We take pride in the wide ranging capacity of the Community Foundation’s interests and impact -- from early childhood and the environment to social justice and creativity. At this time of year, as we approach Veterans Day on November 11th, we call to mind those members of the armed services who are our neighbors in Central Massachusetts.

As veterans return home from active duty, their physical, psychological, and financial needs are becoming better understood and warrant a strong response from the philanthropic sector and community.

Fortunately, many local nonprofits are able to cater specifically to these heroes in our midst, and we have made several recent grants for veteran services. For instance –

• An insurance counselor with the Independence Hall Treatment Center of Veterans Inc. is working to help veterans make the most of available health benefits.
• The Brookfield Institute is using a video-based “Veterans Storytelling Project” to build stronger systems of support for veterans in rural areas.
• A peer counselor specialist, also at Veterans Inc., is working with individuals to meet the complex needs of post-9/11 vets.
• The food pantry at Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center is providing direct aid to financially strapped families. These are just a few of the many projects, funded by Greater Worcester Community Foundation, helping to make a great difference in the lives of veterans and their families throughout Worcester County. If you’d like to find out how you can specifically help veterans in the region please contact Kelly Stimson at

donorservices@greaterworcester.org.