Our Focus Areas

Advocate for Uncategorized

Brian Adams
Fri, 01/13/2012

Calls for Help

Returning service members seek assistance in growing numbers

United Way's 24-hour, statewide 2-1-1 call service received roughly 90,000 calls in 2011 from residents seeking assistance with veterans services as well as housing, utility payments, procuring food, becoming financially stable, emergency relief and childcare help. The call volume is a sharp increase from the 30,000 calls it received at the beginning of the recession in 2006. Adding to the increased need for assistance with services is the return of our nation's service members from overseas, an influx projected to impact the call center beginning in the first few months of 2012.  read more »

Guest Blogger
Thu, 01/05/2012

More Bang for Community Bucks

Today, when President Obama called on Americans to be "All-In" to support pathways to education and jobs for disconnected youth, he could well have had Philadelphia's young "pushouts" in mind. Such youngsters are the target of efforts by the White House Council for Community Solutions to connect at-risk youth to education, jobs and mentors.  read more »

Guest Blogger
Wed, 12/21/2011

A Story of Appreciation

Raising A Reader MA
A father reads with his son.

"What more could a school ask for? Children are being motivated to read and parents are excited about reading with their child at home."  read more »

corey zimmerman
Fri, 12/16/2011

Partnering for Our Children

Working together as we “Race to the Top”

My phone kept vibrating this morning as emails poured in from our partner agencies across the state. An early Associated Press report stated that Massachusetts was shortlisted as one of nine states to receive a portion of a $500 million competitive Race to the Top grant.  read more »

Michael K. Durkin
Mon, 12/12/2011

Concrete Beds and Cardboard Pillows

Creating a financial foundation for Boston’s transient residents

Homelessness is an equal opportunity issue. It does not discriminate. It’s not racist or sexist and it will take individuals or entire families. People of every age live on our streets, in our alleyways, over our heating vents and in the nooks and doorways of our cities and towns.  read more »

Guest Blogger
Wed, 12/07/2011

Guest Blogger Rodnee: Coming Together for a Better Understanding

Sharing my story a room at time

The final entry in a 3 part series of blogs about the child sex trade industry. Rodnee discusses how sharing her story of survival can make a difference in understanding sexual exploitation. Learn more at United Way's Women’s Initiative Education Series: Saving Our Girls - Demystifying the Secret World of Sexual Exploitation, Wednesday, December 7.  read more »

Guest Blogger
Tue, 12/06/2011

Guest Blogger Mia Alvarado: Roxbury Youthworks Nears a Decade of Battling Commercial Sexual Exploitation

Building relationships to help youth leave “the life”

Part 2 in a 3 part series of blogs about the child sex trade industry. Mia Alvarado, Executive Director of Roxbury Youthworks, Inc., discusses the nearly 10 years of service her organization has provided to youth living "the life." Mia will be speaking at United Way's Women’s Initiative Education Series: Saving Our Girls - Demystifying the Secret World of Sexual Exploitation, Wednesday, December 7.  read more »

Guest Blogger
Mon, 12/05/2011

Guest Blogger Rebecca Kantar: Localizing the Global Sex Trade

The commercial sexual exploitation of children hits home

Part 1 in a 3 part series of blogs about the child sex trade industry. Rebecca Kantar, CEO of Minga, takes us through her teenage journey to shine a spotlight on sexual exploitation. Rebecca will be speaking at United Way's Women’s Initiative Education Series: Saving Our Girls - Demystifying the Secret World of Sexual Exploitation, Wednesday, December 7.  read more »

Michael K. Durkin
Sat, 11/19/2011

Thankful This Thanksgiving

Bringing hope to those in need
United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley president and CEO Michael K. Durkin at today's Thanksgiving Project

Thanksgiving comes in all sorts of shapes and sizes but two constants during the holiday season are hope and need. I had the good fortune this morning to volunteer alongside more than 50 volunteers at Catholic Charities' in Dorchester and provide a piece of hope amongst those in need.  read more »

Russet Morrow
Tue, 09/27/2011

The Dropout Prevention Act

In support of S185

Hundreds of Massachusetts residents, including teachers, legislators, students, and parents, testified at the State House in support of S185, the Dropout Prevention Act. Read testimony from United Way's Russet Morrow.  read more »