Elizabeth Sabino
The Community Group has been awarded $300,000 from the Cummings Foundation to support children in foster care.
Lawrence, MA (May 25, 2023) - The Community Group (TCG) is one of 150 local non-profit organizations who will share $30 million in funds through the Cummings Foundation’s major annual grants program. Family Connections, the TCG program which supports separated siblings in foster care, will receive $30,000 per year over ten years allowing these siblings to maintain relationships with each other and offer a sense of security during an unstable time.
TCG has been a staple in the Lawrence community since 1970 and focuses on providing educational opportunities to children from infancy through grade 8 through certified child care programs, a child care research and referral agency, a K-8 charter public school, and an out of school enrichment program. The organization also focuses on providing training as well as offering community and family support with programs such as Family Connections.
Family Connections program was founded in 2018 to offer separated siblings in foster care fun, consistent, positive bonding opportunities with trusted, high-quality staff. In partnership with the Lawrence Department of Children and Families, Family Connections provides regularly-scheduled sibling visits for 40 children of all ages each year, filled with fun and engaging activities including field trips, thematic activities, sit down lunch and free play that allow siblings to repair, maintain or strengthen their relationships in a highly supportive environment. All participants report improved emotional well-being, connections and relationships.
As TCG's only program relying entirely on private funding, the Cummings Foundation 10-year $300,000 grant award will have a tremendous impact on program sustainability and longevity. This award will fund a variety of program costs and ensure that Family Connections continues to meet the needs of Lawrence foster children and families.
The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program primarily supports Massachusetts nonprofits that are based in and serve Middlesex, Essex, and Suffolk counties.
This year's grant recipients represent a wide variety of causes, including housing and food insecurity, workforce development, immigrant services, social justice, education, and mental health services. The nonprofits are spread across 46 different cities and towns.
Cummings Foundation has now awarded $480 million to greater Boston nonprofits. The complete list of this year’s 150 grant winners, plus nearly 1,500 previous recipients, is available at www.CummingsFoundation.org.
