On December 10, the Men & Boys’ Fund at Main Street Community Foundation presented a total of $6,000 in grants to Bristol Youth Services, Bristol Hospital’s Parent & Child Center, Boys & Girls Club of Bristol Family Center, and the Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut. The $6,000 was double the amount granted in 2017, which was the Men & Boys’ Fund first grant cycle:

• Bristol Youth Services - $2,000 - Skills to Pay the Bills;  High school students learn about personal finance, healthy eating, positive relationships, and other life-skills that increase their ability to make good decisions and become productive citizens
• Parent & Child Center - $2,000 - Full Circle; A program that helps young fathers build stronger relationships with their children, increase their parenting skills and reduce domestic violence in our community
• Boys & Girls Club of Bristol Family Center - $1,500 - Passport to Manhood; Encourages boys age 8 to 14 to develop and mature through discussions and activities that reinforce character, leadership, and positive behavior
• Environmental Learning Centers of Connecticut - $500 - Summer Camp Scholarships; Financial assistance for lower income students to receive a week of summer camp at reduced or no cost

“The generosity and enthusiasm of the six communities we serve makes what we do possible,” said Rodger Stotz, the Men & Boys’ Fund Advisory Board Chairperson. “It takes many volunteers and their on-going involvement to deliver on our mission.”

Established in 2016, the Men & Boys’ Fund seeks to help men and boys improve the quality of their lives, increase self-sufficiency and make a positive difference in their communities. In the fall each year, the Fund provides grants to programs that align with the Fund’s mission.

Throughout the year, the Men & Boys’ Immediate Response Fund supports grants of up to $250 for men and boys who may be in need of immediate assistance due to a particular life situation or unexpected financial hardship. In 2018, the immediate needs met included helping a student attend a national leadership conference, providing a month’s rent to an armed services veteran and paying the utility deposit so a single father and daughter without a home could move into an apartment.

The grants were awarded during a ceremony at the Main Street Community Foundation. Susan D. Sadecki, President & CEO of Main Street Community Foundation, along with Richard Carmelich of the Distribution Committee of the Men & Boys’ Fund, and Rodger Stotz presented the grants to representatives of the nonprofits.

“We know from experience that having a big impact starts with filling small needs,” Susan Sadecki said. “Every positive action we can take to meet an unmet need makes a difference not only today but into the future.”