Grant recipients from Project Hope with JL Boston president Karen Page and Community committee members Melissa Herman, Catherine Manning, and Jane Theriault

By Mariana Gay

Each year, the Junior League of Boston gives Community Assistance Grants to local Massachusetts organizations that need financial help to deliver on their missions. The recipients are chosen based on financial need, the compatibility of our missions, and their plans for the funds.

This year, we received 59 local, national, and international applicants for the grants. The candidate organizations serve a diverse group of people from single mothers and foster children to minority populations and senior citizens.

We’re excited to announce the recipients of our 2017-2018 Community Assistance Grants. Each organization received $2,500 to help them continue to serve our community. So, who received the grants?

1. Art Resource Collaborative for Kids (ARCK) is an Arts Integration Program at Boston Public Schools. Its mission is “empowering students with high-quality arts education that fosters culture and community while also supporting a school’s learning objectives.”
2. Boston Centers for Youth & Families received a grant for their organized Teen Nights. They say, “our mission is to enhance the quality of life for Boston residents by partnering with community center councils, agencies, and businesses to support neighborhood needs.”
   

   Grant recipients from Girls Rock with JL Boston president Karen Page and committee members Catherine Manning, Melissa Herman, and Jane Theriault

3. Boys & Girls Club of Stoneham & Wakefield received a grant in support of their Girls STEM Program. Their mission is “to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.”
4. Girls Rock received a grant for their after-school Music & Arts Program. “Girls Rock Campaign Boston empowers girls to believe in themselves by providing a supportive community that fosters self-expression, confidence, and collaboration through musical education and performance,” they say.
5. Healthy Waltham was awarded a grant for their Senior Citizen Outreach Program. Healthy Waltham exists “to promote healthy lifestyles and well-being for families and underserved populations in Waltham through educational and collaborative programs that engage residents in healthy cooking and gardening, physical activity and involvement in natural open space within the community.”
6. More Than Words received a grant for their Life Essentials Workshops & Training. They explain, “More Than Words is a nonprofit social enterprise that empowers youth who are in the foster care system, court involved, homeless, or out of school to take charge of their lives by taking charge of a business.”
   

   Grant recipients from YW Boston with JL Boston president Karen Page and committee members Melissa Herman, Catherine Manning, and Jane Theriault

7. Project Hope was awarded a grant for their Adult Education Program & Speakers Bureau. “Project Hope in Boston works in partnership with families so they can move up and out of poverty.”
8. YW Boston received their grant to support their Girl’s Health Program. “YW Boston is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.”

Congratulations to all of the incredible grant recipients. We are inspired by the work you do!