17 Organizations Awarded Emerson Community Benefit Grants

Emerson Hospital is pleased to announce the recipients of its third annual Community Benefit Grant Program, based on a comprehensive application and review process. Seventeen non-profit organizations throughout the health system’s communities were awarded up to $5,000 to improve community health. The recipients are focused on improving the community’s mental health, supporting the health needs of older adults, reducing food insecurity, and identifying affordable housing.

“These organizations are working hard to improve the health of their communities through impactful programs and education,” said Christine Gallery, senior vice president of planning at Emerson Hospital. “A vital part of Emerson’s mission is to serve the health needs of everyone in the region. We are pleased to partner with these local organizations that are intrinsic to our mission and are making a deeply positive impact on people’s lives.”

The following organizations received a community benefit grant from Emerson Hospital:

• Acton-Boxborough United Way for a program where a nationally recognized speaker will discuss mental health and ways to build community resilience. (Acton)
• Acton Health Division to address the mental health needs of older adults through a collaboration between the towns of Acton, Boxborough and Littleton. The collaboration will focus on outreach to isolated seniors and increasing awareness of resources and programming. (Acton)
• Be Well Be Here for the Healing Stories project, which includes online and in-person events that combine mindful wellness practices with the healing aspects of storytelling. (Concord)
• Bedford Youth and Family Services for community dinners and discussion, programming for the residents of Bedford and surrounding communities to increase education surrounding mental health and work towards addressing social isolation. (Bedford)
• Boys and Girls Club of MetroWest for staff members of the Hudson Clubhouse to participate in trauma-informed care trainings where staff will learn how to identify and manage challenging behaviors and provide the tools youth need to overcome feelings associated with their trauma. (Marlborough)
• Center for Parents and Teachers to support youth mental health through parent education and skill building. (Concord)
• Clear Path for Veterans New England for a weekend retreat for women veterans that will include workshops and tools for self-empowerment. (Devens)
• Discovery Museum to provide outdoor family yoga for children and adult caregivers. (Acton)
• Gaining Ground to build ADA-compliant raised garden beds to enable people in forward-facing wheelchairs to volunteer planting and harvesting organic produce. (Concord)
• Habitat for Humanity of Greater Lowell to provide critical home repairs for seniors to live safely in their homes. (Westford)
• Household Goods to purchase essential items, including beds, for individuals and families in need. (Acton)
• Metro Community Development Corporation to provide free workshops, training, and consultations to reduce the health hazards of hoarding. (Marlborough) 
• Open Table to establish the Carlisle Mobile Pantry program which will bring groceries and prepared meals to residents facing food insecurity. (Maynard)
• Rescuing Leftover Cuisine to expand service of excess food recovery and increase food assistance for people who are experiencing homelessness, hunger, and food insecurity. (Emerson Service Area)
• ThinkGive, Inc. to develop and implement a Gratitude Spotlight Program for youth and adults in our communities. (Concord)
• Virginia Thurston Healing Garden to increase outreach to members of the BIPOC Community and provide services to this population. (Harvard)

For more information

Please visit www.emersonhospital.org/cba for more information and to join the mailing list to learn about the next Emerson Hospital Community Benefit Grant application cycle.