November 12, 2014 -Seven students never received their high school diploma. They left school for various reasons but after a while they all realized they needed a job in order to provide for themselves and their families. They also came to realize that to be successful, and to make a living wage, they needed to obtain secondary education.

The seven students are now getting the opportunity to earn their GED, basic skills in manufacturing certificate, the National Workforce Readiness Credential and 54 hours of hands-on manufacturing training – all at the same time. The Adult Education Diploma and Certificate (AEDAC) Program was created for adult learners at the Bristol Adult Education Center, which shares a building with Rowley Spring and Stamping Corp., who will be providing the training.

This workforce development program was supported by Main Street Community Foundation through its Leadership Initiative fund, Money in Motion, and a grant from a donor advised fund. This partnership also includes the Central CT Chambers of Commerce, New England Spring and Metal Stamping Association and local philanthropic organizations who partnered to fully fund this nine-month pilot program.

The AEDAC program is one outcome of the Foundation’s work in increasing awareness of technical-based career pathways in order to alleviate the shortage of skilled technical workers and increase employment opportunities within our local communities.

The AEDAC program’s story is a compelling example of the difference that can be made in the lives of others when a community comes together. This week, we celebrate 100 years of community foundations working together to address change in our communities across the nation.

At a time when government capacity to solve our most pressing problems is limited, community foundations offer real solutions. Community foundations are on the front lines of change, working to leverage relationships and resources to achieve real results. Main Street Community Foundation is one of more than 750 community foundations in the United States working in collaboration with community, state, and national partners to tackle some of society’s toughest challenges – in education, healthcare, job training, poverty, natural disasters, and more. Community foundations are essential resources in creating strong, resilient communities.

In our own community, there are issues affecting our lives every day. Family homelessness affects those living in the situation and affects the entire community. Creating programs to train skilled workers and decrease local unemployment is fundamental to our communities’ economic health. Supporting opportunities for women and girls to succeed through empowerment and financial education is essential. These are just a few of the issues that we are working to improve on every day.

Through the generosity of many donors, our organization has invested over $10.6 million since its founding in 1995 to support local nonprofit organizations and causes to advance the public good. Main Street Community Foundation works to improve the quality of life for present and future generations in the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. The Foundation provides grants and scholarships and works to strengthen our communities’ nonprofit leaders and organizations. The Foundation also identifies community challenges and, through leadership and financial commitment, convenes community members, monitors and assesses changing needs - locally and beyond - and proposes action on critical concerns. In this way, the Foundation is able to develop collaborative solutions to meet emerging needs and provide support to what matters most to the people who live and work in the cities and towns we serve.

We are leading the charge to mobilize the commitment and creativity in these communities to find efficient and innovative ways to improve the lives of our neighbors in need. November 12-18, 2014 marks the nationally recognized Community Foundation Week, and the 100th year of community foundations as a force for change in our country. Help us raise awareness about our increasingly important role by telling your neighbors about the work we do.