Around Town

Hunger in Watertown: Task Force Tackles Social Needs, Tries to Fills Gaps Left by State, Local Programs

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Jan Singer, left, the former Executive Director of the Watertown Community Foundation, discussed how the Foundation responded to food insecurity during the Pandemic with journalists Maya Shwayder and Charlie Breitrose. (Photo by Dan Hogan / WCA-TV)

As the numbers of people facing a scarcity of food, worried about losing their home, or paying for utilities rose at the start of the Pandemic, a group of people in Watertown was gathered to bring together their knowledge of how to serve those in need. The task force continues to meet regularly, and tries to figure out ways to fill the gaps and patch the cracks in the local, state, and federal social services programs.

This story is the third in a series by Watertown News, in conjunction with Watertown Cable Access Television, called “Watertown’s Hidden Problem: Food Insecurity Among Us.” (See part one here). The Task Force

Jan Singer, who was executive director of the Watertown Community Foundation when COVID-19 hit, said the Community Resilience Task Force came about when the Foundation got a grant from the Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund aimed at providing assistance in key areas such as housing, childcare, and food security. Singer and members of the Foundation board quickly realized that they needed to gather the experts to help them direct the funds where they were needed most.

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation Provides $40,000 in Health and Education Grants

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

The Watertown Community Foundation awarded $40,487 in health and education grants during the fall grant cycle to invest in healthy, bright futures for Watertown’s families and kids. Healthy Watertown Grants Will Keep People Healthy and Save Lives

“We are so impressed by the quality of the proposals we received to address the health and well-being of the Watertown community,” said Emily Barclay, WCF Board Secretary and Healthy Grants Committee Chair. “There is more need in Watertown than we can possibly know. This year’s grants support programs that touch every age group and support some of the most vulnerable people in Watertown.”

The Watertown Community Foundation awarded a total of $7,500 in grants to the Watertown Boys and Girls Club for afternoon snacks, the Watertown Housing Authority for hygiene and cleaning supplies for residents, Enhance Asian Community on Health for a stability movement program for elders, and the Watertown Police Department for the free NARCAN program. Education Program Grants To Enhance the Excellence of Our Schools

“This year we were excited to see so much interest in our Education Grant program.

Around Town

Watertown’s Hidden Problem: Food Insecurity Among Us (First Part of a Series)

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Food on the shelfs at the Watertown Food Pantry, which has seen an increase in the number of people using its services since the start of the Pandemic. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

For many, Watertown is a destination for food and eating, with dozens of restaurants, markets small and large, and a farmers market through the warmer months. However, a significant number of residents have trouble affording to feed themselves and their families. The hunger problem in Watertown is often not visible, but those who provide assistance and services to people in need have noticed a recent increase in the number of people in town facing food insecurity, spiking during the Pandemic. And, while the COVID cases have dropped, the numbers of people going to Watertown’s two food pantries, or needing help to put enough food on their table has remained at about the same level.

Entertainment

Watertown Shows Off Its Talent at Community Foundation Event

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Performers took to the stage at Arsenal Yards for the Watertown Community Foundation’s Watertown’s Got Talent. (Photo by Charlie Breitrose)

The second annual Watertown’s Got Talent drew singers, dancers, and musicians of all ages this week. The Oct. 24 event raises money for the Watertown Community Foundation and was held at a stage on the River Green at Arsenal Yards. And the winners are ….

Around Town

20 Years of Making a Difference Toasted at Watertown Community Foundation’s Celebration

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The founding board members of the Watertown Community Foundation. (Courtesy of Watertown Community Foundation)

Nearly 200 people gathered to celebrate two decades of the Watertown Community Foundation, and the people who built the organization that has distributed millions of dollars to make Watertown a better place. Board members, former executive directors, donors and more gathered for the WCF’s Celebrating 20 Years of Impact event at Branch Line on Oct. 5. The original members for the Community Foundation’s board received a legislative resolution from State Sen. Will Brownsberger and State Rep. Steve Owens, as well as an award.

Around Town

Up to $35K in Grants Available from the Watertown Community Foundation for Health & Schools

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The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

On October 11, the Watertown Community Foundation (WCF) will open the 2023 application processes for two grant programs: Healthy Watertown and School Programs.

WCF’s Heathy Watertown Grants will support new or existing programs that keep Watertown’s residents and families healthy. Up to $15,000 will be distributed in 2023 to eligible organizations. Programs supported by these grants in the past have included: food pantries in Watertown; nutrition and meal programs for school-age children and seniors; programs and services fostering healthy aging; mental health first aid training for first responders; programs providing services and supports for individuals and families struggling with substance use disorders; and health-related programs for infants and their families. You can learn more about how to apply for Healthy Watertown Grants here. The application deadline for this grant program is November 1, 2023.

Entertainment

Watertown’s Got Talent is Back, Applications Due Soon!

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

Do you have what it takes to be crowned Watertown’s Top Talent? Announcing Watertown’s Got Talent is BACK for a second year!! In partnership with Arsenal Yards, please save-the-date for a fun-filled evening of talent, entertainment & more! When: Tuesday, October 24, 2023Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.Where: The River Green at Arsenal Yards

All application are due to hello@arsenalyards.com by Sunday, October 1st. Ticket details, coming soon!

Around Town

Watertown Community Foundation to Celebrate 20 Years of Community Giving

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The following announcement was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation:

Since 2003 The Watertown Community Foundation has put funds to work in Watertown to address local needs to make positive change. Started with funds from the sale of the Arsenal property and grown by local giving and grants, a small group of Founders envisioned a community fund dedicated to sustaining a vibrant community. Twenty years later, the Foundation has given more than $3,000,000 in grants to improve the lives of the people who live and work in Watertown. “During 20 years of grant giving, the Foundation has built on a practice of giving to meet need at the street level. We started with Block Party grants to bring neighbors and neighborhoodstogether.