United Way announces $100,000 in grants for Greater Lowell.
Community answers United Way Call for Summer Programming: $100,000 raised will support 13 youth serving programs in Greater Lowell
LOWELL – On Friday July 9, at 10 a.m. at Lowell City Hall, United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley President Michael Durkin will announce the details of a $100,000 investment into 13 local youth-serving agencies as part of the organization’s Summer Experiences in Greater Lowell (SEGL) initiative. United Way expects the investment will serve 3,000 youth this summer.
SEGL provides Lowell area youth with quality summer programming that helps them develop leadership, social and academic skills while school is not in session. The recipient agencies will be on hand at the announcement along with SEGL co-chairs Ginger Pearson Burke and Joyce Leger.
“Concerned that tough financial times for parents could leave many Lowell youth without the ability to afford summer programming, United Way called upon the community for support earlier this year,” said Michael K. Durkin, President of United Way of Massachusetts Bay & Merrimack Valley. “Individuals and businesses from across the region stood up to help, raising more than $100,000 and spreading the word about the importance of summer programs.”
On Friday, July 9, the following 13 organizations will be awarded SEGL funding:
| Boys & Girls Club of Greater Billerica, Inc. | Lowell Community Health Center |
| Boys & Girls Club of Greater Lowell, Inc. | Merrimack Repertory Theatre |
| The Caleb Group | The Paul Center for Learning and Recreation, Inc. |
| Community Teamwork, Inc.( Spindle City) | The Revolving Museum (TRM) |
| Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell | The United Teen Equality Center, Inc. (UTEC) |
| Greater Lowell Family YMCA | YWCA of Greater Lowell |
| Light of Cambodian Children, Inc. |
“What’s great about SEGL is that the funds we have raised are committed to providing diverse summer programs for our Lowell-area youth. These agencies offer our local kids fun and constructive ways to spend their summers which, incidentally, often augment their long-term educational and job search efforts.”
SEGL is part of more than $2.4 million in operating support, initiatives and other grants that United Way will be investing in Merrimack Valley organizations this year, a 32% increase in funding from last year.
Funding for SEGL is made possible by the Parker Foundation along with support of local community members, volunteers and corporate sponsors, including a committee of volunteers led by Ginger Pearson Burke and Joyce Leger, Lead sponsor Kronos Inc. and Lantheus Medical Imaging, which held a golf tournament raising more than $30,000 for Lowell area youth through SEGL.
