We were deeply touched to receive some very good news. An anonymous donor called to let us know that their family will be matching gifts to The Care Center between now and Giving Tuesday on May 5 up to $25,000.
Perhaps you are in the fortunate position to be able to donate your stimulus payment or a portion of it. Or maybe you are looking for a way to support families in need. It is simple and quick to donate online here. Please be as generous as you can and your impact will be doubled.
Care Center Board Member Jane Cross, a pediatrician who has worked with Holyoke families for over 25 years explains, “families are suffering from serious illness, severe financial pressures and an even more than usual sense of insecurity. There is certainly the risk of an increase in domestic violence and malnutrition as families need to crowd in, ration their resources and deal with fear. The Care Center provides structural and emotional support to mothers so that they can help their children. It is critical that this support is not interrupted. We can help ameliorate these risks to our children but we need the financial support to make that happen.”
Here are just some reasons why your support of The Care Center is so critical right now.
Counseling: through daily texts and phone calls our counselors address urgent family needs. They have connected young mothers to food pantries and mental health services and helped mothers navigate the shelter system.
Social support and intellectual stimulation: our classes continue virtually at the high school and college levels. In addition to the academic benefit, these classes help isolated mothers cope with the situation, mitigating the risk of depression and self-harm.
Care packages: we are delivering vital supplies like soap, hand sanitizer, diapers, condoms, tampons, thermometers, study and art supplies, and toys. This helps mothers maintain sanitary conditions and safely shelter in place with small children.
Thank you to everyone who has already donated and sent words of kindness. We are more grateful than you know. Take good care and stay safe.
Sincerely,
Anne Teschner, Executive Director
Jane Slater, Director of Donor Relations
P.S. Giving online is safe and efficient and takes about a minute. You can also mail a check to Jane Slater’s attention at The Care Center, 247 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040.
