Community Foundation for MetroWest

This summer, the Foundation was awarded two of four Community grants from The Sudbury Foundation, including grants to our MetroWest Homelessness Prevention Action Project and our Youth in Philanthropy Program in Framingham. We are grateful for their generous and long-time commitment to our work as we continue to address critical needs in the Sudbury and MetroWest community. To read the full press release, visit https://lnkd.in/eeGXSWRM

Calling all supporters and members of the MetroWest Community! The Foundation has partnered with 7 local nonprofits for ONEmetrowest Day, a day of volunteering on October 25! From sorting and packaging hygiene care packages to harvesting nutrient-rich food for hunger relief efforts, be a part of the critical work our partners are doing to make our communities a better and more vibrant place to call home. To learn more or to sign-up to volunteer, contact Lee Gagen lgagen@communityfoundationmw.org Space is limited.

We extend our gratitude to everyone who attended our Community Leadership Reception. Together, we celebrated our commitment to enhancing youth academic success across MetroWest through the Equity in Education Action Project. At this year’s event, the Foundation honored MathWorks with the Community Leadership Award for their resolute commitment and partnership in our Equity in Education program. Launched in 2021 with MathWorks and our trusted community partners, this initiative is invested in developing increased access to high-quality and evidence-based programs that create and solidify a foundation for academic success in literacy and STEM. Thanks to all who contributed to the success of this event including our event co-chairs Elizabeth Holmes and Jason Grant, the event committee, and our sponsors. We are grateful to those who supported the event through sponsorships and donations. If you would like to support or learn more about our progress in bridging this academic achievement gap in our community, visit Equity in Education Project - Community Foundation for MetroWest (communityfoundationmw.org)

Do you know a high school student in MetroWest? Share this exciting opportunity: the Youth in Philanthropy program is back for grades 9-12, kicking off the week of January 20, 2025! This free 17-week experiential leadership program empowers students to give back, gain lifelong leadership skills, and become changemakers in our communities. Plus, it’s a great chance to make new friends who share a passion for making a difference. This spring, we’ll be offering two programs that are open to students who live or learn in MetroWest: one in Wellesley on Tuesdays and another in Framingham on Wednesdays. Don’t miss out—learn more and apply now at yipmetrowest.org

The Foundation is grateful for the generous sponsors of our Community Leadership Reception on October 10 from 4:30-6:30 pm at the Residence Inn in Natick. Their investment supports the Foundation in developing initiatives like our Equity in Education Action Project increasing access to evidence-based programs that create and solidify a foundation for academic success in literacy and STEM. To attend or to make your gift, visit https://lnkd.in/eN_QF3un #nonprofit #community #giveback #philanthropy #metrowest #networking #thankyou

Our partner, SPARK Kindness , along with The Resilience Project: a Newton Wellesley Hospital Initiative, will be hosting a discussion with Psychotherapist Lynn Lyons, LICSW on the evening of 10/8. In the Natick High School Auditorium, Lyons will provide parents with practical strategies to help them manage anxiety in both their children and themselves.    To learn more about the event or the work SPARK Kindness does to “make sure no one feels alone, bullied, unsupported, or unconnected,” visit the link below.  

The Foundation, in partnership with Literations and Jewish Family Service of MetroWest, is actively working on tackling literacy disparities faced by students in underserved communities through our Equity in Education Action Project. Literations pairs highly-trained volunteer literacy coaches (aged 50+) with 1st-4th graders to deliver evidence-based, one-to-one literacy interventions. Over the past three years, this program has been rolled out in 5 schools across Framingham. By investing in these solutions, the Equity in Education Action Project not only increases our education system’s ability to address gaps in student success and promote equity amongst students, but it will also lead to stronger academic performance, higher graduation rates, and more post-education opportunities for young people. This program ultimately fosters a more equitable society for all members of the community. Join us in celebrating our investment in the future at the Community Leadership Reception, October 10 at the Residence Inn, Natick from 4:30-6:30pm. For tickets, visit https://lnkd.in/eN_QF3un

Have you ever wanted to play round of golf at The Country Club in Brookline or take in a Red Sox game from behind home plate? Join us at the Community Leadership Reception on October 10th from 4:30-6:30pm at Residence Inn, Natick for a chance at these, and other unique experiences. The funds raised through silent auction and raffles will support the work of the Community Foundation for MetroWest, including our ongoing investment in improving youth academic success across MetroWest through our Equity in Education Action Project. Other auction items include: -Round of golf at Eastward Ho! in Chatham -Four field box tickets to a 2025 Red Sox Game -A 3-4 night stay in Newport, RI next summer -and more! To join us at the Community Leadership Reception on October 10th, please visit https://lnkd.in/eN_QF3un to purchase your event ticket. Must be in attendance at the event to participate.

According to data collected by Impact MetroWest, only 25% of eighth grade students in Milford are proficient in mathematics, with similar trends across MetroWest. The Foundation’s Equity in Education project, in partnership with Saga Education and with volunteer recruitment support from Life Science Cares Boston, is implementing evidence-based, personalized, afterschool-day tutoring intervention to address the concerning trends and promote equity amongst students. We are excited to report that after the first year, a remarkable 95% of the students showed growth on the iReady diagnostic with 35% of the students ending the year “on grade-level.” Join us in honoring our investment in the future at our Community Leadership Reception on October 10 at Residence Inn, Natick from 4:30-6:30 pm. For tickets, visit https://lnkd.in/eN_QF3un

We are grateful for the work that HEALTHY WALTHAM does to improve the health and wellness of underserved and low-income populations.