News from our members

Ignite & Elevate: The Women’s Fund Annual Celebration

Ignite-Elevate-The-Womens-Fund-Annual-CelebrationJoin the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts for Ignite & Elevate: The Women’s Fund Annual Celebration — an empowering evening of connection, inspiration, and impact!

Enjoy complimentary appetizers, a cash bar of wine and beer, and meaningful conversations. Bring a friend or mentor a young woman — together, let’s elevate each other and ignite change in North Central Massachusetts!

Have you heard about the North Central MA Women’s Fund yet? It’s the first and ONLY endowed fund in North Central specifically to support women and girls in our community.

Founded by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts in 2023, we are working to create a permanent source of support for the projects delivering the most impact to the women and girls in the 33 towns across our footprint.

Here’s a crazy stat: Worldwide, less than 2% of annual charitable giving goes to women and girls programming. LESS THAN 2%. And in North Central Mass, that number is even lower.

So, spend the evening with us, engaging with other women just like you who truly care about making that statistic a thing of the past. We invite you to not only attend this event, but invite your network of powerful women, and consider bringing along the next generation!

Let’s gather, ignite, and elevate the women of North Central Mass, today and forever.

Click here to grab your tickets now!

 

Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts Awards $140,000 to support regional health projects, FSU and The Mount

The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts awarded nearly $140,000 to support 14 community health projects to benefit the Nashoba Valley region.

The Foundation has also allocated grants totaling over $10,000 to Fitchburg State University and Mount Wachusett Community College. These funds will facilitate scholarships for students from the Nashoba Valley region pursuing studies in direct-care provider programs, ensuring a brighter future for individuals and the community.

The purpose of the Nashoba Valley Community Heath grant program is to advance the community health of residents in twelve communities: Ashby, Ayer, Bolton, Devens, Groton, Harvard, Lancaster, Littleton, Lunenburg, Pepperell, Shirley, and Townsend. This year’s grantees achieve this objective in various ways, including improving access to healthcare services and supporting behavioral health.

The Ayer Fire Department will use the funds to purchase a third LUCAS device, a mechanical chest compression system that helps healthcare providers perform CPR on patients in cardiac arrest. The device will be placed in service on the department’s primary fire engine. The engine responds to all medical calls when both ambulances are out on calls. The need for this third device arose because of the closure of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center last August.

With this funding, The CASA Project’s Shine the Light program will provide abused and neglected youth (ages 0-17) removed from their homes because of parental issues related to substance use and mental health problems, with equitable access to the behavioral health care support needed to overcome mental health barriers and thrive.

“Through the Nashoba Valley Community Health Grants, we are investing in organizations that are making a meaningful impact by expanding access to care, addressing health disparities, and promoting overall community wellness, said CFNCM President Stephen J. Adams.

 

Organization Name Program Name Award Amount
Advocates, Inc. Ensuring access to mental health and substance use services for older adults in Nashoba Valley. $10,000.00
Ashby Free Public Library Ashby Harvest Health Initiative $5,000.00
Ayer Fire Department LUCAS 3.1 Chest Compression System $20,000.00
Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg GROW SMART $10,000.00
CARE CENTRAL VNA & HOSPICE, INC. Access to Wellness Nursing for Elderly At- Risk Populations $10,000.00
Girls on the Run Worcester County, Inc. Girls on the Run Worcester County Youth Development Program $10,000.00
Joe Andruzzi Foundation JAF’s Assistance Programs for Nashoba Valley Cancer Patients and Their Family Members $10,000.00
MAB Community Services, Inc. MABVI Vision Rehabilitation Services for Nashoba Valley Older Adults with Visual Disabilities $5,000.00
Making Opportunity Count Elder Nutrition Services $10,000.00
Rise Above Foundation Positive Childhood Experiences for Youth in Foster Care $5,000.00
Robert F Kennedy Community Alliance RFK Community Alliance Behavioral Health Services in Nashoba Valley $5,000.00
Spanish American Center, Inc. Domestic Violence Community-based Support Services (Nashoba Valley Region) $14,431.00
The CASA Project Shine the Light Program: Improving Behavioral Health Supports for Children in Foster Care $15,000.00
Townsend Ecumenical Outreach Inc. Healthy Food for Those in Need $10,000.00

United Way of North Central Massachusetts Distributes 2,000 Bombas Socks to Local Food Pantries

Pictured: Nancy Beach of the Lunenburg Community Food Pantry accepts a donation of Bombas socks for local residents in need.

United Way of North Central Massachusetts (UWNCM) recently distributed 2,000 pairs of Bombas socks to 13 local food pantries, helping individuals and families in need stay
warm this winter.

The socks, valued at $24,000, were generously shared by the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center, which received 10,000 pairs from Bombas and provided 2,000 to UWNCM. Volunteers from LUK’s Youth Programming helped sort them, ensuring each pantry received approximately 145 pairs.

Bombas, a mission-driven apparel brand, donates one item for every item purchased and has given over 100 million essentials to those in need. Their donated socks are designed for individuals facing hardship, featuring darker colors for longevity, anti-microbial treatment to extend wearability between washes, and a comfortable fit.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center for sharing these much-needed socks,” said Judy Tomlinson, UWNCM Director of Community Impact. “Winter can be especially tough for those facing financial hardship, and something as simple as a new pair of socks can make a big difference. It’s like a little hug for your feet.”

Nancy Beach of the Lunenburg Community Food Pantry echoed this sentiment.

“For many of us, socks are just an everyday item, but for those facing hardship, they are a source of warmth, comfort, and dignity. At the Food Pantry, something as simple as a clean, dry pair of socks can make a world of difference—protecting against the cold, preventing health issues, and offering a small but meaningful reminder that someone cares,” Beach said. “Thanks to the efforts of UWNCM and Bombas, we are able to provide this essential item, ensuring that those in need have not just food, but also basic necessities that bring comfort and hope.”

Wachusett Business Incubator – We Are Moved In!

It’s official! The Wachusett Business Incubator has officially moved
into its new location at 82 Main Street in Gardner. This new office space offers a state-of-the-art 3D printing lab, a digital studio, and numerous collaboration spaces designed to support entrepreneurs and small businesses. Whether you’re looking to innovate, connect, or grow your business, the new space provides all the tools and resources needed to succeed.

MassHire Free ESL CNA Training!

Mount Wachusett Community College is partnering with North Central MassHire to offer an ESL Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program.

This training was created to assist students to advance ESL skills and obtain their CNA certification. Attend a Career Center Seminar and Meet with a counselor who will conduct your career assessment.

Eligibility & Required Documentation:

  • DTA eligibility.
  • Proof of date of birth (birth certificate).
  • Proof of citizenship (birth certificate, passport) Address verification (utility, car insurance bill) Verification of family size.
  • Income verification (if applicable).
  • Resident of North Central Massachusetts area.

Any Questions? Call/text: 978-630-9363

 

City of Leominster – Small Business Support Fund is Live

The City of Leominster is happy to announce that the Small Business Support Fund, sponsored by Fidelity Bank, is officially live. The Fund aims to provide financial assistance to small businesses within the city that have been adversely affected by economic challenges. This program will offer 12 grants in 2025 of up to $250 to help businesses stabilize and recover.

The guidelines and application can be found Leominster, MA – Small Business Support Fund.

Fitchburg State Spring Career Fairs

Fitchburg State University is preparing to host a series of Spring Career Fairs to connect students with employers and opportunities in various fields. These career affairs offer a valuable chance to meet with hiring professionals, learn about job openings, and network with experts in various fields.

Health and Life Sciences Career Fair

  • Thursday, February 27 1-4 PM
  • Focuses on healthcare, biotech/life sciences, environmental science and public health industries.

Business and Technology Career Fair

  • Tuesday, March 25 1-4PM
  • Focuses on business, engineering technology, construction management, and IT/ technology fields.

Creative and Common Good Career Fair

  • Tuesday, April 1 1-4 PM
  • Focuses on communications, arts, education, criminal justice, government, human services and nonprofit fields.

For more information: Contact or Call: 978-665-3151

The Town of Pepperell, Massachusetts Announces Launch of New Tourism Website

Discover Pepperell

www.DiscoverPepperell.com

The Town of Pepperell Massachusetts announces a new tourism website, Discoverpepperell.com. This site, over a year in the development highlights the historical, cultural and recreational treasures in this central Massachusetts community just a short distance from Boston and neighboring New Hampshire.

In partnership with surrounding communities, Discoverpepperell.com is designed to showcase the area and invite visitors to learn more about experiences such as rail trail biking, fishing, hiking, exploring the vast walking trails including many historical sites, and unique specialty shopping and dining options.

The new site also offers visitors and residents a calendar of events, including the Pepperell 250th Anniversary taking place throughout 2025, beginning in January.

DiscoverPepperell.com was developed using a local web designer and volunteers from the community providing detailed information and data from the many town Committees. The site also includes regional photographs and historical drawings from Mark Lotterhand and Mark Fountain, two talented residents of the town.

For more information, please visit www.DiscoverPepperell.com.

44th Annual Big Game Brunch

Kick off Super Bowl Sunday at the 44th Annual Big Game Brunch at sponsored by the Fitchburg East Rotary Club. This is a great opportunity to enjoy great food, have a great time, and support your community!

Event Details
Sunday, February 9, 2025
8:30am – 12:00pm
Montachusett Regional High School
1050 Westminster Street, Fitchburg, MA 01420
Admission: Adults – $18.00, Seniors & Students – $15.00, Children under 12 – $9.00

All proceeds go to Scholarships and Community Projects.

UPDATE: This event has been postponed due to inclement weather conditions. More details to follow. Hang on to your tickets!

Learn More

12th Annual Kids at Heart Mentoring Gala

LUK, Inc. Invites You to the 12th Annual Kids at Heart Mentoring Gala! Join us at Devens Common Center to enjoy dinner, live and silent auctions, balloon pops, entertainment, and dancing in support of LUK’s Mentoring program! Learn more at LUK Mentoring’s 12th Annual “Kids at Heart” Gala.

Bidding on auction items will be available both at the event and virtually. If you cannot attend but are interested in supporting and bidding on auction items, you may sign up to create an account and bid on items through the Gala website as well.

LUK Mentoring pairs caring, concerned role models with youth who will benefit from additional support. The mission serves the cities and towns in Worcester County to strengthen our community through high quality, life-enriching, professionally supported one-to-one relationships between volunteer mentors and children in need. Learn more and become a mentor at Mentoring.LUK.org

Date: Thursday, February 13th, 2025
Time: 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM
Location: Devens Common Center