Celebrating the 15th Annual Day of Caring September 23rd, United Way volunteers will help nonprofit agencies stock kitchen pantries, paint, clean, landscape and read to children.  
 
“It is a tremendous event, which makes a significant difference for the nonprofit community,” said Rich Palmer, executive director of Montachusett Regional YMCA and chairman of United Way’s Day of Caring. “The response each and every year is outstanding, thanks to the support of all our sponsors and volunteers.”   

It is expected that over 500 volunteers from area companies and organizations, including students from area schools, will donate the day to assist local health and human service agencies with a host of maintenance projects that normally cannot get done due to financial and personnel constraints.

Anyone who is interested in participating is encouraged to contact United Way of North Central Massachusetts at 978-345-1577 or visit www.uwncm.org.

SimplexGrinnell in Westminster and Four Points Sheraton are the event underwriters.

WESTMINSTER, MA (December 10, 2009) - United Way Youth Venture, a youth leadership program that got its start in North Central Massachusetts, will now reach students in Maryland thanks to a grant the United Way of Central Maryland has received from SimplexGrinnell.

The initiative has taken shape over the past several months as SimplexGrinnell, Tyco and the United Way of North Central Massachusetts joined forces to expand United Way Youth Venture, which empowers students to design and launch lasting social ventures that have a positive impact in the community. "SimplexGrinnell and Tyco are proud to support this collaborative effort to expand United Way Youth Venture," said Dave Baer, Vice President of Marketing at SimplexGrinnell, a Tyco International company.  "We strongly believe in Youth Venture's power to change the world, strengthen our communities and create the next generation of leaders."

Mark S. Furst, President and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, said: "We are enthusiastic to be part of the Youth Venture network. This program will allow young people in the region to be part of change firsthand and to see what can happen when they achieve their full potential."

Under the joint initiative, United Ways throughout the country were asked to submit proposals on how they would implement the school-based program.  The United Way of North Central Massachusetts, which founded United Way Youth Venture and nurtured its growth into four other cities nationwide, helped manage the process.

The top 10 applicants were invited to a half-day training session in Leominster, MA, underwritten by SimplexGrinnell, to learn how to implement the program in their community. Following the training session, United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) was announced as the recipient of a $30,000 grant from Tyco to assist in implementing United Way Youth Venture.  

The local SimplexGrinnell district in Baltimore, one of 150 company-owned offices in North America, is engaged in the Youth Venture effort with UWCM as well.

"The expansion of United Way Youth Venture to other locations where we do business aligns with SimplexGrinnell's commitment to be a vital part of the communities we serve," said Bob Chauvin, Vice President of Northern Operations for SimplexGrinnell and a board member of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts.  "This powerful program is cultivating a new generation of leaders and improving our communities in very meaningful ways."

About United Way of Central Maryland

For more than 80 years, United Way of Central Maryland (UWCM) has been the region's human service leader. Its mission is to improve people's lives by mobilizing the caring power of our communities. UWCM supports programs and initiatives in the city of Baltimore, Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, Harford and Howard counties.  For more information, visit http://www.uwcm.org/ or call 410.547.8000.

About United Way of North Central Massachusetts

The United Way of North Central Massachusetts, in Gardner, Fitchburg, Leominster and the surrounding 13 towns, is creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on the basic things we all need for a good life: education, income, health and safety net services.  For additional information, visit http://www.uwncm.org/.

About United Way Youth Venture

In 2002, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, in partnership with Ashoka, founded United Way Youth Venture, a unique and collaborative partnership that helps schools launch lasting social ventures that create a positive impact in the community.  These schools integrate United Way Youth Venture into their curriculum, after-school activities and host special events.  For additional information, visit http://www.uwyv.org/.

About SimplexGrinnell

SimplexGrinnell, a Tyco International company, provides a comprehensive array of fire alarm, fire sprinkler, fire suppression, integrated security, communications and nurse call systems and services. With one million customers, 150 local offices, and over 200 years of history in the fire business, SimplexGrinnell is the leader in fire and life safety. For additional information or to locate the nearest SimplexGrinnell district office, visit http://www.simplexgrinnell.com/.

(To view photos from the event) - It wasn’t a trivial celebration – far from it: More than 200 people attended the United Way of North Central Massachusetts’ 30^th campaign recognition and thank-you event at the Four Points Sheraton Thursday evening, and United Way trivia questions were there for them.

Dr. Bruce Man, chairman of United Way of North Central Massachusetts, kicked off the celebration by thanking the community for its support. “Over the past three decades, thanks to our donors, we have helped create opportunities for a better life for tens of thousands people,” he said.

United Way recognized three of its volunteers for outstanding service:  Deb LaPointe from Enterprise Bank and Trust; Abbie MacCallum of Bemis Associates, and Herb White of Workers’ Credit Union.  They were lauded for going the extra mile as volunteers for the organization.

Robert Antonucci, president of Fitchburg State College and a United Way board member, filled in for this year’s United Way Campaign Chairman, Patrick Muldoon, president of HealthAlliance. Antonucci recognized Steel-Fab, Inc. of Fitchburg, Mass.; Sterilite Corp. of Townsend, Mass.; and the Wal-Mart Store in Gardner, Mass. with the Chairman’s Extraordinary Effort Campaign award, acknowledging their outstanding workplace campaigns.

United Way Community Builders, launched during the organization’s 25^th anniversary to promote volunteerism, presented two fellowship awards, which help individuals to implement their ideas to improve the community through mentoring and a financial stipend.

Barbara McGowan of Leominster, Mass., will help senior citizens in assisted living programs by supplying donated items through her initiative, The R.O.S.E. Project. Nancy Shippen of Acton, through her fellowship, will work to recruit, support and expand the role of volunteers in Shirley and Concord prisons.

In addition, four individuals were recognized for outstanding volunteerism: Mona Holforty of Leominster, for her work through HealthAlliance in Leominster; David Savoie of Gardner, Heywood Hospital, Gardner; Dadgie Scott of  Royalston, Mass., H.O.P.E., Gardner; and Helen Obermeyer Simmons of Lunenburg, Mass., Rollstone Studios in Fitchburg.

United Way Community Builders also awarded four grants to nonprofits for their volunteer projects as part of National Volunteer Week, April 18-24. The community was asked to vote for their favorite projects, which generated over 750 votes.

The grand prize, $1,000, went to the House of Peace and Education in Gardner (HOPE), to revitalize their pavilion. Sholan Farms of Leominster received $500 to create a handicapped-accessible u-pick apple orchard. Beacon of Hope Community Services of Leominster received second place, $250, for their peace rally. Third place, $250, went to Leominster Trail Stewards, for trails cleanups.

Collectively, the projects will mobilize 447 volunteers during the week, which will touch the lives of 29,000 people, according to Karin Oliveira, director of United Way Community Builders.

United Way Youth Venture, a program with more than 1,000 youth who are creating positive change through their school-based initiatives, presented a series of awards and scholarships.

The 2009-2010 Changemaker Awards went to the following United Way Youth Venture teams for making a significant impact on their cause: “Puppy Love” at Francis W. Parker Charter School in Devens, Mass., which is working to raise awareness of, and propose legislation barring the sale of puppies through puppy mills.

Shirley Middle School’s “Group 5” is changing the school culture at Shirley by raising funds to purchase new equipment to replace outdated technology for Shirley’s Technical Education Department.

Fitchburg High School’s “Prom Dress Express” collects, dry-cleans and distributes free prom dresses to local area youth.

Memorial Middle School in Fitchburg, through the 21st Century After-School Program, “PATH,” provides peer tutoring. Volunteers donate their lunch period to support the academic growth of their younger peers.

Winchendon’s Murdock Middle-High School “Wii Care” uses video games to bridge the intergenerational gap at assisted living facilities, with a focus on fitness through the interactive Wii experience.

Leominster’s Skyview Middle School’s “Freedom Venture” supports local troops serving stateside and overseas through care packages, letters and cards.

The Ally of the Year award went to Mary Cooper of Shirley, who works with “The Rolled Up Newspaper 2” team at the Lura A White Elementary School in Shirley.

Phil Grzewinski, president of United Way of North Central Massachusetts, awarded $1,000 United Way Youth Venture college scholarships to four students for their outstanding participation in the program:

Abigail Capone, a senior at Fitchburg High School, participates in “We’ve Got You Covered,” with the United Way Youth Venture Team. They plan to build roofs on the softball dugouts at the high school to provide shelter from foul balls and weather, and start a scholarship for young, underprivileged girls who want to play softball in Fitchburg’s Lassie League.

Erin Hodge, a senior at the Leominster Center for Technical Education Graphic Communications program, participates in the United Way Youth Venture team, “Art for Random Kindness” (ARK), which utilizes members’ artistic abilities to support their community. They have painted murals, provided local businesses and other Venture teams with free marketing materials and logos, and have successfully held numerous fundraisers, including one for the victims in Haiti.

Kathleen Craigen is a senior at Fitchburg High School and participates on two teams, “Our Family to Yours” (OFTY) and “Intergenerational Project.” She is the lead Venturer of OFTY, which launched in 2009 through the Fitchburg State College’s Upward Bound program, whose aim is to provide school supplies to needy families within the Fitchburg community.

Marcus Provost is a senior at Murdock High School. His initiative, the “Sound of Murdock,” launched in 2008 and provides deejay services for his school and local community. Part of the profit goes to into a scholarship fund and the school’s Key Club.

The evening concluded with the 2009-2010 Champion of the Year award, which went to Garrett Zecker of Fitchburg. Zecker has been a champion for the past three years, cultivating and supporting the launch of eight United Way Youth Venture teams, with three more teams planned.

The United Way of North Central Massachusetts will hold its 30th Campaign Recognition and Thank-You Event Thursday, April 15, 2010 at 5 p.m. in  the Four Points by Sheraton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster, MA.

United Way will acknowledge volunteers and area companies for their workplace campaigns, as part of its 30 anniversary. There will be special recognition of United Way Youth Venture volunteers, in addition to announcing the winners of the Star Projects Competition, an initiative to generate volunteers as part of National Volunteer Week, April 18-24.

The event is free, but seating is limited. Anyone interested in attending should RSVP by April 8 to the United Way of North Central Massachusetts, at 978-345-1577, or e-mail uwncm@uwncm.org.   

To help the victims of Haiti’s disastrous earthquake, over 300 Memorial Middle School students paid two dollars for the privilege of wearing their pajamas to school one day.

“We are proud of the students’ initiative to want to help, and this was creative and different,” said sixth-grade teacher Sue DiGeronimo, who along with Dee Brideau worked with the Student Council in organizing the fundraiser.

The $600 went to United Way of North Central Massachusetts, which is working through Operation Helping Hands, in providing emergency relief to the Haitian earthquake victims.

"We have thirteen projects posted and the community can vote for their favorite volunteer project right online," commented Karin Oliveira, director of United Way's Community Builders, which promotes volunteerism.

The volunteer project with the most votes will receive $1,000, second place, $500 and third and fourth $250 each. The community can view and vote for their favorite projects on United Way's website, http://www.uwncm.org/, through April 9th.  

The winning projects will implement their "Star Projects" during National Volunteer Week, which is April 18-24.

Over the past four years, Community Builders has supported 22 community initiatives, maintained a volunteer website at http://www.community-builders.net/ and recognized over 6000 individuals for their volunteer services.   

United Way of North Central Massachusetts has received over $500,000 in contributions from local donors to help the victims of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. 

"Almost immediately after the earthquake struck Haiti, we had donors contacting us asking how they could help. The outpouring of support has been quite remarkable" said Phil Grzewinski, president of United Way of North Central Massachusetts.

The nonprofit agency serving North Central Massachusetts identified two funds for local donors to support. Operation Helping Hands, which is being coordinated by United Way of Miami-Dade in Florida, is providing emergency relief activities, while United Way Worldwide Disaster Fund will support the long-term recovery efforts by addressing educational, financial and health-related challenges.

Donations can be made online by visiting http://www.uwncm.org/. Checks should be made payable to United Way of North Central Massachusetts, 285 John Fitch Hwy, Fitchburg, MA 01420. Donors should indicate in the memo field of their check Operation Helping Hand or Disaster Fund.  For contributions made by check, there is no service or administrative fee, so 100 percent goes directly to the agencies.  

Individuals can also contribute $5 to Haiti's long-term recovery by texting: Haiti to United (864833). Standard text messaging rates apply.

With nearly 1,000 area students already participating in the program, United Way Youth Venture has received a significant boost, thanks to a $300,000 federal grant it received to expand the initiative, which creates social ventures with a positive impact on the community.

“These programs have a proven track record of reaching young people. This federal funding will make it possible for more students to participate, with the goal of reaching 20 percent of all students in the region within three years. Students, their families, and their communities will benefit,” commented U.S. Rep.  John W. Olver, D-Mass., who was instrumental in securing the grant.

According to Phil Grzewinski, president and CEO of United Way of North Central Massachusetts, the funding will allow the program to expand to other schools and communities. Currently, 12 schools, from Fitchburg, Leominster, Shirley, Ayer and Winchendon participate in the program through 63 teams.

In 2002, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, in partnership with Ashoka, a global association of the world’s leading social entrepreneurs, , based in Arlington, Va., founded United Way Youth Venture, a unique and collaborative partnership that helps schools launch lasting social ventures.

It is a youth-led program that uses adults as guides to encourage student-participants to think about ways to improve their community.  After identifying an idea, they form a group of their peers, develop a business plan, and make their case before a board for seed money to launch their venture.

Regina Wironen, curriculum facilitator for Leominster Public Schools and United Way Youth Venture champion, said the program is contiguous because the students decide on the issue they want to address, and the best way to tackle it.

“In Leominster, we have teams that are focused on improving student safety, to another team who created an outdoor classroom, to yet another who are empowering students through a leadership academy,” commented Wironen.  “In addition to making a difference in their community, they are learning invaluable skills that they’ll take with them into adulthood.”

“Empowering young people and promoting volunteerism helps create the building blocks for a better life for all,” commented Grzewinski, who also said the program complements its other core priorities of providing vital services in the area of income, education, health and safety net services.

Grzewinski said the program reaches students across all achievement levels.

“One of the most satisfying stories from the program was a mother who told us that United Way Youth Venture was responsible for keeping her son from dropping out of high school, and completing his education,” concluded Grzewinski.

Dr. Bruce J. Man, Medical Associates Pediatrics, was elected chair for a one-year term ending 2010.  In addition, Robert F. Chauvin, SimplexGrinnell, vice chair; Patrick L. Muldoon, HealthAlliance, campaign chair; Matt W. Johnson, Fitchburg Post Office, community investment chair; David A.  Garrison, Micron Products, Inc., treasurer; Daniel M. Asquino, Ph.D., Mount Wachusett Community College, assistant treasurer; Robert V. Antonucci, Fitchburg State College, clerk; and Phillip M. Grzewinski, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, president.  

The following new directors were elected to three-year terms expiring 2012; Henry J. Boticello, Simonds Industries; Elizabeth (Liisa) G. Dowd, Grady Research, Inc.; Justin P. Gelinas, Esq., Gelinas and Ward, LLP; Lynne H. Man, evaluation and policy consultant; and Deborah L. LaPointe, Enterprise Bank.

Steven L. Stone, Sterilite Corporation was re-elected to a one-year term expiring 2010 and Neftali C. Pena, Sovereign Bank, to a three-year term expiring 2012.   Joanne Tulonen, YWCA/BWRI, Inc., was elected to a one-year term expiring 2010 as a ex-officio director.

"Even with a record number of applicants this early in the season, we continue to see individuals and families who do not apply because they are too proud to ask for assistance," noted Keith Freischlag, energy efficiency program coordinator for Unitil, who sponsored the meeting in partnership with United Way of North Central Massachusetts. 

John Keeney of New England Farm Workers' Council, which manages the Federal Fuel Assistance program, said a family of four with a household gross income of $56,011 or less would qualify for the program. For a single person, the income figure is $29,126. "Apply for these programs as soon as possible, and please do not wait until you're in financial trouble before asking for help," Keeney said.

Those who do not qualify for Federal Fuel Assistance, but may need assistance, can contact the Salvation Army. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund provides a heating assistance benefit of up to $300 for the year. For more information, interested individuals may call the Salvation Army at 1-978-342-9407.

Freischlag also reviewed other programs for income-qualified customers, including special weatherization, budget billing and

The federal Weatherization Assistance Program, managed by the Montachusett Opportunity Council, provides no-cost energy saving improvements, such as insulation and heating system repairs, to homeowners who meet income guidelines.

Unitil offers a budget billing program, to make monthly utility bills more affordable by leveling out higher seasonal energy bills, which are spread out throughout the year.

In addition, customers qualify for a discount rate on natural gas or electricity, when eligible for fuel assistance.    Customers can also be eligible for the discount rate if they qualify for other programs such as SSI, school lunch or MassHealth.  A full list of these other programs is available through public utility companies.  

There is also an Arrears Forgiveness Program, which provides up to $1,200 in relief on outstanding balances, for clients who pay their utility bills on time.  

For customers who are over the income limit for low-income programs, Unitil offers the MassSave program. Homeowners save up to 75% on installation costs with rebates up to $4,000 for investing in recommended energy efficiency improvements. To learn more about any of Unitil's programs, customers may call 1-888-301-7700.

Phil Grzewinski, president of United Way of North Central Massachusetts, told listeners about a program being administered by United Way of North Central Massachusetts that provides emergency relief to homeless people who cannot find shelter during the winter months. For more information, agencies can call the United Way of North Central Massachusetts at 978-345-1577.

The sea of white t-shirts proclaiming LIVE UNITED captured the essence of  United Way of North Central Massachusetts' 14^th Annual Day of Caring, which got underway at the Four Points Sheraton in Leominster Thursday morning. Nearly 500 volunteers spent the day helping 33 nonprofit organizations repair, clean and spruce up their facilities.

"The majority of these projects would not get done if it wasn't for the volunteers that make this day possible, commented Rich Palmer, executive director of the Montachusett Regional YMCA and chair of the Day of Caring. "You are all living united because you are part of the change we want to see in our community." Mr. Palmer also thanked the nearly 1,600 students from Leominster Public Schools, who were scheduled to work on school-based projects during the day.
  

Nonprofit organizations and municipalities are asked to identify projects that they can't get done due to personnel and budget constraints according to Mr. Palmer. This year, they received 53 requests.    

Patrick Muldoon, president and CEO of HealthAlliance and this year's United Way campaign chair, also kicked off United Way of North Central Massachusetts' annual campaign drive during the morning breakfast event. The money raised is used to support 46 programs in the area of education, income, health and safety net services.

Before the volunteers headed out to their projects, Karin Oliveira, director of United Way's Community Builders recognized four individuals for their extraordinary contributions to the community.  Ms. Oliveira noted that Community Builders is an initiative to promote community involvement, which is sponsored by Unitil and Bemis.

Charlotte Rheault of Swanzey, NH was recognized for serving on numerous committees at the Clark Memorial YMCA in Winchendon.

Serving on Gardner Community Action Council board of directors, Normand Bettez of Gardner, MA was lauded for finding the organization a new home, carpentry work, painting and fundraising.  In addition he also finds time to volunteer at the St. Vincent DePaul Society at Holy Rosary Church.

Susan Heinz of Shirley, MA was thanked for her numerous volunteer roles; serving as the president of the Shirley Educational Foundation, organizing and coaching the Little Kickers soccer program and most notably for launching Playboard of Shirley, an initiative to give kids safe places to play.  Her efforts garnered national recognition from the Kaboom organization as a "Playful City USA".

With over 40 years of community service, Steve Weaver of Lunenburg, MA also received the Community Builder award for volunteering as a coach for Bolton Youth Hockey, Bolton Youth Soccer, Leominster Dec Hockey, Bolton Little League and Pop Warner football league. He has also volunteered for the Lancaster Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, United Way of North Central Massachusetts, Salvation Army and Fitchburg Community Lion's Club.

Following the completion of the projects, a barbeque was held at Saima Park in Fitchburg, MA.  SimplexGrinnell was the major sponsor of the Day of Caring. 

United Way of North Central Massachusetts announced that 46 health and human service programs will receive funding from their Community Impact Fund.

"These initiatives we are investing in are the building blocks for a better life -  education, income, health and safety net services," commented Steve Stone, chair of the board of directors of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts.

The nearly $820,000 in funds, which come from individual donations, corporate and employee contributions are distributed based on a health and human services needs assessment the organization conducts.

"We use the information from this comprehensive report to identify important community issues," noted Matt Johnson, chair of United Way's Community Investment Division.

The report guides the community investment committee, which includes nearly 50 community volunteers along with staff members, on which programs it funds. This year, 24 agencies, with 46 programs will target four specific impact initiatives:  education, income, health and safety net services.

Two United Way special initiatives were funded, United Youth Venture, which is empowering young people to make a difference in their community by creating youth-led causes, and United Way's Community Builders, a program that promotes volunteerism through fellowships and a volunteer website.

In the area of education, with its goal of helping children achieve their potential the following programs were funded: Battered Women's Resources' Community Partnerships; HOPE for Kids; LUK Crisis Center's Passages/Transitions; Montachusett Regional YMCA's Teen Center and Youth Program; Salvation Army's Bridging the Gap and Summer Fun (Time Out for Youth); Spanish American Center's Crossroads After School Program  and Advocacy Project; Partnership for Latino Success' Parent & Youth Outreach Program;  Children's Aid & Family Services' Family Counseling Center and Child Care Center Parent; Guild of Saint Agnes' Child Care Center; Montachusett Opportunity Council's School Age Program; Multi-Service Center's Safety Kids, Generations Linked and Family Resource Center; Literacy Volunteers' Literacy Program; Catholic Charities' Family Resource Center; and Nashua Valley Council Boy Scouts' United Way Youth Venture After School Scouting Program.

Four income programs, which are focused on promoting financial stability and independence, were funded: HOPE for Women; Catholic Charities' Family Resource Center; Montachusett Home Care's Money Management Program; and Spanish American Center's Helping Ourselves.

Health programs funded included:  Battered Women's Resources' Community-Based Violence Services; Gardner VNA's Community Services Center and Maternal Child Health; Project Contact @ Bonnie Brae's Project Contact; ARC's Family Support & Advocacy; Gardner CAC's Medical Transportation; MA Association for the Blind's Vision Services;  Montachusett Home Care's Volunteer Companion;  Multi-Service Center's Preventative Health Program; and Rape Crisis Center's Community Response to Sexual Assault.

For safety net services, which provide emergency housing and food support, nine programs were funded:  Battered Women's Resources' Aralia Emergency Shelter, Catholic Charities' Basic Life Skills & Emergency Assistance, Gardner CAC's Fellowship Table and Food Distribution/Emergency Assistance; Loaves & Fishes' Food Pantry; Montachusett Addiction Council; Montachusett Opportunity Council's CARE Services/Food Resources and Leona Fleming Food Pantry; and the Salvation Army's Comprehensive Emergency Assistance. 

"Thanks to our generous donors, we are especially pleased, given the challenging economy, that we were able to keep our funding at last year's level," concluded Stone. 

United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Ayer, Barre, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.

For Immediate Release (August 01, 2009) -   Celebrating the 14^th Annual Day of Caring September 10th, United Way volunteers will help nonprofit agencies stock kitchen pantries, paint, clean, landscape and read to children.
 

"The Day of Caring is about the community working together to create a brighter future," noted Rich Palmer, executive director of Montachusett Regional YMCA and chair of United Way's Day of Caring. "Thanks to the support of all our sponsors and volunteers, it is amazing the number of important projects we can tackle in one day."
 

It is expected that over 500 volunteers from area companies and organizations, including students from area schools, will donate the day to assist local health and human service agencies with a host of maintenance projects that normally cannot get done due to financial and personnel constraints.
 

Anyone who is interested in participating is encouraged to contact United Way of North Central Massachusetts at 978-345-1577 or visit their website. The deadline to sign up as a volunteer is September 4^th.

SimplexGrinnell in Westminster is the event underwriter.

United Way Community Builders

Fellowships

from $500 to $2500

are available for ideas that

improve the community.

Call Karin Oliveira

at 978-345-1577 or visit community-builders.net

Fitchburg, MA - They came to listen, learn and share how they were improving their communities.  Over 400 middle and high school students participated in the United Way Youth Venture Year End Celebration titled Change Rocks at the Courtyard by Marriott Fitchburg Thursday morning (May 07, 2009).

"This is a great event since it allows the United Way Youth Venture teams to share their ideas, inspiration and goals for creating a better community," commented Phil Grzewinski, president of United Way of North Central Massachusetts, which launched the initiative in 2001.   

The United Way Youth Venture program, which is in 11 local schools and after school programs in Fitchburg, Leominster, Shirley, Devens and Winchendon, inspires and invests in teams of young people to create and launch their own sustainable, community-benefitting initiatives.

Kathryn Lyon of Shirley, MA was named Champion of the Year for her work with all of the teams in Shirley, both at Shirley Middle School and at Lura White Elementary.

In addition, Sharyn Tomasso of Leominster, MA was named Ally of the Year for her work with two Youth Venture teams in Leominster, Freedom Venture and Hawk's Nest at Sky View Middle School, whose goal is to build an outdoor classroom at the school.

Matt Bernard of Landpro Landscaping, Inc., Leominster, MA, who worked with Hawks Nest and Courtyard Beautification, was awarded Community Partner of the Year.  They donated product and volunteered to help the two teams implement their projects.

Cassie Cooley of Leominster from Teen Reach at Leominster High School, which spearheaded a youth leadership initiative, including a conference on youth leadership for nearly 100 area youth on Martin Luther King Day, received a $1,000 scholarship because she exemplified youth empowerment, commitment to community and United Way Youth Venture.

Kayla Reeves of Shirley from Team Ultimate at the Francis W. Parker Charter Essential School in Devens, which teaches team building skills to inner city kids, also received a scholarship along with Katie

Roy of Shirley, from Kids at Play, which provides after-school programming for elementary school children in Shirley.

Team Ultimate and Skaters of Shirley received the first annual "Changemakers" awards for their significant impact on the community, and each team received $100 toward their future efforts

Youth from middle and high schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire participated in the half day event, which included breakout sessions and featured special guest speaker Jeff Yalden, a youth motivational speaker and an MTV MADE Teen Life Coach.

Mount Wachusett Community College's Center for Democracy and Humanity helps run the program for United Way.

"The event provides a tremendous opportunity for these young people to network with their fellow Changemakers, share ideas, and discover ways their teams can work together for the greater good," commented MWCC President Dan Asquino.

The event was sponsored by Youth Venture^®, United Ways of North Central Massachusetts, Greater Nashua, Tri-County, Mount Wachusett Community College and Nashua Community College.

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