HMEA Annual Awards Night celebrates milestones of achievements

GivingTuesday is December 2nd. Make a gift on this day to HMEA in support of the great work our staff does. Make a difference today Donate to HMEA

"THANK YOU" Donors...Your donations make a REAL difference!   Is YOUR name on the list?  AUTUMN 2014 Follow us on...      In This Issue New Board Member EMC Employees Volunteer Grants Awarded #Giving Tuesday is Coming Satisfaction Survey Results Forming Partnership with Garelick Farms TechACCESS Ribbon Cutting Donors Thankful for Program Helping Hands Florist Opens in Plainville HMEA Job Fair a Success Governor Signs 3 Historic Disability Bills Season of Giving Campaign  HMEA THANKS all donors for their ongoing support of HMEA's Mission!   DO YOU SHOP ONLINE?  Sign-up at iGive.com, choose HMEA as your preferred charity, and a portion of your retail purchase goes to support HMEA!  Making a difference  this way will help  in so many ways!  Quick Links Register Now Newsletter Archive Related Topics More On Us Print newsletter      Annual Awards Night 2014   The 25th Anniversary of HMEA's Annual Awards night was recently held at the Doubletree Hotel and Conference Center in Milford, MA. Over 360 friends, family members, supported individuals, community citizens and staff attended the celebration and they heard some amazing stories of accomplishments and achievements that were quite awe inspiring. Larry Tummino, retiring Deputy Director of DDS, was given the Lifetime Larry Tummino addresses the crowd as he accepts this Lifetime Achievement Award Achievement Award for his more than 40 years of helping steer the developmental disabilities community out of the dark era and into the light. David Hanwell, who has served on the Franklin HMEA Human Rights committee for 26 years, was given the Dr. Francis White Human Rights Award for his untiring advocacy for people with disabilities. Dr. White was the parent of a supported individual at HMEA and a steadfast contributing member of the Worcester area HMEA Human Rights Committee. Debra Ristaino and Ethel Wescott from the Rhode Island State Council of the Walmart Foundation accepted the Corporate Foundation Award for the $40,000 grant given to TechACCESS of RI for materials and equipment to modernize their facility and increase capacity. Michael Webb, head pharmacist at Family Pharmacy in Ashburnham, the staff at East Celebrity Elite Gym in Tewksbury, Thomas Houle, Food Service Director at Nashoba Regional School District and the staff at Kuehne & Nagel, Inc. of Franklin all received the Good Citizen Award for their support of individuals at HMEA. Tara Tocci and Scott McKay, supported individuals at HMEA and Marita Street, from HMEA's IFFS program all received the Eric Rogers Memorial Award for achieving significant personal accomplishments by overcoming barriers and challenges with courage and determination. Kari Dunlop, head teacher at the Darnell School and Patricia Lynch, IFFS Program case manager, both received the HMEA Award for their consistent outstanding contributions and commitment to high standards. Gary Reid and Ron Campbell, both supported individuals in HMEA's Shared Living program and Hannah Carlson, former TechACCESS staff all received the Volunteer Award for their volunteer contributions to HMEA or the wider community. Nicole Heidenheim, a teacher at the Darnell School, won the Board of Directors Award for significantly enriching the lives of the students she supports. Brenda Diesso, Kathy Garland, Fern Masse and Carole Gaw, all Administrative Assistants in the Day Services programs, won the Team Award for effectively working together for the benefit of everyone supported. Matthew Dunn and Shirley Chauvin, both with HMEA's Residential division, were presented with the Kevin McMullen Memorial Award for their 100% commitment to the people they support and seeing the best in every person and every situation. James Mukundi from the TRACS program and Ricky Cavallini from the Hopedale employment program received the Outstanding Employee Award for their exemplary work efforts and ethics. Valerie Berard received the Shared Living Provider Award. Craig Marandola from Children's Services received the Kathy Gilchrist Memorial Award for his unyielding devotion to children and their families. Also being recognized were two 30 year employees, Sue DeBlois, a Residential Coordinator and Luanne Sherman, a Residential Manager, as well as two 25 year employees, Bonnie Norton, a Behavorial Clinician and Morlu Marvie a Direct Care provider in an HMEA residence. Additionally, HMEA acknowledged 53 individuals it has supported for 25 or more years.   Back to Top ________________________________________________ New Board Member Welcomed   Ron Zullo recently joined the HMEA Board in support of HMEA's Finance Committee. His background as a CPA will serve HMEA well in this respect. Ron is the sole proprietor of his own accounting and taxation firm located in Norwood. His firm provides tax consulting and business advisory services to small businesses and their owners. Along with the traditional compliance work (tax return filings), he consults year-round, working closely with small businesses on both planning and compliance. In 2014, after many years of working in an adjunct role, Ron accepted a full-time position as Lecturer in Taxation & Accounting at Northeastern University. He teaches at both the graduate and undergraduate levels in the areas of taxation and accounting. Ron received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Bentley University. His volunteer work includes involvement in a nonprofit organization which focuses on securing educational rights for children with special needs. He currently resides in Norfolk with his wife and two children. Back to top  __________________________________________________________  On a hot summer day in August, 10 employees from EMC in Franklin generously donated a whole day's work to give our Bellingham Day Hab a fresh coat of paint. The team was happy to lend a hand and to have the opportunity to see our mission in action Back to top   __________________________________________________________  Grants Awarded Recently HMEA has received numerous grants for various initiative, such as: $45,000 from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous for a new Handicap Accessible Van to expand HMEA's Meals on Wheels program $5,500 from Harvard Pilgrim Employee Mini Grants programs for home renovations at one of HMEA's residential programs $5,000 from The Corkin Family Foundation to support technology at The Darnell School $5,000 from BankFive for renovations and modernization of an HMEA residence. $800 from Price Chopper Foundation for iPads. Back to top   _____________________________________________________________ #Giving Tuesday is Coming Make a difference in someone's life. There's Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and now a #Giving Tuesday - a global day of giving on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving dedicated to giving back. On Tuesday, December 2, 2014, charities, families, businesses, community centers, and students around the world will come together for one common purpose: to celebrate generosity and to give. It's a simple idea! Just find a way for your family, your community, your company or your organization to come together to give something more. Then tell everyone you can about how you are giving. Share your stories with us at  www.facebook.com/hmeainc.   Back to top   __________________________________________________________  HMEA Conducts Donor Satisfaction Survey   In the Summer 2014 issue of the HMEA Newsletter and on our website a Donor Satisfcation Survey was inserted. We thank the many readers who took the time to complete the survey. The 10 question survey was geared toward how HMEA communicates with its donors, and how often donations are requested. The results below clearly indicate that our supporters feel our donation practices are satisfactory.   The 10 questions asked were: Q.1  Does HMEA communicate a clear message regarding our mission and the services we provide? Q.2  Do our communications with you provide you with helpful information? Q.4  HMEA depends on your financial support throughout the year. HMEA doesn't ask for contributions too often. Q.5  I was thanked for my contribution(s) in a timely manner. Q.6  HMEA asks me for appropriate gift amounts. Q.7  HMEA cares about my needs as a donor. Q.8  HMEA is in touch with me outside of requests for financial support Q.9  I would recommend HMEA to my family, friends and associates as an organization to financially support. Q.10 HMEA effectively informs me about the impact of my gift(s)   The results are: Question 3 was a "yes" or "no" question and couldn't be tallied in the above graph, however the pie chart below indicates most people who completed the survey do make donations to HMEA. Back to the top  _________________________________________________________  Kevin Begin, Garelick Farms GM (seated on right)) listens as HMEA employees and individuals share stories. Forming a Partnership with Garelick Farms in Franklin In the fall, Garelick Farms, located less than 1 mile from HMEA's Franklin office, invited HMEA to attend a social cookout with all of their employees as a "Get to Know You" event. According to Garelick Farms General Manager, Kevin Begin, "as a company we wanted to support a local charity that is doing great work, helping people less fortunate in our communities where our employees live and work - HMEA is a perfect fit." Garelick Farms has just under 600 employees at their Franklin plant, many of whom are "on the road" day in and day out. The chance to give back is hard but Kevin saw this as a way to start a long lasting relationship. HMEA CEO, Michael Moloney sees it also as a way for HMEA employees to help Garelick employees who have kids or family members with disabilities with resource sharing and referral supports. Next up? An HMEA winter coat drive, then a holiday food drive, culminating in Team Garelick participating in HMEA's signature event, HMEA's Annual Independence Walk Run Roll & Stroll in May 2015.   Back to top   __________________________________________________________  (L-R kneeling) Ethel Wescott and Deb Ristaino from the RI State Giving Council Walmart presents a ceremonial check to Kelly Charlebois, TechACCESS Executive Director TechACCESS of RI Holds Ribbon Cutting In celebration of the work completed at TechACCESS of Rhode Island with the $40,000 grant received from the Rhode Island State Giving Council Walmart* Foundation, staff and individuals hosted a Ribbon Cutting ceremony in the fall. Back to Top  __________________________________________________________  Justin packaging cans at HMEA's Plainville Redemption Center Janice and Jim Harvey have been giving to HMEA for just over 6 years in many different ways; through the annual appeal, the annual HMEA Independence Walk and Run event, donations direct to the program and supporting HMEA events with their presence. Their son Justin attends HMEA's Hopedale program and as Janice puts it "When we give to HMEA, the funds are put to use immediately to enhance Justin's life, and when his life is enhanced, our entire family life is enhanced." Janice admits that it's really not a matter of how much they give - it matters more that they want to give when and how they can. She says "Justin really enjoys his employment through HMEA. He loves the dedicated and caring staff, his co-workers and friends. It is very rewarding to him and therefore to us as well."   Back to Top  __________________________________________________________    NOW Open for Business...Custom Floral Arrangments for Your Holidays! Just in time for the holidays, HMEA's Plainville Employment site opened its new florist shop on October 22nd! The Helping Hands Florist is a full service shop, which will be developing new job opportunties and teaching new skills to people with developmental disabilities. Its mission is dedicated to meeting all the customers floral needs while developing and promoting the creativity of our individuals, one arragment at a time!  The shop will be open Monday through Friday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (weekend and evening hours available by appointment only). Prices vary and cash, check or credit cards are accepted. Plan to stop between now and December 31st and receive $5.00 off your first order - just by mentioning you read about the shop in the Autumn 2014 issue of HMEA Newsletter! Come on by or call to select your beautiful centerpiece or bouquet for your holiday table! Back to top   __________________________________________________________  HMEA staff at the Job Fair (l to r) Rea Kostopulos, Recruiter; Kor Amos, Staff Advocate; Michelle Donohue, VP of Human Resources; Jodie Toure, Hopedale Employment Supervisor; Tara Murphy and Heather Cutler, Millbury Employment and Day Hab Supervisors respectively. HMEA Job Fair Proved to Be a Success On Thursday, October 6th 2014, HMEA held a job fair at the Millbury Center location (6 Latti Farm Road). Company-wide positions were advertised as well as the opportunity to win $100 and $25 gas cards. At the end of the evening, close to 50 candidates attended the job fair. Those who attended were able to view a list of available openings, apply and interview on the spot. Many proved to be strong candidates who have continued with the interview process and are on their way to becoming HMEA staff.   Human Resources Recruiter, Rea Kostopulos reflected on the fair's success by saying "I had never done a job fair at the agency before, so I was anxious to see the outcome.  But, I was relieved to find people flooding through the door at 4 o'clock. A team of five staff, including myself, were busy interviewing people straight through 7 pm. I couldn't be more pleased with the turnout and the quality of applicants we received. I am looking forward to planning HMEA's next job fair for early 2015."    Back to Top    __________________________________________________________  Governor Deval Patrick signing the Autism Omnibus Bill Governor Patrick Signs Three Historic Disabilities Bills  Recently, disability advocates gathered at Fenway Park to witness the signing of three historic pieces of legislation by Governor Deval Patrick:    The Autism Omnibus Bill which included a requirement that MassHealth cover medically necessary treatments for children with ASD who are under 21 years old. The Act Relative to Real Lives Bill which enables individuals with disabilities to determine how to spend their allocated dollars on services and supports they need. The third bill, An Act Requiring National Background Checks requires that those working with people with developmental disabilities have national criminal background checks done in order to be employed. Back to top   __________________________________________________________  Did you know? When you donate to HMEA...      100% of your donation goes to support children and adults with disabilities at HMEA You are rewarded knowing that your gift "makes a real difference" Staff at HMEA are genuinely appreciative of this extra resource as they support individuals Familes are grateful for your compassion The world is a better place Please consider giving generously to HMEA's 2015 'Tis the Season of Giving campaign. Visit our website at www.hmea.org for details on how you can give!  "What truly defintes a man is not what he takes in, but what he gives out..." - Blaze Olamiday      Back to Top  For more than 50 years HMEA has provided exceptional services and supports to children and adults with developmental disabilities and intellectual challenges in more than 110 Massachusetts communities.    Sincerely, Doug MacPherson VP of Development and Public Relations

Forward this email HMEA | 8 Forge Park East | Franklin | MA | 02038

In the News: "covered by the town’s insurance"

The Milford Daily News reports on the sprinkler outage at the Keller Sullivan complex.

“The town has been working closely with ServiceMaster, which has had about 30 staff in the building. All personnel have had CORI checks so we are not concerned about student safety,” Sabolinski said. “The town has engaged an environmental agency to check air quality and testing has been ongoing.” 

The school hosted an information night for parents on Thursday to address questions about the sprinkler break. 

Annie Sullivan students will need to make up the three days of school they missed at the end of the academic year. The state requires students to be in school for 180 days, and Monday, though truncated, counted as one day. Tuesday was the Veterans Day holiday.

You can read the full article here (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141114/NEWS/141117849/1994/NEWS

Cabaret at The BLACK BOX

BLACK BOX Cabaret

The Inaugural Evening of BLACK BOX Cabaret spotlights the vocal stylings of talented FPAC performers, with accompaniment by the ACME rhythm section! 

Entertainment kicks off at 8 p.m. on November 14, featuring performances by FPAC Players Nick Paone, Hallie Wetzell, Alan Mercer, Ken Barney and Catherine Weiss in an intimate night-club atmosphere. 

A cash bar is available and BLACK BOX meals from Artistry Kitchen may be pre-ordered. 

BLACK BOX Caberat

Tickets can be purchased online here

http://www.theblackboxonline.com/event-2014-09-18-thu-sep-2/?lang=en

FHS "Letters of Intent" and All Stars

Hockomock Sports has a bunch of good info to share today,starting with the "letter of intent" signing by four FHS athletes.

On Wednesday afternoon, local high school seniors began signing their National Letters of Intent to play sports in college. Several Hockomock athletes were among those that made it official where they would be taking the field and the court next year. 

At Franklin High, Maddie Bressler (field hockey), Lexi Martin (basketball), Emily Jeffries (lacrosse), and Sabrina LoMonaco (softball) each signed their respective letters and at Milford softball player Allie Piergustavo made her choice official as well.

Hockomock Sports photo (left to right)  LoMonaco, Bressler, Jeffreies, and Martin

Continue reading the full article at Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/franklin-and-milford-players-sign-letters-of-intent

Golf

Evan Vaughn represents Franklin on the Golf All Stars. For the complete Hockomock listing visit this page
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2014-hockomock-league-golf-all-stars

FHS Panthers

Field Hockey

Emily Jeffries, Maddie Bressler, Taylor Reutlinger, and Samantha Jones were named to the Field Hockey All Stars.  Kenzie Pleshaw received honorable mention.

For the complete Hockomock listing visit this page http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2014-hockomock-league-field-hockey-all-stars

Girls Soccer

Taylor Cogliano was named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) in Hockomock League Soccer as voted on by the coaches. She was joined on the All Star team by Victoria Stowell, Nicole Ellin, Alexis Stowell,  and Bailey Knous. Jane Scafati received honorable mention.

For the complete Hockomock listing visit this page
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/the-2014-hockomock-league-girls-soccer-all-stars

Franklin Performing Arts Company To Present Trio Of Holiday Productions

The Franklin Performing Arts Company (FPAC) will stage three productions this holiday season, featuring Tchaikovsky’s timeless ballet The Nutcracker and the original FPAC musicals Humbug! A Beggar’s Opera and ’Tis the Season!

The Nutcracker remains a highly anticipated and treasured part of the FPAC season – a popular holiday tradition for more than 20 years. Set to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score, the world-famous ballet delights the imaginations of audiences young and old with festive magic and colorful splendor. FPAC’s production is presented with professional orchestra, special guest artists from Boston Ballet, and more than 100 area dancers. 

FPAC invites audiences to fall under Drosselmeyer’s dreamy spell and join Clara and her Nutcracker Prince on a journey full of surprises and wonder. FPAC will present The Nutcracker on Saturday, December 6 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 7 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium, 224 Oak Street, in Franklin.

FPAC’s annual production of the holiday classic, The Nutcracker, features a professional orchestra under the direction of Peter Cokkinias, guest stars from Boston Ballet, and more than 100 area dancers.

A family favorite since debuting as part of FPAC’s 2008 season, Humbug! is an original musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. With musical hits of every genre and live accompaniment by a 10-piece band of professional musicians, Humbug! transports audiences from Dickensian England to contemporary America as the novel’s characters and storyline are cleverly reimagined with modern setting and dialogue. 

Newly restaged for THE BLACK BOX, Humbug! delivers a holiday gift of hilarity with a timely and timeless message. Performances of Humbug! are on December 12 at 7:30 p.m., December 13 at 2:00 and 7:30 p.m., and December 14 at 2 p.m. Humbug! will be staged at THE BLACK BOX, FPAC’s new home and performance venue located at 15 West Central Street in downtown Franklin.

’Tis the Season!, an original large cast musical first presented by FPAC in 1995, returns to entertain audiences with great merriment, fanfare and fun. The upbeat, jazzy extravaganza features members of the Kenny Hadley Big Band with contemporary arrangements of favorite holiday classics in musical styles ranging from R&B, gospel and Motown to rock, pop and Broadway. FPAC presents ’Tis the Season! on Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m. at the Thomas D. Mercer Auditorium.

Founded in 1991, the nonprofit FPAC supports educational arts experiences, quality entertainment and outstanding performance opportunities for professional artists, community performers and students of the arts. With a focus on youth development and a commitment to live music, FPAC productions draw performers and audiences from more than 100 communities throughout the region. Big Y and Waters Corporation are 2014 FPAC Holiday Performance Sponsors. For tickets to FPAC holiday performances and more information, visit www.fpaconline.com or call (508) 528-3370.

"Franklin High School’s senior class must patiently wait"

In addition to where to hold the All-Night Party, Pantherbook is reporting that the decision on where to hold the graduation itself is not yet finalized.

Where will Franklin High School’s 2015 Senior Graduation be held? Although this is still a mystery, Lucas Giguere, the school’s Assistant Principal for Student Services, released possible locations that are in the mix for the event. 

Giguere announced that the school’s administration plans to host graduation in the gymnasium, where the gym floor, bleachers, and overhead track would be put to use. When asked if the gymnasium would be able to hold all students and their families, Giguere replied, “Space is definitely a concern.” 

If the gymnasium cannot fit the amount of people attending graduation, the alternative is to have non-direct family watch graduation filmed on a jumbo screen in the school’s auditorium. Giguere was asked if people will oppose this idea, and said, “It’s not live, but we have to stick to the state guidelines for fire and emergency codes.” 

See more at: http://pantherbook.org/top-stories/2014/11/11/graduation-investigation/#sthash.oknMjA6E.dpuf

the gymnasium at the new Franklin High School

Reminder: Franklin Art Association --- "Art Exhibit: Enhanced"

The Franklin Art Association is pleased to present "Art Exhibit: Enhanced" at the Tri-County High School, 147 Pond Street, Franklin, MA on Saturday, November 15th, 12:00-8:00 pm and Sunday, November 16th, 12:00-3:00 pm 

Original Fine Art, small works, scholarship raffle, refreshments
Free and opened to the public 

For more information visit our web site at www.franklinart.org and www.facebook.com/FranklinArtAssoc 

We are sponsored in part by the Franklin Cultural Council

Franklin Art Association

In the News: 12 Days of Donating, Cameron Liberatore

The Downtown Partnership next month launches its holiday food drive with the Franklin Food Elves, a youth volunteer group, and will try to top last year’s total of 6,000 pounds. 

The “12 Days of Donating” campaign sees the student-run group, with its more than 70 members, collecting food donations from Dec. 1 to 12. 

Residents are encouraged to drop off their non-perishable food donations into one of the many red bins given to downtown businesses. The pantry has a special need for cereal, peanut butter, shampoo, and white tuna.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141113/NEWS/141118440/1994/NEWS

A 24-year-old Franklin man who was following his dream of making it big in the music world is in critical condition after he crashed his car last week in Nashville, Tennessee, according to a hospital spokesperson. 

Cameron Liberatore, a singer and guitarist and 2008 graduate of Franklin High School, is currently in a coma and on life support at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, said Gary Cioffi, owner of Maximum Sound Studio, where Liberatore often recorded material. 

To help pay for medical and traveling expenses for his family, as they fly back and forth from Franklin to Nashville, a gofundme.com page has been set up by his closest friends, including Cioffi.

Continue reading the article in the Milford Daily News (subscription maybe required)
http://www.milforddailynews.com/article/20141113/NEWS/141118438/1994/NEWS

The fund raising page is here   http://www.gofundme.com/cameronliberatore

FHS girls soccer advances to D1 South Finals

Hockomock Sports writes about the FHS girls soccer win on Tuesday:

Franklin goalkeeper Dani Lonati did not face a single shot on goal in the Panthers’ 4-0 win over Bridgewater-Raynham in the Division 1 South quarterfinals. The semifinal was a different story, though, as her stellar play, combined with a stellar goal, elevated Franklin over Needham, 1-0, and into the finals on Tuesday night. 

Needham had the first quality chance of the night in just the 4th minute as Isabel Cole looked to have the top right corner picked, but Lonati got a hand on it to turn it away. That would be Needham's only shot on goal of the half, and Franklin's first would not come until about a half hour later, but they made it count. 

The Panthers earned a free kick in the 35th minute when Needham was called for a handball from just outside the penalty area. Victoria Stowell took the kick for Franklin, and she beat Rockets keeper Emily Bowers clean to the right side.

Hockomock Sports photo by Josh Perry

Continue reading the article on Hockomock Sports here
http://www.hockomocksports.com/blog/stowell-and-lonati-lift-franklin-back-to-d1-south-finals


Franklin's next game will be against Whitman-Hanson on Saturday at 2 p.m. at Braintree High School

ASMS - KELLER status update

Keller and Sullivan parents should have received notifications on Monday and since the initial incident about their school status.

For those who may not be aware, I have the following summary including an email exchange from Superintendent Maureen Sabolinski to share.

As you have heard there was a sprinkler malfunction at 7:40 AM Monday at Annie Sullivan Middle School (ASMS). Students were sent to Oak St/Horace Mann and dismissed from there. 

• Keller is set to open Wednesday. 
• ASMS will be closed for the rest of the week. 

The sprinkler malfunction started on the 3rd floor and the water traveled down to affect all three floors. All the building systems are confirmed operational and running but the damage to some walls and floors require more drying out time. 

Monday counted as a school day so that one does not need to be made up. The rest of the week (3 days) will need to be made up. The School Dept will seek input from DESE but "they are unrelenting." 

Keller - Sullivan Schools

Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run

Hi Steve:

It's that time of year again!  The Turkey Trot 5K race - to support the Franklin Food Pantry -  is this Thanksgiving morning.  Register on-line or on-site the morning of the race, do the 5K and be home before 10.  It is a great community building event - and all for a great cause.

The pantry said that this race is their biggest fundraiser each year. Let's keep this tradition going. Last year, the race raised $6,721.00 and 2,582 pounds of food for the food pantry with 430 registered race participants.

The Interfaith Council of Franklin is happy to be one of the sponsors - and is looking forward to a great day at the races :)

Please share the race flyer with your readers.  http://www.feedtheneed.org/races/112714/FRFLIER14.pdf

Thanks!

Michael
----------

Michael Lobo

Interfaith Council of Franklin

Turkey Trot Family 5K Fun Run

Register online here   http://www.feedtheneed.org/


Note: the registration is online, payment is via goods or cash at the LDS Church either Wednesday evening or Thursday morning before the race.

MassBudget: From Poverty to Opportunity

From Poverty to Opportunity: The Challenge of Building a Great Society Fifty years ago economic growth in America was leading to rising wages across the income spectrum and progress towards broadly shared prosperity. In that context the nation launched a series of Great Society initiatives to expand opportunity to those who were still being left behind - and to improve the lives of all Americans. Over that decade poverty in America declined substantially, from 22% of the population to 14%. But, beginning in the 1970s, our economy changed and wages stopped growing with the economy. The gap between the very wealthy and everyone else began to grow, and poverty has increased. MassBudget's new report From Poverty to Opportunity: The Challenge of Building a Great Society traces how the economic and policy changes since the launch of the Great Society have affected the lives of people at all income levels in Massachusetts. This report is being released in conjunction with the Massachusetts Association for Community Action's (MASSCAP) convening: Joining Together: Ending Poverty Now.  While we see real success from a number of programs, including SNAP (Food Stamps) and the Earned Income Tax Credit that are lifting hundreds of thousands of people above the poverty threshold, far too many children remain poor or near poor. In the years since wages for low and middle income workers stopped growing with the economy poverty and child poverty have increased in Massachusetts. Poverty puts children at risk for poor health outcomes, higher risk for dropping out of school, and a greater likelihood of a lifetime of poverty. And when children don't have the opportunity to reach their full potential we undermine the long term strength of our economy. To read the report, please click HERE. The Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget) produces policy research, analysis, and data-driven recommendations focused on improving the lives of low- and middle-income children and adults, strengthening our state's economy, and enhancing the quality of life in Massachusetts. MASSACHUSETTS BUDGET AND POLICY CENTER 15 COURT SQUARE, SUITE 700 BOSTON, MA 02108

Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center | 15 Court Square | Suite 700 | Boston | MA | 02108