Thursday, Jan 7, 2016

The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. recently received a combined $20,000 in grants from private foundations to support programs teaching English and parenting skills.

The Dr. John, Ruth and John Mahoney Tribute Fund donated $7,500 to the GLCAC’s Michael B. Christensen Community and Family Support Center. The funds will seed the creation of the fatherhood-skills program “I’m a D.A.D. (Dedicated and Determined).”  The funds were raised at an October tribute to the husband, wife and son from Tewksbury.

The GLCAC’s expanded adult literacy program, English for Speakers of Other Languages, received a $10,000 grant from the Horne Family Foundation and a $2,500 grant from the Agnes M. Lindsay Trust.  The funds will be used to increase the number of classroom seats available and reduce the waiting list for the popular program. A 2014 GLCAC Community Needs Assessment indicated that the top priority for GLCAC clients is English language and literacy skills.

“We are grateful to these generous foundations for partnering on our mission to help low-income residents in Greater Lawrence who are seeking a better life for themselves and their families.  These donations demonstrate faith in our organization to deliver these valued services,” said Evelyn Friedman, Executive Director of GLCAC.

GLCAC is a social services agency that annually assists 29,000 individuals in Greater Lawrence. GLCAC’s wide range of services – from heating assistance to daycare – focus on lifting families out of poverty and setting them on a pathway to economic stability. GLCAC is a proud partner of the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and the Merrimack Valley.