News

As reported by Keith Eddings, The Eagle-Tribune:

Leaders of several of the region’s anti-poverty programs on Tuesday predicted a dire future for the poor as President Trump and Congress begin cutting funding for the programs to pay for the tax cut they recently enacted that could reduce federal revenue by $1.5 trillion over a decade.

Public Programs Cut Child Poverty by More than Half, According to New Report on Poverty in Massachusetts

Report Commissioned by MASSCAP and Written by MassBudget Looks at “Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity: Finding a Way Forward Together”

 Forum Looks at Impact of Public Programs on Poverty in Lawrence

Effective programs that help families to make ends meet, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, SNAP, fuel assistance, school lunches, Head Start, and Social Security cut the number of people in Massachusetts living in poverty by almost half and reduce the number of children living in poverty by more than half, according to a new report on poverty called “Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity: Finding a Way Forward Together.” The report was commissioned by the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and written by Nancy Wagman, Kids Count Director of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget).

As reported by Jordan Frias, Spare Change News:

A report outlining the effects of social programs and removing barriers for low-income individuals and families was discussed at a recent panel discussion hosted by Action for Boston Community Development in Dorchester.

As Reported by Marilyn Schairer, Producer, Morning Edition:

A new report says that while public programs such as food stamps and Head Start help many families make ends meet, one in three children in Massachusetts are living in poverty.

Report Commissioned by MASSCAP and Written by MassBudget Looks at
“Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity: Finding a Way Forward Together”

Effective programs that help families to make ends meet, like the Earned Income Tax Credit, SNAP, fuel assistance, school lunches, Head Start, and Social Security cut the number of people in Massachusetts living in poverty by almost half and reduce the number of children living in poverty by more than half, according to a new report on poverty called “Obstacles on the Road to Opportunity: Finding a Way Forward Together.” The report was commissioned by the Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and written by Nancy Wagman, Kids Count Director of the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center (MassBudget).

As reported live by Chris Lovett at BNN; Interview with Sharon Scott-Chandler, ABCD, and Joe Diamond, MASSCAP

As reported by Steve Pfarrer, Greenfield Recorder, February 19, 2018:

With a new year — and new challenges — ahead, the Pioneer Valley’s premier anti-poverty agency has revised its name and logo to make sure its mission is clear, both to people it assists and to western Massachusetts residents in general.

As reported by Joann MacKenzie, Staff Writer, Gloucester Times:

In a recent community needs assessment conducted by local health officials and other stakeholders, alcohol, not opioids, emerged as a greater issue, says Jennifer Beloff, director of Action Inc.’s Client and Housing Services.

A Breakfast Briefing on Poverty & Opportunity
A Review of MASSCAP’s Public Policy Priorities
When:        February 6, 2018 10:30 a.m.

Full Press Release – English
Full Press Release – Spanish

The Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) and the Greater Lawrence Community Action Council today joined State Senator Barbara L’Italien (D – Andover), State Senator Kathleen O’Connor Ives (D – Newburyport), State Representative Linda Dean Campbell (D – Methuen), State Representative Diana DiZoglio (D – Methuen), State Representative Juana Matias (D – Lawrence), and State Representative Frank Moran (D – Lawrence) in kicking off this year’s tax season by launching the annual volunteer tax assistance program (VITA).

Everyone needs help at some point in their life. Have you ever had someone help you? Giving you that chance to succeed… someone who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself?

As reported by Brian Benson, Daily News Staff, and Gerry Tuoti, Wicked Local Newsbank Editor:

Despite threats that funding would be eliminated in President Donald Trump’s preliminary budget, the state’s home heating program will continue to keep low-income families warm this year, just as temperatures are beginning to drop.

As reported by By Patty Avery and Yuliya Rzad, CFPB:

We’re working to expand the reach of Your Money, Your Goals to more people across the country with the help of our new 2018 Your Money, Your Goals cohort organizations. 

As reported by Jonathan Dame, Daily News:

FRAMINGHAM – An improved economy may mean fewer households are tapping into the financial help for winter heating bills, but questions about eligibility might be playing a role.

As reported by AFAMPOV:

The staff at Springfield Partners has found a delicious way to celebrate the success of Paul Boyd, one of our Individual Development Account graduates.

NEW BEDFORD — People Acting in Community Endeavors Inc. will receive a Head Start State Supplemental Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) for Fiscal Year 2018, Rep.

As written in Press Release, Essex County Community Foundation:

Gail Souther is the first person you’ll meet when you walk through the doors at Community Action, Inc., located at 3 Washington Square, a multilevel brick building in downtown Haverhill that could be considered a relic by modern standards.

As reported by Jesse Collins, Wicked Local Bedford:

President Donald Trump’s federal budget proposal that was announced on March 16 has social service providers reeling.