Funds to be used for technology, programming and more
Framingham, Mass. – (August 25, 2020) – Jeff’s Place Children’s Bereavement Center, the Framingham-based not-for-profit that provides free grief support groups for families who have experienced a significant death loss, today announced that it has received $95,662 in grants
from several local and regional organizations.
The New York Life Foundation has awarded a $50,000 grant to Jeff’s Place to support bereavement program expansions that will be funded over the course of two years. The Sudbury Foundation, a private charitable foundation working to transform lives and strengthen communities through grantmaking and scholarship programs in Sudbury and surrounding communities, awarded Jeff’s Place $20,000 to maintain and expand services and general operations.
In a partnership with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund, the Foundation for MetroWest recognized the important role Jeff’s Place plays in our region to serve our most vulnerable neighbors and essential frontline workers during this challenging time. The Foundation awarded $15,000 to Jeff’s Place to support the expansion and provision of critical bereavement support services for MetroWest youth and families as a result of COVID-19.
The MetroWest Health Foundation awarded Jeff’s Place $10,000 for safety repairs for its new house on Framingham’s Pleasant Street; move-in is expected in the fall. In its ongoing effort to support MetroWest residents during this pandemic, The Parmenter Foundation awarded Jeff’s Place a $9,762 COVID-19 Crisis Response grant to provide upgraded technology and enhanced operations resources, helping to ensure that their vital children’s bereavement services were not interrupted.
Foundation for MetroWest and MathWorks awarded Jeff’s Place $5,000 as part of the Foundation’s 25th Anniversary Grant Award. Application submissions for the award were in video format, and all 57 of the eligible organizations that applied received funds to provide immediate support in response to COVID-19. Click this link to view the Jeff’s Place video: https://vimeo.com/405596852.
The Haley Cremer Foundation, committed to supporting programs dedicated to heal, grow and strengthen families facing profound challenges due to serious illness, trauma or death, awarded $5,000 to Jeff’s Place to fund the new GO (Grief Orientation) Program at Jeff’s Place. The Foundation for MetroWest/Youth Development has given $4,250 to Jeff’s Place for general operations. Needham-based Risa S.Rosengard Foundation awarded Jeff’s Place $1,000 for program costs. Finally, a $650 grant was awarded by The Metrowest Health Foundation to cover technology costs for providing virtual support during COVID-19.
“We are grateful to each of the organizations that support us in our vision to ensure that no one grieves alone. These funds have enabled and will continue to enable us to reach our member families and individuals who are grieving and provide them with critical support during an especially trying time,” said Jenny Kaplan, , PhD, FT, Founder and CEO, Jeff’s Place.
Jeff’s Place is located at 281 Pleasant Street, Framingham, Mass., 01701. For additional information, call 508-879-2800 or visit www.jeffsplace.org.
About Jeff’s Place MetroWest: Jeff’s Place offers hope and healing in a supportive community for grieving children, teens, families, and individuals. It provides free support groups for children ages three to 18 as well as their caregivers. Groups are facilitated by both a licensed mental health clinician and an extensively trained volunteer facilitator. Jeff’s Place conducts a comprehensive intake and evaluation process and offers individual counseling for those children requiring additional clinical support. Grief and loss does not discriminate, and it welcomes a diversity of cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Other direct services provide educational workshops on childhood bereavement, primarily in schools and community organizations.
About MathWorks: MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of engineers and scientists, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a block diagram environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain and embedded engineering systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech pharmaceutical, and other industries. MATLAB and Simulink are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 5000 people in 16 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Mass. For additional information, visit mathworks.com.
About Foundation for MetroWest: Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region. We promote philanthropy in the region, help donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serve as a resource for local nonprofits and enhance the quality of life for all our residents. Since inception, the Foundation has granted $19 million to charitable organizations and currently stewards more than $26 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more, visit www.foundationmw.org.
PRESS CONTACT:
Lauren B. Schiffman
[email protected]