$3K TJX Grant to help WCAC address Youth Hunger

Media Advisory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - January 13, 2020 Contact: Ellen M. Ganley, WCAC Director of Development

508 762-9807 or EGanley@WCAC.net

TJX Foundation grant to help

WCAC address youth hunger

Worcester, Massachusetts - Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. was awarded a $3,000 grant from the TJX Foundation to support nutrition for students enrolled in the agency's Job & Education Center (JEC).

"This will provide youth with emergency necessities such as convenient, on-the-go meals, gloves, and personal care products," noted JEC Director Carrick O'Brien. "Included in the bags will be information on emergency food sources and housing. We are most grateful for this support which will provide stabilization and support for JEC clients so they can concentrate while receiving important services, such as job readiness and HiSET classes."

WCAC's Job & Education Center serves approximately 600 youth, ages 14 - 24 each year, providing comprehensive programming that includes individualized educational opportunities, positive youth development, and innovate workforce development. Many of the youth enrolled in JEC programs face both food and housing insecurity, and are particularly vulnerable during colder weather and on weekends when the agency is closed.

The TJX grant will support JEC's small food closet and establish a Compassion Bag program. Staff will prepare canvas bags with food and necessities, such as soap, hand warmers, healthy snacks, and shelf-stable, easy-to-prepare meals like soup. The bags will include a list of local food pantries, shelters, and other resources.

About WCAC

Since 1965, the Worcester Community Action Council has served as the federally designated anti-poverty agency for central and southern Worcester County, with a mission of helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships and advocacy.

Serving the City of Worcester and 45 neighboring communities of Auburn, Blackstone, Boylston, Brimfield, Brookfield, Charlton, Clinton, Douglas, Dudley, East Brookfield, Hardwick, Holden, Holland, Hopedale, Hubbardston, Grafton, Leicester, Mendon, Milford, Millbury, Millville, Monson, New Braintree, North Brookfield, Northborough, Northbridge, Palmer, Oakham, Oxford, Paxton, Rutland, Shrewsbury, Southbridge, Spencer, Sterling, Sturbridge, Sutton, Upton, Uxbridge, Wales, Warren, Webster, West Boylston, West Brookfield and Westborough.

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