Worcester community organizations to benefit from $400,000 in federal funding

Initiative will advance collaborative work between Holy Cross and community partners

WORCESTER, Mass. – Thousands of young people and their families across Worcester depend on community programs in and out of their classrooms to enrich their education and development.  In today’s economic climate, more and more local children and teens are at risk when these nonprofit organizations and school programs struggle with severe financial constraints, staff reductions, and budget cuts.

To help address these challenges and encourage strengthened partnerships with community-based organizations, Congressionally-approved federal funding in the amount of $400,000 will be directed to support six Worcester programs that work collaboratively with the College of the Holy Cross.

U.S. Representative James McGovern (D-Mass.) announced the funding and the project goals at an event on Tuesday, Jan. 12 at the South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation.  Also speaking at the event were Holy Cross President Rev. Michael C. McFarland, S.J., and a Holy Cross senior—Yachira Torres, a North High School graduate who is engaged in ongoing community work.  In attendance were Worcester Mayor Joseph O’Brien, Superintendent of Worcester Public Schools Dr. Melinda Boone, local elected officials, representatives from community and nonprofit organizations, and dozens of Holy Cross students and staff.

Rep. McGovern said “I am pleased that we were able to include $400,000 in the Department of Justice Appropriations Bill for funding to support and enhance educational achievement and higher education access programs for Worcester students through community-based partnerships with the College of the Holy Cross.  This is an important initiative, and it deserves federal support.”

“I am deeply grateful for Rep. McGovern’s efforts on behalf of this project, as is everyone in the Holy Cross community,” said Fr. McFarland.  “So many of us have strong connections to Worcester as residents, volunteers and participants in its rich economic, social and cultural life.  We want to see the city flourish; and if it is to do so, it must nourish and develop the wonderful young people who are its future.  These community partnerships represent a serious and longstanding commitment of the College to help the youth in this city, especially those who are at risk.  This funding will help us extend those partnerships and make them more effective, to the benefit of us all.”

The funding will advance collaborations between the College and the following six partners:

Boys & Girls Club of Worcester

Girls CHOICE

Nativity School of Worcester

North High School

South Worcester Neighborhood Improvement Corporation

Youth Effect

Program officials will work with Holy Cross to decide how best to utilize the funding to most effectively enhance existing offerings, including academic tutoring, mentorship, upgraded technology resources, recreational opportunities, coordination of staff and volunteers, and transportation.