Community Buzz

An appreciation for the effect of the unexpected

Guest Blogger — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:57:15 -0400

The following is a guest post by Lisa Palin, an attorney at Mintz, Levin, Cohn, Ferris, Glovsky, and Popeo, P.C. On September 15, Lisa participated in a United Way Poverty Simulation. The United Way Poverty Simulation aims to provide participants with a closer view into in the life of a family living at or near the poverty level in Massachusetts. Each participant takes on the role of a family member and are assigned tasks to accomplish to sustain their families – work, grocery shop, go to school, sign up for needed services, etc.

The experience is simulated, but participants get a sense of the real-life constraints, such as transportation, work and time, that many families face in trying to attain financial stability. In her guest post, Lisa walks us through her "role" in the simulation and what was going through her mind during and after the experience. read more »

An Overview of United Way: The video

Meghan Keaney Anderson — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:31:17 -0500

Born Learning Trail Launch

Meghan Keaney Anderson — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 13:23:20 -0400

Bring your children ages 0-5 to a wonderful morning on Children's Wharf in Boston. Tour the city's first ever Born Learning Trail. Enjoy food and activities and shake, wiggle and giggle to live music from Wiggle Works. A welcome and words from Mayor Thomas Menino will be followed by a special visit from Arthur, the world famous aardvark!

Date: Wed, August 12

Time: 11:00-11:30 AM

Location:
Children's Wharf
(next to Boston Children's Museum, 300 Congress St) read more »

Boston's Homeless Census

Meghan Keaney Anderson — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 21:34:46 -0500

Monday, United Way volunteers joined crowds of others in the City of Boston's annual Homeless census. The Homeless Census aims to shine a light on the numbers of individuals and families living without permanent homes in the city. The Boston Globe coverage included a photo of United Way staff alumna (and current executive director of the interagency council on housing and homelessness) Liz Curtis leading a set of volunteers as part of the census. read more »

Food Donations and Volunteers Needed

Meghan Keaney Anderson — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 12:23:25 -0500

BOSTON - On Saturday, November 21 from 9 a.m. read more »

Have Jobs Need Skills

Meghan Keaney Anderson — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 12:29:00 -0400

With the unemployment rate in Massachusetts hovering around 8.7%, it can be difficult to believe that there are some local jobs sitting open due to lack of qualified candidates. In places like inbound marketing firm Hubspot and Tewksbury's Raytheon unit, it's a reality HR professionals are seeing more and more. Journalist Curt Nickisch, explored this issue in a recent story on WBUR, saying: read more »

Launch of new “Born Learning” Trail gives parents free, simple steps to support their children’s development

Meghan Keaney Anderson — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:25:45 -0400

BOSTON -- A 2009 study from the National Center for Education Statistics found that children living in poverty are less likely to have someone read to them, tell them stories or sing to them. Studies have also shown that low-income children can begin kindergarten 1-2 years behind their counterparts. Research from United Way of America indicates that lack of time and knowledge about how best to prepare children for school are often at the center of this disparity. read more »

Local Restaurant Celebrates Milestone and the Importance of Community

Pam Carrier — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:13:14 -0400

NEW ENGLAND -- Remember when a pizza only cost five bucks? On Saturday, October 17th, Sal's Pizza will be turning 20. To celebrate, the long-standing community restaurant will be turning back time on its prices, while raising funds to advance the common good. The restaurant, with more than 30 locations throughout the region, will roll back prices on its 19" cheese pizzas from $9.99 to $5.55 -- the price of a pie when Sal's first opened. read more »

Patriot Kevin Faulk wins 2009 Ron Burton Community Service Award

Meghan Keaney Anderson — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:34:22 -0400

Running back Kevin Faulk was recognized as the 2009 New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award winner this evening at the team’s annual Kickoff Gala. Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft presented Faulk with the award, which is named in honor of the late Ron Burton, the first player drafted by the team and a player who was known for his widespread charitable work. read more »

Teachers Making House Calls

Sharon Brewster — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:33:58 -0500

Teacher’s house calls show the benefit of a strong parent-teacher relationship for students. Having engaged parents, enthused children and teachers creates a positive learning experience. read more »