for youth summer programs

“Last week, the Board of Directors of the United Way of Central Massachusetts voted to invest $500,000 in Worcester’s school-age children.

The $500,000 will be drawn from the United Way reserves.

Tim Garvin, president and CEO of United Way Central Massachusetts, said the decision was “both historic and emotional.”

‘Our United Way is 100 years old this year, and as we have looked back at our past and our legacy, so much of our funding and our support for the community has gone to support youth development and creating a better future,’ Garvin said.”

“The board’s decision to invest the $500,000 was unanimous. Garvin says board members Dr. Mathilde Castile, the commissioner of health and human services for the city, and Maureen Binienda, superintendent of Worcester Public Schools, gave speeches to the board that served as

“a beautiful one-two punch” in securing the unanimous vote. During her speech, Castile said not taking care of the youth should be regarded as a public health issue. Binienda addressed that many children have been out of school since March 13, and without quality recreation programs

and mentoring, some children will go upwards of 23 weeks without some sort of educational structure.

Garvin hopes the investments will allow Worcester’s school-age children to enjoy their summer and allow Worcester agencies to run summer programs.”

The need in Worcester remains great but we hope that this contribution will assist agencies in need to ensure children still have an amazing summer this year, To read the full article CLICK HERE