United Way of Massachusetts Bay

As one of Massachusetts’ largest Black-run nonprofits, Children's Services of Roxbury (CSR) is one of our 124 organizations selected for partnership within our Direct Service Portfolio, working to empower families, combat systemic racism, and pave the way from poverty to stability and wealth-building.

For over 50 years, Children's Services of Roxbury has provided wraparound programs, including family shelter, behavioral health services, foster care, early education, and youth development. This track record alone is impressive, but the outcomes of CSR’s innovative hip-hop therapy program demonstrate how life’s rough beats can be transformed into meaningful change for the youth and young adults who participate. Read about it here 👉 https://bit.ly/3WMEand

🎤 🎧 🎼 The Beats, Rhymes, and Life (BRL) program, launched in 2018, engages youth through hip-hop therapy, addressing mental health needs in communities of color. In five years, BRL has impacted over 750 youth, reducing anxiety by 33%, trauma reactions by 52%, and depression by 22%, surpassing traditional programs.

Together with CSR, we aim to create opportunities and a future where youth, especially those disconnected from school or work, have access to education and career pathways.

Since the launch of our SafetyNet Shelter program in partnership with the Commonwealth of MA, our 2 dozen partners have touched the lives of more than 300 families. Many of these families are now transitioning to permanent housing, bringing new needs and expenses for basic household items. Please help us welcome these families to their new homes by supporting our Welcome Home gift card drive. https://amzn.to/4cX3RXT Click to contribute whatever amount feels right to you. This will go a long way to making our new families feel the warmth of our community as they build a new foundation.

🚴‍♂️🎿🏕️🧗‍♀️🚣‍♀️For 50 years, Youth Enrichment Services (YES) has transformed youth lives through outdoor sports and adventures like skiing, snowboarding, camping, biking, rock climbing, track and field, and canoeing. These excursions nurture personal growth, teamwork, leadership, academic success, and community engagement skills. Each year, YES becomes a home away from home for 1,200 young minds from low-income families.
🏞️ Within the YES Academy’s Leadership Corps program, youth engage in leadership development, career exploration, and college preparation. Meet Aaliyah, Yousra, and Mattea on their journey from city streets to mountain peaks, where they find belonging, leadership, and lifelong skills. Aaliyah's path from teen volunteer to Youth Leadership Manager, Yousra's dedication in the Leadership Corps, and Mattea's growth from track athlete to mentor—all embody YES's mission of empowerment.
Explore with us and empower Boston’s youth to thrive! Click here https://bit.ly/3y1vLTw

Essex County Community Organization - ECCO, a United Way partner, is at the forefront of tackling systemic inequities and advocating for affordable housing and racial justice. Based in Lynn, this Multifaith network unites 59 congregations to foster communities where everyone belongs, thrives, and has a voice in shaping their lives. Guided by Rabbi Margie Klein Ronkin, ECCO harnesses collective strength to advocate for policy changes addressing deep-rooted injustices.

Inspiring stories like those of Brenda Reed-Womack and volunteer Blanca Martinez showcase the power of community and advocacy. Brenda’s lifelong commitment to social justice and Blanca’s journey from Honduras to ECCO leadership highlight the organization’s impact.
👉 Discover more about ECCO's impactful work by reading our latest blog post: https://bit.ly/3xJ9XvR

Join ECCO and United Way in making safe, stable, and affordable housing a reality for all.

ECCO: Collective strength leading social transformation - United Way of Massachusetts Bay Striving for a world where safe and stable housing is guaranteed for everyone, Essex County Community Organization (ECCO) stands out for its dedication to listening and lifting community voices to create lasting change. As one of United Way’s 124 New Way Forward partners selected within the Public...

This past weekend, we gathered to celebrate the Marian L. Heard Scholarship recipients who have spent the last several years working hard to achieve their dreams. The scholarship was inspired 20 years ago by Marian L. Heard, to advance the next generation of leaders by promoting youth leadership development through education, positive adult relationships, and community involvement. Thank you for letting us share your amazing stories! Learn more about the Marian L. Heard Scholarship program https://bit.ly/3L4IYxE

🗣️📢 United Way is seeking a community partner to take the lead in Boston Builds Credit (BBC). 👉 Apply now here: https://bit.ly/3VCNrMT
We are searching for an organization committed to financial empowerment, community development, and collective impact who can guide and manage this transformative program.
The selected organization will receive a two-year, $250,000 grant to support the leadership transition process to the new lead partner. United Way will provide continued support.
📅 Applications are due July 15, 2024.
Join us in building a financially empowered Boston! 🤝

Boston Builds Credit Request for Partnership - United Way of Massachusetts Bay The following is a summary of the principal criteria for eligibility and selection: - Applicant must be a 501(c)(3) organization or a public entity. - Experience in delivering credit building and other financial empowerment-related services, policy and advocacy work, or other related activities. - E...

This , we join in a day of reflection, celebration and action. We honor the resilience and triumphs of the past, while recognizing the work that still lies ahead. We are dedicated to advancing thriving, equitable communities and to promoting an economically-just region where access to financial wellbeing is universal and prosperity is shared across race and ethnicity. We were proud to join in the celebration of last night as a sponsor of Embrace Boston and to join in honoring our former Board member Keith Motley and his wife Angela for their tireless work to make our region more equitable for all.

Let's hear it for our own Christi Holmes Staples, who was honored last week at the Massachusetts State House as one of this year's Commonwealth Heroines at a ceremony hosted by the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women 💙. Nominated by Senator Brendan Crighton and Representative Jenny Armini , Christi was among 125 women from across the state, ranging in age from 18 to 90, recognized for their positive impact in our communities. As Representative Armini said, "Christi is one of the state's leading voices in housing policy...her commitment to finding solutions for our most vulnerable is unmatched - as are the intelligence and compassion she brings to every challenge." Congratulations, Christi!

During Social Mobility Awareness Month, we're spotlighting the crucial role financial coaches play in increasing upward mobility in communities that have been historically marginalized by breaking down systemic barriers to economic justice. Financial coaches offer personalized guidance, support, and education, empowering individuals to make transformative changes in their financial lives.
Despite their positive influence, the full potential of the financial coaches remains untapped and there is a strong need to professionalize the financial coaching sector. By investing in their skills, training, and recognition, we can ensure they're equipped to address the complex needs of lower-income communities effectively. United Way's commitment to systemic change includes investing in the capacity and professionalism of service providers like financial coaches.

Want to learn more about the importance of professionalizing the financial coaching sector? Read our blog post: https://bit.ly/3xi7Rmb Together, let's ensure these vital services reach those who need them most, paving the way for a more equitable and financially secure future.

Elevating Financial Coaching Profession: A Vital Strategy for Enhancing Social Mobility - United Way of Massachusetts Bay As communities navigate the journey to disrupt poverty and dismantle the systems that perpetuate it, financial coaches emerge as unsung champions and untapped resources. For those yearning for economic stability and security, financial coaches offer a glimmer of hope and serve as pillars of support....

On June 7th, we partnered with Deloitte to bring 25 volunteers to the Hurley K-8 School, a Spanish-English immersion Community Hub School located in Boston’s South End. With Brooks from Deloitte, who serves on our board, and Christina Wen leading the way, this initiative connected corporate volunteers to local students.
🏫 🌟 Our project focused on beautifying the school's multipurpose auditorium, which serves as storage, classroom, and event venue for the entire school. Volunteers cleaned, organized, built furniture, and made the space more accessible.

🚸 Community Schools harness the power of community resources to strengthen conditions for student learning and healthy development. By revitalizing spaces, we promote a culture of belonging, safety, and care— one of the six key practices of Community Schools. Such projects reflect our commitment to building more thriving and equitable communities.
💫 Thank you, Deloitte, for your unwavering support to our community. Together, we are enhancing environments where students can flourish! 🏫

Thank you to all who came to United Way of Massachusetts Bay's FIRST Legislative Lunch and Learn and Community Champion award ceremony.
We honored Senator Brendan Crighton, Senator Lydia Edwards, Senator Pavel Payano, Senator Jason Lewis, Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Representative Andy Vargas, and Representative Joan Meschino for their exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing thriving, more equitable communities. We are grateful to our Board member Tom Samoluk, U.S. General Counsel and Head of U.S. Government Relations at John Hancock, for joining us as we honored these legislative champions.

Lawmakers and other stakeholders were also briefed on the organization’s new strategic direction of amplifying community voices, and the role our policy priorities can play at creating change statewide.

For more info: https://bit.ly/3KJaxw8

Honoring a Changemaker of our own! Recognizing her work partnering with the Commonwealth and community-based organizations to open SafetyNet Shelters and ensure families have a safe place to stay, Citizens' Housing and Planning Association, Inc. CHAPA presented United Way’s Sarah Bartley with their annual Changemaker Award. Said Governor Maura Healey at the event: “Sarah and the United Way team have done amazing work as we have housed new immigrants, figuring out how to house and employ people and take care of children.”

Because of Sarah's efforts, 225 families have a safe place to stay each day through 11 SafetyNet Shelter sites. Grateful to Sarah and the team! And grateful every day for the partnership of CHAPA as we work to ensure everyone has safe and stable housing. 💚🧡💙

🎙️ Tune in to Episode 102: Elevating Nonprofit Financial Coaching with the AFC, on the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCP) podcast "Real Money, Real Experts".
Listen now: https://bit.ly/3VtmVH4
This AFCPE podcast features Christine Niccoli, Director of Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building at United Way of Massachusetts Bay, and Nathalie Kallab Racimo, Senior Homeownership & Financial Services Advisor at NOAH (Neighborhood of Affordable Housing), now AFC certified.
The conversation sheds light on the power of financial coaching and what's needed to advance the profession to maximize positive outcomes for individuals and communities. Learn more about the collaborative approach needed to bridge the gap between the nonprofit financial coaching sector and established accreditation standards.
Niccoli highlights, "How can we advance the potential of this strategy if we don't invest in the supportive infrastructure and the dedicated staff providing these services? This is critical piece for systems change and addressing income disparities in our region."
Financial coaches are vital in empowering individuals as they navigate increasing their financial wellbeing, yet the potential of the sector remains largely untapped. Let's reshape the narrative around financial coaching and its role in driving systemic change, empowering more individuals to achieve economic mobility!

Real Money, Real Experts: Christine Niccoli and Nathalie Kallab Racimo In today's episode, Christine Niccoli and Nathalie Kallab Racimo discuss the importance of professionalizing the financial coaching space, recognizing the effects of trauma on financial wellbeing, leading from a place of empathy, and how you can be a catalyst for change in your own community.

Stereotypes surrounding homelessness often overshadow the diverse and complex realities faced by individuals and families. The stories of James and Judette remind us that no one is immune to homelessness, and many, like them, face this challenge with resilience, compassion, and transformative strength.

After losing their baby son in 2018, James Eliscar and his wife almost became homeless due to overwhelming medical and funeral bills. This heartbreaking event inspired James to start a housing clinic for those facing eviction or foreclosure. What began as a community-driven initiative has evolved into Sarepta's housing pillar, empowering marginalized neighbors like Judette. After multiple evictions following her husband's sudden death, Judette found herself experiencing homelessness. Through legal aid and financial literacy workshops, Sarepta equips individuals like her to pursue homeownership and financial stability.
Sarepta Women and Children Empowerment Center, one of our Community Action Grant winners, aims not only to address immediate needs but also systemic issues around housing insecurity.
Join us in breaking stereotypes about homelessness and fostering a more empathetic society where every person's story is valued and respected.
Learn more here 👉 https://bit.ly/4aLQDvn

Sheltering Hope: Sarepta's Impact on Housing Stability - United Way of Massachusetts Bay The path to homelessness can be triggered by a multitude of factors, yet too often it is wrongly attributed to poor decision-making. Countless stories serve as poignant reminders that no one is immune to the possibility of homelessness, and that many who are impacted face the challenge with resilien...

A Year in Review 📅 📑 📊
For a comprehensive overview of our innovative strategy, delve into our 2023 Annual Report. It's more than just a recap; it's a roadmap of our collective journey towards a community-centered vision for economic justice.
Get an in-depth look at our new strategy and initiatives in our latest annual report here https://bit.ly/45bVHrz

On June 6th, United Way of Mass Bay is awarding its first annual legislative Community Champion awards. These leaders were nominated for their exceptional leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing thriving, more equitable communities.

Awardees include: Representative Aaron Michlewitz, Senator Lydia Edwards, Representative Andy Vargas, Senator Brendan Crighton, Representative Joan Meschino, Senator Jason Lewis and Senator Pavel Payano.

At this event, we will brief lawmakers and other stakeholders on our new strategic direction, how we're embracing a new approach to philanthropy to create opportunities and amplify community voices, and the role our policy priorities can play at creating change statewide.

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Thrilled to share wonderful moments from a recent community event attended by one of our Licensing Support Program graduates, Kary Cabrera. 📸✨

She values community engagement, attending local events on her path to becoming a family childcare educator. She joined "Coffee in the Neighborhood" in Mattapan, where she connected with Mayor Michelle Wu 吳弭 and City Councilor Enrique J. Pepén, showcasing our graduates' impactful work opening family childcare businesses for early education access.

“It was a pleasure to walk to the park and have the opportunity to talk with city leaders. It showed me their commitment to the community and understanding how important my job is," said Cabrera.

Join us in celebrating Kary’s achievements. Your dedication and hard work are inspiring, Kary! 🎉👏

🎉 Celebrating a Year of Impact! 🎉
Today, we celebrate the incredible impact of our Community Action Grant initiative, launched a year ago to amplify community voices and empower BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ leaders.
Along this journey, we've learned valuable lessons on strengthening social networks, engaging authentic community leadership, and driving systemic change.
Discover the transformative work of our grantees on the ground, from supporting reentry neighbors to addressing educational equity, housing, and immigrant assistance and join us in celebrating their impact!
Learn more about our Changemakers Thrive Communities of Massachusetts First Teacher Massachusetts Immigrant Collaborative HarborCOV Fortaleza Inc.
here: https://unitedwaymassbay.org/changemaker

United Way of Massachusetts Bay is reimaging its approach to philanthropy and our vision of shared prosperity across race and ethnicity through economic justice. We're launching our ‘Because You Said So’ campaign, reflecting our new strategic direction-- listening, responding, and inviting collaboration from the communities we serve.
See what's new! https://unitedwaymassbay.org/whatsnew

Donate Now!
Items like warm socks, toothbrushes and soap, and other SafetyNet shelter agency items are in urgent need for families. Honor the mothers keeping families together. Click the Amazon gift registry linked in our bio & purchase supplies today.