United Way of Massachusetts Bay

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Bringing people, partners and communities together to solve our region’s toughest challenges.

United Way of Massachusetts Bay exists to build more equitable communities, together. With over 85 years of local impact in eastern Massachusetts, we work with and for our communities to build economic prosperity and enable everyone–across races and ethnicities–to share in the knowledge, wealth and resources available. We believe that the key to unlocking opportunity is uniting people, and we bring together individuals, community leaders, corporate partners, legislators and organizations to build a powerful engine of change. We fuel new ideas, develop programs and take innovative approaches to solve some of the region’s most entrenched and systemic inequities. With communities at the center of everything we do, we unlock avenues of prosperity that uplift those who have been marginalized, and create opportunity. We believe in the possibility of vibrant, abundant, prosperous, healthy and equitable future through the power of the united collective. Connect with us to give, volunteer, or learn more at unitedwaymassbay.org.

10/14/2026

Energy affordability can be a significant challenge for older adults, especially those who have low- and fixed-incomes. Connecting residents with the assistance programs, benefits and resources can help them remain safe in their homes.

Launched last spring by United Way of Massachusetts Bay and National Grid, the Senior Energy Affordability Program connects older adults with energy assistance, education, benefits enrollment, and other essential resources.

Recently, United Way and National Grid convened nonprofit partners to identify gaps, share what's working and explore ways to strengthen and expand the program's impact. Hearing directly from the organizations working with residents in communities every day helps shape the resources and solutions needed to ensure older adults access the services they need.

Supported by a generous investment from National Grid and the National Grid Foundation in United Way to lead this work, the programs works through community organizations in Dorchester, Roxbury, Lynn, Chelsea, Lawrence, Fall River, Brockton, and Worcester to strengthen the safety net that helps older adults access the resources, support, and services they need.

Action for Boston Community Development Catholic Charities Boston Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc LEO Inc. The Neighborhood Developers

10/08/2026

Thank you to our sponsors for helping make the PEVC Breakfast possible. We are grateful for your partnership and for the support you've shown our mission and community.

Cooley LLP Latham & Watkins PwC Berkshire Partners Deloitte Kirkland & Ellis Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP

10/07/2026

We're proud to join the American Red Cross of Massachusetts in recognizing the volunteers and community heroes who step up for vulnerable neighbors during times of crisis and throughout the year, helping strengthen community well-being and support those who need it most.

The Red Cross of Massachusetts is now accepting nominations for the 2027 Boston Heroes Breakfast, an opportunity to celebrate the individuals and groups whose selfless service makes our communities stronger.

❤️ If you know someone who deserves recognition, nominate them today: https://rdcrss.org/4hwf9aq

10/05/2026

Last week, we celebrated the incredible members of our Tocqueville Society at The Millennium Residences at Winthrop Center.

Amid a moment of significant challenges for many across our region, the evening offered space to reconnect, reflect on what's been made possible through collective generosity, and look ahead to the work still before us to stabilize the safety net so many people rely on.

We are deeply appreciative of the partnership and trust of our Tocqueville Society members. Their support makes it possible for United Way to respond with urgency to today's needs while helping build a more stable and equitable future for individuals and families across our region.

09/25/2026

💚🌎 What does the environment have to do with affordable housing? More than you might think.

This Environmental Awareness Month, we're celebrating organizations that turn awareness into action. One of them is Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC), a partner advancing environmental justice in Dorchester through education, workforce development, community engagement, and environmental stewardship.

As a community development corporation and affordable housing provider, CSNDC recognizes that housing and the environment are deeply connected. Safe, stable housing also means access to healthy, resilient communities that can withstand the impacts of climate change.
Through its Eco-Innovation District, CSNDC helps residents build climate resilience while creating opportunities for education, advocacy, and economic mobility.

"Matters of the environment affect us all," says Teena Johnson, Eco Innovation Director at CSNDC.

🔆 From helping residents access free home energy assessments and energy-saving resources through its Energy Ambassador Program to training community members for careers in stormwater management through its Green Infrastructure Training Program, CSNDC is creating pathways to both environmental and economic resilience. The organization also brings residents together through its Climate Justice Alliance, which makes environmental learning engaging and accessible, and OASIS on Ballou Farm, an urban agriculture project where fresh produce is grown for local markets and food pantries while creating opportunities for hands-on learning and community connection.

Last year, support from United Way's Rapid Response Fund enabled CSNDC to teach more than 50 residents how to grow essential foods at home and provide food-growing supplies to 30 families, helping strengthen food security and empowering residents to put environmental stewardship into practice.

🌱 Thank you, CSNDC, for demonstrating how affordable housing, environmental stewardship, and community development work together to build stronger, more resilient communities.

09/23/2026

🏠 Family homelessness is preventable, and housing stability improves educational and family outcomes.

United Way was invited to testify at last week's hearing at Boston City Council hearing on family homelessness, drawing on our experience to advance solutions that help families stay housed. Our Vice President of Safe and Stable Housing, Christi Staples, joined leaders from across sectors to share evidence and lessons from United Way's work, including the connection between housing stability, student attendance and family well-being.

The evidence is clear. Research conducted by Boston College School of Social Work in partnership with United Way, Boston Public Schools, and FamilyAid found that housing stability among participating families increased from 49% to 84% over two years. Chronic absenteeism declined from 61% to 52%, and students gained the equivalent of nine additional school days per year. Families also experienced declines in parental anxiety and depression and reductions in children's emotional distress.

These findings reinforce that housing stability is about more than housing. It shapes how children learn, the well-being of families, and their long-term opportunity.

At United Way, we're working with government, housing providers, community organizations, and people with lived experience to advance solutions that keep families housed, prevent trauma for children and parents, and help communities thrive.

The question is not whether prevention works. It's whether we are willing to invest in and scale the solutions that have already proven their impact.

Thank you to the Boston City Council, particularly Councilors Ben Weber .ben.weber, Liz Breadon , and Julia Mejia , for sponsoring the hearing and convening this important conversation. We look forward to continuing our work with partners across sectors to expand proven solutions and ensure every child has a safe, stable place to call home.

Read Christi's full testimony: https://bit.ly/47aSytU

09/21/2026

Eversource MA has been a valued partner in advancing meaningful progress across the region, and we were pleased to come together recently to recognize the company’s generous gift to United Way Massachusetts Bay.

The work happening in our communities is made possible by organizations that show up, stay engaged, and invest for the long term. Through our partnership with Eversource, we are helping strengthen the safety net for our most vulnerable neighbors and address affordability challenges so families can thrive.

We’re grateful to Eversource for being one of those partners and look forward to all we can accomplish together.

Thank you to Amanda Heinsen Morales, Jim Hunt, Hayley Dunn, and the entire Eversource team.

09/18/2026

We’re proud to celebrate the second anniversary of the Massachusetts Coalition for Community Schools and the power of collective action.

In just two years, the Coalition has helped secure a $150,000 state funding earmark, facilitate legislative visits to Community Schools, and mobilize educators, school superintendents, parents, and community partners to advocate for legislation exploring ways to sustain and expand Community Schools across Massachusetts.

Today, our Community Schools strategy is making an impact in more than 30 schools across Lynn, Lowell, Haverhill, and Boston, reducing chronic absenteeism, generating more than $970,000 through community partnerships, and helping schools successfully exit turnaround status.
We're also excited to welcome McCarthy Elementary School in Framingham Public Schools to this growing movement.

Thank you to the team at United Way of Massachusetts Bay, the Massachusetts Coalition for Community Schools, and a special shoutout during Community School Coordinator Appreciation Week to the coordinators, managers, and directors whose leadership brings the Community Schools strategy to life.

Together, you're helping more students and families thrive across the Commonwealth. ⭐

09/18/2026

Individual ticket sales are open and sponsorships are available for our PE/VC Leadership Breakfast!

Join private equity and venture capital leaders for a morning of executive-level networking, meaningful connections, and community impact.

🔗 Purchase your ticket: https://bit.ly/3UOJCaS

📅 October 29
⏰ 7:30 a.m. - 9:30 a.m.
📍 The Collective Bar (Floor 3)

We're excited to bring this longstanding tradition back and gather the PE/VC community once again.

Sponsors will also receive access to volunteer opportunities during Thanksgiving Project Week.
🔗 Sponsorship package: https://bit.ly/4xsZuNF

09/14/2026

"As an athlete, people cheer for you when you do really well. But I wanted more of a daily impact on other people's lives."

After six years playing professional basketball across Europe, Kazembe Abif came home searching for a different kind of purpose.

Today, a typical day might find him helping families access fresh food, coordinating English classes for parents, building community partnerships, or creating new opportunities for more than 200 young learners at the Haynes Early Education Center in Roxbury Haynes EEC.

His story also brings to life a core principle of the Community School strategy championed by United Way of Massachusetts Bay: when families are supported, students succeed: when families are supported, students thrive.

This Community School Coordinator Appreciation Week, we're celebrating leaders like Kazembe who are helping transform schools into places of opportunity, connection, and belonging.

🎥 Read his story and learn how Community Schools are making a difference across Massachusetts.
https://bit.ly/4yGirh6

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Address

9 Channel Center Street, Suite 500
Boston, MA
02210

Website

http://www.unitedwaymassbay.org/

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