The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:
Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) is pleased to announce the grantees of this year’s Healthy Watertown Grants. The Healthy Watertown Grant Program provides financial support to organizations that work to create new or existing programs to keep our community healthy. As the result of an anonymous gift, WCF is pleased to announce the total amount awarded this year has grown from $10,000 to $15,000.
“In the past few years, we have seen an increase in basic needs, especially around food security. This year the trend continues. Of the grants awarded, most are food related.” said Emily Barclay, chair of the WCF Healthy Watertown Grants. “We’re thankful for the additional funds received this year that help us support our frontline partners who day in and day out care for our most vulnerable residents.”
2022 Healthy Grant awardees include:
Watertown Community Fridge – Funds to purchase fresh food to allow the fridge to be filled every weekend for about 4 months.
Watertown Boys and Girls Club – Healthy Snacks for Afterschool Program to provide a healthy snack to each child.
Watertown Housing Authority – Housing with Dignity – Necessity bags to build a hygiene closet for residents who lack funds to purchase cleaning supplies, bathing items, and other hygiene necessities.
Watertown Police Department – The Free Community Narcan Program. The Watertown Police Department distributes Narcan for free to community members with substance abuse disorder.
Watertown Farmers’ Market – Watertown Farmers’ Market Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Match Program to reach and educate residents about the market’s food assistance program, as well as increase access to more affordable healthy and local foods.
Wayside Youth and Family Support Network – Food Assistance Program. Watertown’s Social Services Resource Specialist (SSRS) Program purchase s and distributes Stop & Shop and Market Basket gift cards to provide families with food assistance.
Communities United, Inc. – Health, Nutrition & Wellness at Creative Start to provide a steady supply of food, health education, and activities to support the Communities United, Inc. children and families.
For questions, please contact Jan Singer at jan.singer@watertownfoundation.org.
About Watertown Community Foundation
The Watertown Community Foundation, a public, 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization, works to build and sustain a vibrant, close-knit community in Watertown – now, and for future generations. To accomplish this, WCF raises funds from individuals, families, businesses, and foundations; awards grants to nonprofits and community projects; and builds networks of donors, grantees, program participants, and stakeholders.
WCF Board of Directors:
Lauren Unsworth and Darshna Varia, Co-Presidents; Albrik Avanessian; Emily Barclay; Jennifer Davis; Eleanor Donato; Eileen Hsu-Balzer; Heather Leary; Mary Ann Mulligan; Antonia O’Hara; Anthony Paolillo; Maria Panaggio-Phillips; Christine Parker; Lora Sabin; Robert Shay; Felicia Sullivan; Elaina Themistos; Donna Tuccinardi; and Kathryn White.