Betty and Charles Barker
Known affectionately simply as “Betty” to her wide circle of devoted friends and family, Elizabeth Mary Gardiner Barker of South Deerfield, who passed away peacefully on Jan. 25, 2021 at the age of 93, was “modest but mighty,” a local philanthropist who quietly shared her good fortune with countless organizations doing the work she believed in; and with the many individuals she met along the way who needed a helping hand.
A passionate believer in the importance of community, Betty was particularly devoted to the work of Tilton Library, Dakin Humane Society, Franklin Land Trust, Pioneer Valley Hospice, The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and the Greenfield Community College Foundation, in support of the Nursing and Community Access Programs. She gave generous support, including countless volunteer hours, to numerous Franklin County organizations including the Girl Scouts, Board of Organized Work at Franklin Medical Center, and Community Foundati
$40K grant to help LifePath fight hunger, support mental health
LifePath volunteers collect food and personal protective equipment (PPE) in June. Contributed photo
Published: 2/25/2021 3:34:27 PM
GREENFIELD LifePath has received another $40,000 from the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, which it will use to fight hunger and support its clients’ mental health, according to the agency’s executive director.
Barbara Bodzin said LifePath received $121,000 from the foundation, as part of its COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley, last year after the pandemic started. The funding has allowed LifePath to respond to the COVID-19 crisis by providing food and helping Pioneer Valley residents cope with mental health struggles. She said the additional $40,000 will provide further pandemic relief and budget stabilization.
Community Foundation Supports LifePath s Work with Food Insecurity, Mental Health businesswest.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from businesswest.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.
Immigrant mask makers provide pandemic PPE
The im2: Immigrant Mask Makers of Western Massachusetts team. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
An assortment of masks made by the im2: Immigrant Mask Makers of Western Massachusetts team. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
A seamstress with im2: Immigrant Mask Makers of Western Massachusetts works at a sewing machine. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Published: 2/21/2021 7:09:31 PM
NORTHAMPTON When the COVID-19 pandemic struck the U.S. last March, lockdowns left many without jobs, while public safety measures created a scramble for face masks to protect against virus transmission.
A Northampton group, im2: Immigrant Mask Makers of Western Massachusetts, soon after went to work creating masks and jobs during the crisis. Today, the team, consisting of 16 immigrant women and co-founders Amy Ben-Ezra and Allie Aguirre, have sewn and coordinated the creation of hundreds of masks.
Listen to the interview with Katie Allan Zobel.
Since the start of the pandemic, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has given almost $12 million in grants to more than 180 nonprofits in Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties.
Much of the money of late has gone to community organizations and agencies with programs that help individuals and families with housing, food, and mental health services.
WAMC’s Pioneer Valley Bureau Chief Paul Tuthill spoke with Katie Allan Zobel, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
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