Brockton, Fall River, and New Bedford based nonprofits receive a total of $180,000
NEW BEDFORD, MA – There will be more opportunities to connect with nature in the heart of urban centers and neighborhoods with support from an Open Spaces for People grant. Southeastern Massachusetts families and youth can continue to receive much-needed resources and support from child abuse and domestic violence thanks to the Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund. And the generosity in spirit of the late Jake Fabian will ensure that underserved youth gain access to educational and recreational activities due to the generosity of his family and friends. The SouthCoast Community Foundation finished up 2021 awarding a total of $180,000 to support these areas of focus. Grants were awarded to Brockton, Fall River, and New Bedford-based nonprofits that specialize in a breadth of services and programs that improve the lives of families and residents of Southeastern Massachusetts.
“The impetus behind the Open Spaces for People grant was to spark new relationships or deepen existing connections that help communities grow to be sustainable and prosperous,” stated Community Foundation Director of Engagement, Sarah Rose. “What better way to finish up our year than to see this new grant open, joining two other critical funds, although different, all focused on enhancing the quality of life for South Coast residents.”
The newly offered Open Spaces for People grant focuses on improving the quality of open and green spaces and the lives of people in highly populated areas who live near them; to facilitate social interaction, spark public discourse, and create healthier and more vibrant communities.
Open Spaces for People Recipients Included:
| Recipient | Program | Grant |
| CEDC- Community Economic Development Center of SE MA | Phillips Ave. Pocket Park Shade and Play Space | $15,000 |
| Fall River Fabric Festival | Common Spaces for Fall River | $25,000 |
| Groundwork Southcoast | Resilience District Food Access Expansion Project | $10,000 |
| New Bedford Historical Society | Abolition Row Park | $40,000 |
| Old Bedford Village Development, Inc | The Russell Street Peace Garden | $10,000 |
| Serve Home Inc. | Neglected Parcels Initiative | $10,000 |
| Trustees of Reservations | Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens | $40,000 |
| TOTAL | $150,000 |
“We are deeply appreciative of this grant,” commented Allen C. Haskell Public Gardens Horticulturalist, Kristin McCullin. “The Arboretum Grove will allow us to feature unique specimen shade trees under which our visitors can enjoy a respite in the summer, which is a wonderful way to continue honoring the legacy of Allen Haskell.”
The Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund supports organizations with programs that directly serve women and children and address child abuse prevention and treatment; economic self-sufficiency; and victims of domestic violence.
Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Grant Recipients Included:
| Recipient | Program | Grant |
| Child & Family Services, Inc. | Caring Network Program | $5,000 |
| SouthCoast LGBTQ Network, Inc. | Elevate LGBTQ+ Youth | $5,000 |
| United Way of Greater New Bedford | New Bedford Community Connections Coalition (NBCCC) Child Abuse Prevention Programming | $5,000 |
| YWCA of Southeastern MA | $5,000 | |
| TOTAL | $20,000 |
“We are grateful to the Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation and its belief in supporting organizations that help children in the Greater New Bedford area,” stated Anne Sampaio, CEO. “Child & Family Services exists to serve our community and build a better tomorrow for those with mental health illnesses, the abused and neglected, and those living in poverty, and we cannot do these things without the support of local funders.”
The Jake Fabian Memorial Fund was established by Jake’s parents Jeanne and John Fabian to honor their son whose life ended too soon. In memory of a life well-lived, funds are awarded to programs that offer physical and emotional wellness to young people who may not have access to these services due to circumstances beyond their control, including safety and security, food, shelter, and tools that build self-esteem.
Jake Fabian Memorial Grant Recipients Included:
| Recipient | Program | Grant |
| ConfiKids, Inc. | Program Support – Building Confidence | $5,000 |
| Fall River Deaconess Home | Broadening Horizons at Fall River Deaconess Home | $5,000 |
| TOTAL | $10,000 |
“The Fall River Deaconess Home is beyond grateful to have been selected for the Jake Fabian Memorial Fund grant award,” stated Executive Director Maureen K. Philbin. “These funds will provide scholarships to youth in the Deaconess Home’s Community-Based Support & Stabilization program, enabling participation in activities in which they otherwise would not have the means to do. These activities include driver’s education classes, vocational coursework-related needs, and sporting/recreational equipment needed for safety and participation on a team. With the help of the Jake Fabian Memorial Fund, together we can provide opportunities and support our youth in their efforts to achieve success.”
The SouthCoast Community Foundation is a nonprofit serving the communities of Southeastern Massachusetts through philanthropy. The Community Foundation mission is to mobilize philanthropy by matching donors and resources with community needs for the benefit of our region. Since 1995, the organization has distributed over $50 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region. For more information, visit www.southcoastcf.org.
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Photo courtesy of Fall River Deaconess Home