United Way of Massachusetts Bay

ACT FAST! Deadline for registration is FRIDAY MARCH 7 Are you looking to make lasting, impactful change as a nonprofit board member? Enroll in our fully virtual Spring 2025 Board Connection program! Learn what to expect, how to find a board to serve on and the foundational elements of nonprofit board service. This 4-part course will introduce new skills and demonstrate how to strengthen and apply your current skills. The training dives into everything from board governance to applying principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion and so much more. You will also have the opportunity to meet nonprofit agency partners with open board positions, practice news skills with hands on activities, and access resources through our Board Connection Portal. Scholarships Available. REGISTER HERE-- https://lnkd.in/e2b9rgPX

🎶 Meet Malik Carr, aka “2 Leeky,” a 23-year-old from Dorchester finding his voice and purpose at Beats, Rhymes, and Life (BRL) Academy, a program by Children's Services of Roxbury, Inc. BRL uses hip-hop as a therapeutic outlet, helping young people heal from trauma and discover their potential through music and mentorship. 💡 🎤✨ His journey is about more than music—it’s about family, self-expression, and entrepreneurship. BRL Academy supports young adults of color over 18 with a paid, two-year program that combines career training, therapeutic support, and opportunities to explore the mental health field. By turning their lived experiences into strengths, participants like Malik are becoming leaders and healers in their communities. 🌱 🔗 Discover how Children Services of Roxbury is Empowering Youth Through Beats, Rhymes, and Life here: https://bit.ly/40GB1Yc

🌍 Harena G., an Urgent Care Physician Associate and former Ethiopian refugee, knows firsthand the transformative impact of community support. When she arrived in the U.S. in 2009, adjusting to a new life was overwhelming, until the @new-american-association-of-massachusett (NAAM) became a sanctuary, offering resources and a welcoming space for her family. From youth programs to English classes and employment services, NAAM provided the support Harena’s family needed to thrive. ✨Harena’s gratitude inspired her to give back. She went from participant to mentor, guiding younger students to stay on positive paths. Today, as NAAM’s board president, she is a passionate advocate for the same programs that changed her life. 🔗 Discover how NAAM is building brighter futures for newcomers: https://bit.ly/40nxfSd

As a long-time partner of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay we are excited to learn about the appointment of Marty Martinez as their incoming President and CEO. Over the years, we have closely worked with Marty, most recently in his role as Chief of Health and Human Services for the City of Boston. His experience, community knowledge, and steadfast commitment to equity and social justice will make him an exceptional leader for United Way. At IBA, we look forward to collaborating with him in this new capacity. Congratulations!

This Black History Month, we celebrate the visionary parents who founded the New School for Children in Roxbury in 1966. Designed as a true community school, it welcomed 80 to 100 children and invited artists, musicians, engineers, and professionals to serve as educators, ensuring students learned from a diverse range of experiences. Their commitment to an inclusive, high-quality education set a powerful precedent for community-driven learning. Our own Renée Ọmọladé (Omolade), Senior Director of Community Schools at United Way, shared this article as a reminder of the deep roots and impact of this movement. Thank you, Renee, for sharing this powerful message and digging into history to celebrate this month. 🏫

It was an honor to join Bill Gates on his book tour to launch his debut memoir, Source Code. Last year, I had the opportunity to attend Microsoft’s annual CEO Summit, where Bill and I spoke about his family’s generous history of supporting United Way. His father served as President of the Board for United Way of King County and later as a trustee for United Way of America. His mother was also a dedicated volunteer and board member for both United Way of King County and United Way International—today, the beautiful conference facilities at our Virginia headquarters are named in her honor. Shortly after this reflective conversation, his team reached out with incredible news: Bill would be donating all proceeds from his memoir to United Way Worldwide. Bill's significant investment in United Way is a testament to our mission and reputation. Like Bill, I am inspired to invest in the work ahead, ensuring we continue to make a profound difference in the lives of millions as we envision and build thriving communities. #SourceCode #leadership #philanthropy #innovation #UnitedWay

“We need community now more than ever.” That was the message this morning from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, (D) MA-7, who joined United Way of Massachusetts Bay’s weekly conversation with non-profit partners to discuss how Massachusetts is responding to federal policies that impact our communities. “We must continue to hold firm to our values that our freedoms, our destinies and our safety are tied to one another,” said Representative Ayanna Pressley Pressley told more than 100 attendees they can help her work on Capitol Hill by informing her team about emerging trends and impacts on their communities, urging them to choose hope over cynicism. United Way of Massachusetts Bay is a non-partisan organization whose mission is to build more equitable communities. To stay informed about our policy and advocacy work, visit: https://lnkd.in/ePgan-fV

👧 🧑 🚸 @Felicia Billy, M.Ed. Felicia Billy’s journey from a kindergarten passion to early childhood education has taken her from educator at the YMCA of Greater Boston to Director of Boston University Children’s Center. After joining Strategies for Children 's first Advocacy Network cohort, she learned to advocate for children on a larger scale. 🎓 🏫 Felicia later became an executive director at a for-profit program in Cambridge, but stayed connected with SFC, and now serves on their board. As a board member, she sees her role as a full-circle opportunity to understand governance and impact, having worked at every tier of the field. She advocates for better pay, respect for teachers, and the return of the apprenticeship model, while pursuing a PhD in Leadership and Policy in Early Education to shape the future of teaching. 💪 🔗 Learn more about Felicia’s journey and Strategies for Children impactful work here: https://bit.ly/3CfesAv

February 11th is 2-1-1 Day across Massachusetts. Powered by local United Ways including United Way of Massachusetts Bay , Mass 211 responds immediately during times of crisis, to field calls regarding the crisis and to direct callers to services most appropriate for their needs. Call2Talk the mental health helpline of Mass 211. Call2Talk also works in partnership with Crisis Text Line to provide support by text for those uncomfortable with speaking to a call taker. Text C2T to 741741.

“We have a lot of folks that talk about helping people in our communities, but they don’t always step up to the plate and do it. And the fact that we have National Grid Foundation helping these families is really a big deal for us." - State Senator Sal DiDomenico National Grid Foundation awarded $1.3 million to United Way of Massachusetts Bay United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Cape & Islands United Way to support local families across the region with emergency heating and financial assistance this winter. In Chelsea on Monday, United Way partners, local leaders gathered to celebrated and talk about the work ahead to make sure all families have what they need across the Commonwealth. 💙Thank you to our United Way partners, Cape & Islands United Way & United Way of Central Massachusetts 💙 Thank you to The Neighborhood Developers for hosting, and Senator Sal DiDomenico, Chelsea City Manager Fidel Maltez & Judith García for your support! 💙 Thank you to our community partners, ACT Lawrence, Lawrence CommunityWorks, Inc. , East Boston Social Centers, Catholic Charities Boston, JVS Boston and more for your work ensuring families can access resources to meet their essential needs. United Way