For 135 years, Family Services of Central Massachusetts (FSCM) has served the greater Worcester community as a valuable resource, providing high-quality support, guidance, and services. FSCM offers diverse programs and services, including home care, community mediation, senior volunteer and companion opportunities, and professional development for the early childcare industry.

Supporting infants and young children through the creative and dynamic Center for Child Care Careers, which prepares new childcare providers as they earn and learn, to Summer Literacy Initiative (SLI), FSCM is ensuring our children are prepared for success in school. Supporting adults and seniors through person-centered programs such as mediation and models of care for seniors, FSCM ensures people are connected to the care they need to thrive.

In its 15th year, SLI is a privately funded, collaborative effort to prevent learning loss among children entering grades 1-4. SLI partners with summer camp programs throughout Worcester and emphasizes the practice of literacy skills through fun and engaging recreational activities. SLI’s Literacy Coaches bring reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills to help them achieve grade-level reading. Since 2010, each summer SLI has helped 85 – 90% of participating children avoid summer learning loss. Thanks to support through United Way of Central Massachusetts, SLI will soon begin preparing for next year’s young readers.

Thank You Community Partners for Your Thoughtful Funding

DCU

Family Services of Central Massachusetts is grateful for a $2,500 grant from DCU for Kids in support of the Summer Literacy Initiative (SLI). This award marks the beginning of a relationship between the organizations aimed at preventing learning loss in children.

United Way of Central Massachusetts 

United Way of Central Massachusetts recently awarded Family Services of Central Massachusetts a generous $60,000 grant to support of the Summer Literacy Initiative (SLI). We are grateful for United Way of Central Massachusetts’ commitment to our community’s young children.