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Real Estate Professionals Kick-Off Recruitment for United Way’s Community Builders

Civic minded young professionals volunteer skills and labor to improve communities
United Way Community Builders Annual Kick-Off hosts
01/27/2012

More than 100 civic minded young professionals from the region's leading real estate firms attended United Way's Community Builders kick-off at the Ames Hotel last night. Organized by seven United Way Community Builders volunteers, including co-chairs Ben Sayles of Holliday Fenoglio Fowler, L.P. and Wyndsor DePetro of Marcus Partners, the event aimed to recruit volunteers for a burgeoning number of projects around the city. Michael K. Durkin, United Way president and CEO, attended to show the organization's support for the group's work to transform neighborhoods through their skills.  read more »

United Way Seeks Tax Prep Volunteers to Help Low-Income Residents Claim Funds Often Left Unclaimed

Partnership with Bank of America Continues After Generating $5.9 Million in 2011 Refunds to 3,555 Low-Income, Working Families
01/26/2012

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley is seeking volunteers to assist with free tax preparation at eight sites in eastern Massachusetts. In 2011, more than 200 volunteers assisted 3,555 families with free tax preparation. As part of a larger effort to ensure more families claim the tax credits they have earned - credits they are often unaware even exist - in 2012 eight free tax preparation sites will serve residents of ten cities including Lawrence, Quincy, Lynn, Boston, Waltham, Chelsea, Revere, Randolph, Weymouth and Chelmsford.  read more »

National Grid Foundation Meets United Way’s Basic Needs Challenge with Funding for Heating Assistance

Energy provider’s Foundation makes largest contribution to date to address growing need; urges community to support United Way’s unified effort
National Grid Foundation board member Carmen Fields presents a United Way Family Financial Stability Fund check to Gerry Fine, Cambridge Family & Children's Service board of directors vice president PHOTO Howard Kang/UWMBMV
01/19/2012

In direct response to United Way's $250,000 community challenge issued last month, the National Grid Foundation has designated $75,000 to be distributed among seven regional nonprofits providing heating assistance to families in need. National Grid Foundation's annual support of United Way's funding of a collective of basic needs services grew by 25 percent this year due to the increasing need of the region's residents. Following their contribution, the National Grid Foundation is asking residents to also come forward and assist those struggling to provide basic needs for their families.  read more »

United Way Applauds White House Focus on Employing America’s Youth

Nonprofit’s funding of summer employment for teens aims to bring financial stability to region
Teens in Lynn found work through a United Way/Centerboard program.
01/05/2012

United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley is applauding the White House's announcement of Summer Jobs+.  read more »

Calls for Help Increase Dramatically at United Way’s 2-1-1 Service

Call volume triples as operators prepare for influx of homebound service members seeking assistance in coming months
12/23/2011

When the calendar turns to January 1, 2012 United Way's 24-hour, statewide 2-1-1 call service will have received roughly 90,000 calls from residents seeking housing, utility payments, procuring food, becoming financially stable, veterans services, 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.  read more »

DYS Commissioner to Become New Executive Director of Boston’s Early Childhood Initiative

Jane Tewksbury brings longstanding youth commitment to focus on city’s youngest children
12/22/2011

Less than a week after Massachusetts was awarded up to $50 million in Race to the Top funding for early childhood education, Thrive in 5 has selected Jane E. Tewksbury as its new Executive Director. As of February 1, 2012, Tewksbury will assume her post as head of Boston's citywide movement to ensure that all children entering kindergarten have the resources and support they need for success in school and beyond. Tewksbury has served as Commissioner of the Massachusetts Department of Youth Services since 2005.  read more »

United Way Distributes $250,000 to Struggling Agencies Aiding Families in Need

Nonprofit challenges community to match $250,000 in funding; Donations being accepted at www.chooseyourimpact.org/ffsf

5 Tips to Make Your Donation Effective

United Way’s holiday donor checklist
12/09/2011

The holiday season is in full swing and many of us have begun receiving donation requests from nonprofits for much needed funding, volunteering or in-kind contributions. These requests for support come in our mail, over the phone, through email, from friends and family on social media and sometimes from volunteers on the street. There are many reputable organizations that need your help however it can be difficult to decide which nonprofits you should support. Here are United Way's 5 Tips to Make Your Donation Effective:

1. Clear Goals  read more »

5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Volunteering

How to find the best volunteer opportunities for you
12/08/2011

The holiday season is in full swing and many of us want to give back to our community through volunteering. Given the number of volunteer opportunities in the region it is important to answer several questions before you sign up. Here are United Way's 5 questions you can answer to get you on your way to volunteering in your community. For more information including United Way's Take the Pledge campaign and a list of volunteer opportunities visit www.supporunitedway.org/volunteer.  read more »

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