Fitchburg, MA – February 20, 2025 –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.

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Advocates, Inc.

Ensuring access to mental health and substance use services for older adults in Nashoba Valley.

$10,000.00

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Ashby Free Public Library

Ashby Harvest Health Initiative

$5,000.00

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Ayer Fire Department

LUCAS 3.1 Chest Compression System

$20,000.00

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Boys & Girls Club of Lunenburg

GROW SMART

$10,000.00

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CARE CENTRAL VNA & HOSPICE, INC.

Access to Wellness Nursing for Elderly At- Risk Populations

$10,000.00

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Girls on the Run Worcester County, Inc.

Girls on the Run Worcester County Youth Development Program

$10,000.00

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Joe Andruzzi Foundation

JAF’s Assistance Programs for Nashoba Valley Cancer Patients and Their Family Members

$10,000.00

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MAB Community Services, Inc.

MABVI Vision Rehabilitation Services for Nashoba Valley Older Adults with Visual Disabilities

$5,000.00

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Making Opportunity Count

Elder Nutrition Services

$10,000.00

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Rise Above Foundation

Positive Childhood Experiences for Youth in Foster Care

$5,000.00

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Robert F Kennedy Community Alliance

RFK Community Alliance Behavioral Health Services in Nashoba Valley

$5,000.00

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Spanish American Center, Inc.

Domestic Violence Community-based Support Services (Nashoba Valley Region)

$14,431.00

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The CASA Project

Shine the Light Program: Improving Behavioral Health Supports for Children in Foster Care

$15,000.00

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Townsend Ecumenical Outreach Inc.

Healthy Food for Those in Need

$10,000.00

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About the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts

The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is a non-profit foundation that manages charitable funds established by individuals, families, businesses, and other non-profit organizations. Our mission is to grow the amount and impact of philanthropy in our 33-community region and to help philanthropists invest in the communities and causes they care passionately about.

Contact:

Meghan Maceiko
Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
Phone: 978-345-8383
Email: mmaceiko@cfncm.org

Website: www.cfncm.org