The Rebecca Pomroy Foundation has a new President: Victor Lee, a lifelong Newton resident over 20 years’ experience in the tech industry and expertise in business operations and financials. Active community member and long time Newton resident Patience Berkman was honored for her grace, humor, and dedication in her 3 years of service as President. She will continue as Past President.
This year, the Foundation awarded a total of $124,100 to 15 organizations that serve Newton residents and strengthen the community:
- John M. Barry Boys and Girls Club to support girls’ programming, which provides education and programs specifically designed for girls ages 5 – 18 to enhance their physical and emotional health.
- Charles River Center to support an innovative enrichment project, offering a Percussion Circle instrumental experience for children and youth with social and communication disorders who attend existing programs.
- Dreamfar High School Marathon to support a non-competitive running and mentorship program that promotes health and wellness; instills the value of hard work and improves students’ self confidence and positive attitudes toward school.
- Families for Depression Awareness to support coordination of the Teen Depression Program, which offers trainings, workshops, and resources to students, parents, school staff, youth workers, and other caring adults to recognize depression in teens and intervene.
- Family Access of Newton to support the Strengthening Young Families Project, which provides multi-lingual services to at-risk families with young children in Newton through Counseling and Consultation programs, Early Literacy Services, Child Assault Prevention Education, and its Early Learning Center child care.
- Jewish Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Boston to support comprehensive mentoring programs for girls, boys, and adults with mild to moderate disabilities.
- Newton Athletes Unlimited to support Therapeutic Recreation Programs that serve children and adults with disabilities.
- Newton Community Development Foundation to support its Youth Program, open to young residents of NCDF properties and their families, providing safe, structured and enriching after-school activities.
- Newton Community Farm to support provision of fresh, healthy produce to local non-profits that provide food to community members in need, and educational programs for kids, families, and adults related to sustainable farming.
- Pathway to Possible to support direct mental health programming for adults with cognitive and/or developmental disabilities, their families, and the organization’s staff.
- Barry L. Price Rehabilitation Center to support educational, employment, and therapeutic programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families.
- REACH Beyond Domestic Violence to support the community-based program which assists domestic violence survivors living in the community to achieve a measure of safety, stability, and access to resources.
- Suzuki School of Newton to support music scholarships for female students and financial assistance for preschool students from economically disadvantaged, single-parent households.
- The Second Step to support Steps to Justice Program, which provides trauma-informed, free legal services to women who are survivors of domestic violence.
- West Suburban YMCA to support upgrades to outdoor facilities available to youth and families, including resurfacing of the track and field, and installation of an inclusive playground and splash pad.
The Rebecca Pomroy Foundation seeks to “assist worthy charitable organizations that offer and provide health-building, educational and recreational opportunities and guidance to people of all ages in the community, with a special preference for organizations which provide training, education, and counseling for girls and young women in need and organizations which operate community centers located in Newton, Massachusetts.”
