The Early Childhood Education workforce in Massachusetts is in crisis. The Department of Early Education and Care recently announced that the number of childcare openings in the system has decreased by 6,000. Contributing to the decrease include COVID-19 and low wages. The pandemic has impacted all female-dominant early childhood programs as the resounding effects of the pandemic have driven women out of the workforce and forced the closure of center-based classrooms and family childcare home businesses.

A grant of $20,000 from the George W. Wells Foundation will fund vital services offered at YOU, Inc.’s Southbridge Family Resource Center, including assessment and referrals for counseling and safety net supports for families, as well as assistance with childcare, transportation and other persistent barriers to accessing behavioral healthcare in Southbridge. The Foundation has been a generous partner in our efforts to serve vulnerable youth and families in Southbridge over many years, and we are grateful for their...

Since joining Seven Hills ASPiRE! earlier this year, Stephen has quickly established himself as a positive leader, advocate, coach, and role model for program participants, namely at the new and growing partner employer site, Affordable Interior Systems (AIS). AIS leadership shared, "Stephen is an all-star and a good mentor to participants. His attitude and strong work ethic reflect well on the participants." AIS also stated that Stephen has a lead-by-example approach that has helped to make individuals successful in their...

YOU, Inc. is the grateful recipient of a grant of $15,000 from the Ruth H. and Warren A. Ellsworth Foundation in support of Dynamy Youth Academy. Youth Academy is a five year, after-school leadership, and college access program for promising, first-generation high school students with strong academic potential and college aspirations. The program combines academic supports with community service, internships, and assistance with all aspects of college planning. The Ellsworth Foundation’s enduring commitment to Youth Academy...

Open Door Arts would like to extend a most sincere thank you to the Wellington Management Foundation for their continued partnership and most recent grant of $50,000 for the COOL Schools program. A program of Open Door Arts, the COOL Schools program offers inclusive arts education to students Pre-K through 12th grade by partnering with schools in the greater Boston area. Highly skilled teaching artists are paired with classroom teachers to create art-integrated learning experiences that deepen student engagement in an...