June 2, 2018 — The United Way of Hampshire County, based in Northampton, recently announced that it granted $191,000 to 10 area programs and organizations that work to improve the lives of Hampshire County residents.
“For many in our community, health and safety issues can impact all aspects of someone’s life and disrupt their livelihood,” said John Bidwell, executive director of the United Way of Hampshire County (UWHC). “We believe that Hampshire County residents should have the support they need to tackle any problem such as help navigating medical appointments, having access to mental health services, or having refuge from domestic abuse."
Receiving the grants were the following:
Behavioral Health Network, Northampton: $7,000 for its advocacy program
Center for Human Development, Amherst: $10,000 for Family Outreach of Amherst
Collaborative for Educational Services, Northampton: $20,000 for Empowered Eaters
Community Action, Northampton: $12,000 for WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
Community Legal Aid, Northampton: $30,000 for the Hampshire County Veterans Medical Legal Partnership
Highland Valley Elder Services, Northampton: $30,000 for its nutrition program
It Takes a Village, Cummington: $6,500 for its Parent Education and Support Program
Northampton Recovery Center, Northampton: $30,000
Safe Passage, Northampton: $30,000 for its enhanced access program
Tapestry, Northampton : $15,500 for its Wound Care as a Gateway to Health Care for Injection Drug Users
Two hundred people gathered at UWHC's Annual Celebration and Awards Luncheon on May 22 to celebrate and recognize organizations and individuals.
“This is such a great opportunity for us to recognize these organizations and individuals for their outstanding and significant contributions to our United Way,” said Bidwell.
The 2018 Community Partner Award was presented to The Jubilee Cupboard Diaper Ministry at the Trinity Episcopal Church in Ware for helping to raise awareness about diaper need and distributing thousands diapers to residents of Ware who struggle with diaper need. The 2018 Workplace Champion Award was presented to Easthampton Savings Bank, which runs a workplace campaign each year and designated is branches as collection sites for the annual diaper drive.
Photographer, Paul Shoul received the Kay Sheehan Spirit of the Community Award, which is presented to an individual or group who "has shown outstanding service and leadership to the community."