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Never Underestimate the Power of Community Support
By Rebecca McCullough
The recession has hit the South Coast region especially hard. Unemployment rates in New Bedford (15.2%) and Fall River (16.2%) are significantly higher than the 9.5% national average. Local businesses continue to lay off employees or close their doors for good. Food pantries and homeless shelters are having difficulty keeping up with the demand.
Few of us have seen this kind of strife in our lifetimes. The Great Depression was part of the stories of our childhood, as our parents tried to pass along the values of earning a dollar for a hard day’s work and saving for a rainy day.
The trickle down effect of a sinking economy has been devastating to the non-profit sector. Funders at all levels (national, state and local) have less money to give at the very time social service agencies are seeing an increased need for services. State budget cuts are expected to continue throughout the year as revenues from sales tax, real estate sales, and other sources fall short of projections. More taxes seem to be the answer, meaning less disposable income. Stimulus funds have been slow to bring any relief to Main Street America and everyone is feeling the pinch.
Community support is key to making it in today’s economy. Never has “relationship building” mattered more than now. Thankfully, many people are giving to their favorite local charities rather than larger national campaigns. Some feel compelled to apologize for the “small” gift or the shortfall in what they expected to raise at a community event.
Please understand that every dollar makes a difference to individuals and families in need. Nonprofit organizations throughout the Southcoast area appreciate your continued help and support. As bleak as the situation is today, without the private donations from individuals, schools, service organizations, clubs, churches, and local businesses, many nonprofit organizations would be forced to drastically reduce staffing or close their doors altogether.
As Development Director for The Women’s Center (TWC), I have had the privilege and pleasure of speaking with donors and working with many different organizations. Community support is paramount for our organization. Government grants come with the caveat that we provide a 25% match each year from community donations or lose the funding. Every contribution leverages hundreds of thousands of dollars in grant money as part of our required 25% match, including in-kind donations of products and services.
The loss of our signature Men Who Cook event has transitioned into private parties that have raised nearly $10,000 to date. Cutting expensive “date nights” from personal budgets has been a boon to TWC, resulting in great enthusiasm to have a few friends over for a good home-cooked meal for a worthy cause. Special thanks to Chefs Joe Cordeiro, Henry Bousquet and Kyle Defarias who each had two parties, G. Bourne Knowles, Steward Cheryl Johannessen for her Cooks Who Care event, Chefs Colby Rottler, Joe Dawicki, Scott Brooks and Manny Madeira.
Special Events and in-kind donations for 2009 included the Polar Plunge on New Year’s Day by the Nancy L. Schonheinz Scholarship Fund; the GNB Track Club’s 30th Annual Hazelwood Women’s 5K; a weekend event by The Sea Witch and other downtown businesses in Fairhaven; and quilts and afghans donated by the Shining Tides Quilting Guild and YMCA Charity Knitting group. The Abraham H. Howland Jr. Lodge made a donation in honor of Ladies Night to TWC that was matched at the state level.
These are just a few examples of the outstanding community support that helps The Women’s Center maintain its free and confidential services to victims of violence, abuse and trauma, while we work together towards a future free from violence for all.
TWC would like to thank the Women’s Journal for giving us this opportunity to recognize the spirit of giving in our communities.
Rebecca McCullough
If you need help or know someone who does, call the 24-hour HOTLINE at 508-999-6636.
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give."
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