To the editor:
Our involvement with the North Shore United Way deepens our connection to the community.
The North Shore United Way is where we come together to help local children, youth and families. The North Shore United Way's approach to creating long-term change means that we tackle difficult issues in an integrated way, as distinct from other single-issue agencies. We recognize that we can move the dial further when we address emergency needs and root causes at the same time.
North Shore United Way's 2011 grants impact 26,000 local children, youth and families.
On Cape Ann, for example, North Shore United Way grants mean that Rockport Middle and High School students have a qualified counselor available on-site in their school for the first time this year to provide support to them and their parents around difficult issues.
The grants mean that low-income families have access to Mobile Markets for fresh fruits and vegetables every week. They also mean that low-income adults can attain a high school equivalency diploma (GED) and get job training, and that Gloucester and Rockport teens have safe, affordable after-school teen centers with positive adult role models available to them.
Through the North Shore United Way, donations of all sizes make an important impact on the critical community building blocks of youth and child development, financial stability and health.
As you consider how to make a difference this month, we invite you to make an end-of-year, tax-deductible contribution to the North Shore United Way. You can donate at www.nsuw.org, by sending a check to North Shore United Way at 248 Cabot St., Beverly, MA 01915 or by calling the office at 978-922-3966.
Together, we can do more than any of us can alone!
DIANA MCCLOY
RICHARD FITZPATRICK
KARL GALE
ELEANOR HOY
RUTH PINO
SCOTT KORNUSKY
JUDSON REIS
Gloucester and Rockport
