Community Initiatives
The United Way of Pioneer Valley (UWPV)
supports a range of community initiatives that are consistent with the
organization’s mission to mobilize people and resources to strengthen our
communities. The role of UWPV in regards
to these initiatives varies depending upon the project and may include serving
as funder, convener, advisor, coordinator, and liaison or fiscal sponsor
(providing a legal “home” for an initiative). Through these community
initiatives, UWPV seeks to advance the Common Good in the areas of education,
financial stability and health
Western Mass. Network to End Homelessness
The Western Mass. Network
to End Homelessness (WMNEH) is a collaboration that includes dozens of service
providers, municipalities and state agencies in the four counties of western Massachusetts - Hampden, Hampshire, Franklin
and Berkshire Counties. The Network seeks to maximize
collaboration, resources and best practices in serving the needs of people who
are homeless. Housing First forms the basis for the new approach to solving
homelessness and the Network is spearheading its implementation across the
region. This approach seeks to preserve or provide housing first, with the
appropriate support services to go with it, in order to effectively reduce
homelessness. The Housing First approach
has a proven track record of success across the country, including right here
in Western Massachusetts. UWPV provides
financial support for the Network, is its fiscal sponsor, and serves on the
Network’s Leadership Council. More information.
Springfield Collaboration for Change
The Springfield
Collaboration for Change (SCC) is a five-year initiative focused on raising the
academic achievement of Springfield
Public School students
through the development of a collaborative and integrated system of support. It
is a unique partnership between the Springfield
Public Schools, the
Springfield Education Association, community-based organizations, and parents -
all focused on changing the way student learning is approached and supported.
The National Education Association has funded the Collaboration for five years
for a total of $1.25 million with a required 1:1 match. UWPV is the fiscal
sponsor of the project and serves on the
project advisory committee.
Hasbro
Summer Learning Initiative
The Hasbro Summer Learning
Initiative (HSLI) is designed to decrease the academic achievement gap and help
ensure a brighter future for low-income children and youth throughout western Massachusetts. This is
achieved by stemming summer learning loss by improving quality and access to
summer opportunities. The program HSLI
provides support to 45 area summer programs and provides more than 2,300 youth
with time to learn, be outdoors, and be engaged in positive relationships with
peers and adults. HSLI received the Excellence Award from the National
Association for Summer Learning in 2009, in recognition of its innovative model
and promising outcomes in stemming summer reading loss. UWPV served as the
initial home for the HSLI in its formative years and continues to be a funder
of the project, as well as an active member of the advisory committee. More information
Mass 2-1-1
2-1-1 is a 24-hour accessible
phone and web-based referral service
that links people in need of assistance to resources that can provide help.
2-1-1 connects people to important community services such as food, clothing,
shelter assistance, counseling, child care information, legal and financial
services. UWPV is a significant
underwriter/funder of Mass 2-1-1, serves on its Board of Directors, and is
actively engaged in strengthening this vital service to local residents and
agencies in the region. More information.
Mass Mentoring Partnership
Springfield Stay In School Initiative (link)
Holyoke Early Literacy Initiative (link)
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