Local bank leaders join
Father Bill’s & MainSpring’s Board of Directors

FBMS Board of Directors welcomes Jennifer White, Bob DiGiovanni

[March 16, 2022] Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Southern Massachusetts, has welcomed two new members to its Board of Directors: Bob DiGiovanni, Director of Cash Management and Municipal Banking at South Shore Bank, and Jennifer White, Vice President of Community and Public Relations for HarborOne Bank and President of the HarborOne Foundation

White, of Milton, and DiGiovanni, of Scituate, join FBMS’ mission at a critical time as the non-profit advances its transformative Housing Resource Center initiative in both Quincy and Brockton and continues exploring innovative solutions to fight homelessness in a post-pandemic recovery. The agency currently operates more than 600 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and Veterans.

“We are excited Jen and Bob are joining our Board and bringing their unique set of skills, talents, and experiences to our mission,” said John Yazwinski, FBMS President & CEO. “HarborOne Bank and South Shore Bank are longtime supporters of FBMS and both banks are committed to lifting up and empowering their neighbors facing a housing crisis. As our agency continues to grow and create more housing opportunities for our most vulnerable, Jen and Bob will play an important role in helping us end homelessness on the South Shore and across Southern Massachusetts.”

DiGiovanni, who joined South Shore Bank in the Spring of 2021, has 25 years of banking experience and a solid record of providing innovative cash management solutions. DiGiovanni is leading the bank’s expansion and increased emphasis on cash management services for commercial customers.

“Father Bill’s & MainSpring has helped so many people in their fight to end homelessness. I’m honored to be part of such a fantastic organization and enthusiastic about the several new projects underway that will allow us to have an even greater impact on helping people struggling with homelessness,” said DiGiovanni.

In her role as Vice President of Community and Public Relations, White is directly responsible for HarborOne Bank’s corporate contributions, volunteer engagement and public relations. She serves as external liaison to non-profit, governmental and media organizations, and she helped launch the HarborOne Foundation, currently serving as the Foundation’s President.

“I so admire the critical work and leadership of Father Bill’s & MainSpring. The nonprofit’s tireless and innovative efforts to end homelessness across the region serves as a model for many other organizations,” said White. “I am honored and excited to join the Board of Directors and work alongside such an incredibly dedicated and talented group of leaders.”

The FBMS’ Board of Directors Executive Committee: Chair Dr. Michael Kryzanek, Special Assistant to the President, Bridgewater State University; Vice Chair Mary Catherine Finn, PNP, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Village Pediatrics; Treasurer James Oslin, CPA, Partner, Jesson, Oslin & Associates, LLP; and Secretary Joyce Hogan, Program Coordinator, Valentine Street Program for Women.

Other Board members include: H. William (Bill) Adams, III, Realtor, Coldwell Banker; David Arnold, Vice President, Total Rewards and People Services, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; Corey Anne Beach, Program Manager, Audio, The New York Times; Al Becker, President/COO, Jack Conway; Ronald Chapman, Retired, Former Facility Manager, DHS, U.S. Coast Guard; Katrina Hartwell, Head of Kids, KEEN Footwear; Kervins Jean, U.S. Compliance Officer, Bitstamp USA Inc.; Elizabeth Kim, Retired, Former Assistant Vice President of Claims, Arbella Insurance Group; Joyce Livramento-Young, SER-Jobs for Progress, Inc.; Francis J. (Jay) Lynch, III, Esq., Attorney, Lynch & Lynch Attorneys; Robert M. Pineau, President & CEO, Electro Switch Corporation; Jane Wing, Vice President, The Cooperative Bank; and Rev. Adolph H. Wismar, Jr., Pastor, Wollaston Lutheran Church.

For more information, visit helpfbms.org.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 5,000 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About South Shore Bank
South Shore Bank is a full-service mutual bank with approximately $2 billion in assets. As a locally managed mutual bank, we believe the most valuable and enduring success is success that is shared. Together, we work to help our people, clients and communities thrive. With an extensive set of financial products, the Bank serves as a trusted advisor for business and personal clients as they navigate their unique financial journeys. All deposits are insured in full. The FDIC insures all deposits up to $250,000 per depositor and up to $250,000 per depositor for Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs); all deposits above this amount are insured by the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF). For more information, visit southshorebank.com.

About HarborOne
HarborOne Bank, headquartered in Massachusetts, has $4.57 billion in assets. HarborOne Bank serves the financial needs of consumers, businesses, and municipalities in Massachusetts and Rhode Island through a network of 30 full-service branches and commercial loan offices in Providence and Boston.

The Bank also provides a range of educational services through “HarborOne U,” with content and classes available on personal finance and small business delivered virtually as well as at community locations throughout Massachusetts and Rhode Island. HarborOne Mortgage, LLC, a subsidiary of HarborOne Bank, is a full-service mortgage lender with offices throughout Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire and is licensed in six additional states.

United Way funds winter coats for families

Families served by Father Bill’s & MainSpring supported by United Way Warmer Winters Fund

[BROCKTON, Mass., March 3, 2022] More than 100 children served by Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) received brand-new winter coats this season, thanks to the United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s 7th Annual “United Way Warmer Winters Fund.” Since 2015, this initiative has helped over 1,475 children in Greater Plymouth County keep warm during the cold winter months.

The fund was supported this year by generous donations from Beth Israel Deaconess Plymouth, Bluestone Bank, Commonwealth Alternative Care, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Macy’s, McGovern Automotive Group, Target, Whitman Homes, Rosemary Healy, Michael McCarthy, Rick and Maryanne Noll in honor of Walter L. Noll Jr. and Jean T. Noll, Cheryl Showstack, and Dr. Joyce Siogros Pepi.

With funds from the Hurley Trust and with these compassionate donations, United Way was able to allocate $17,450 to help low-income children in Greater Plymouth County, including $3,540 to FBMS.

FBMS utilized the grant funding to purchase winter coats for children served by the agency. FBMS, a regional provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts, provides emergency shelter to more than 200 families per year, including more than 340 children.

“We’re grateful to the United Way of Greater Plymouth County for once again providing comfort and warmth to local children in need during the challenging winter months,” FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski said.

The funds to purchase coats were also donated to The Arc of Greater Brockton, The Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South, Brockton Day Nursery, The Family Center at Community Connections of Brockton, Family & Community Resources, Health Imperatives, and the Salvation Army of Brockton.

“As we all know, this year has been extremely challenging for our younger neighbors and we also wanted to increase our efforts this year for our 100th anniversary.  We are continually thrilled to see the community come together to support our ‘Warmer Winters’ initiative,” said United Way President & CEO Dennis Carman, “Thanks to our generous donors, we have been able to provide children with 380 new coats this winter.”

To see more photos that will continue to be shared in United Way’s Warmer Winters series, please visit www.facebook.com/uwgpc.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About United Way of Greater Plymouth County
Established in 1922, United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s mission is “We unite people, ideas and resources to improve the lives of people in Greater Plymouth County to build a stronger community.”  United Way envisions a “a safe, healthy, diverse and welcoming community where everyone’s needs are met equitably, respectfully and compassionately” by focusing its resources on addressing the vital and interconnected needs of education, health and income.  United Way serves the communities of southeastern Massachusetts, including the city of Brockton and the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, and Whitman www.uwgpc.org

FBMS, in bold approach to ending homelessness, breaks ground on Quincy development

Yawkey Housing Resource Center hailed as transformative model

[QUINCY, Mass., Tuesday, November 9, 2021] The nonprofit organization Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is breaking ground on a new development, the Yawkey Housing Resource Center, which reimagines how a community responds to homelessness. Business and community leaders joined FBMS at the future property site Tuesday to commemorate the start of a project they say could serve as a national model.

The Yawkey Housing Resource Center development, comprised of two new buildings, will be home to a new service-delivery model that adds daytime supports and streamlines services with the goal of ending homelessness on the South Shore and across Southern Massachusetts. The property will include a day center, an emergency shelter, and on-site efficiency apartments.

The new approach would dedicate more staff and resources to homelessness prevention, diversion and rapid re-housing, thus reducing the overall reliance on overnight shelter.

“We are grateful to our generous partners in the private and public sectors who have stepped up to invest in this bold vision,” said John Yazwinski, President & CEO of FBMS. “Our community continues to show us that we are not alone in this fight to end homelessness. One of our mission’s founders, the late Father Bill McCarthy, used to always say to me that our goal is to take down the sign at our shelter and end homelessness, not manage it. Today, our compassionate network of supporters are helping turn Father Bill’s dream into a reality.”

Other speakers at Tuesday’s event included: Arbella Insurance Group President & CEO John Donohue; Maureen H. Bleday, CEO and Trustee of the Yawkey Foundation; Quincy City Councilor Brian Palmucci; Roger Herzog, Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC); and April Connolly, Chief Operating Officer of FBMS. The Rev. Dr. Adolph H. Wismar, Jr, a co-founder of FBMS and current board member, provided the opening prayer, and the Rev. Rebecca Froom, minister of the United First Parish Church in Quincy, provided a closing blessing.

The administration of Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, through the Department of Housing and Community Development, has awarded $6 million in capital funding toward construction of the Yawkey Housing Resource Center two-building development.

Last week, FBMS announced the Yawkey Foundation’s gift of $2 million toward the innovative project, which will cost approximately $24 million in total. The property at 39 Broad Street will be called the Yawkey Housing Resource Center, in honor of the Yawkey Foundation’s longtime support of FBMS.

This $2 million commitment from the Yawkey Foundation serves as a lead gift in FBMS’ “A Path Home” campaign to raise $10 million privately toward the project’s capital and programmatic expenses.

The Yawkey Housing Resource Center will be constructed across the street from FBMS’ existing emergency shelter, Father Bill’s Place, which will be knocked down as part of the City of Quincy’s plans to build a new Public Safety Complex. The City of Quincy, in addition to awarding the development $1 million from its Affordable Housing Trust Fund, has signed a 99-year lease with FBMS for use of the site at 39 Broad Street.

The first phase, expected to be completed by the spring of 2023, is a two-story, 16,000 square-foot building will include the following: FBMS program and training spaces; co-located resources including a full, primary-care medical clinic, substance use and mental health services and housing assistance; shelter beds with lockers and showers for guests; a commercial kitchen space and dining area; and administrative offices.

The second phase, expected to break ground in spring of 2022 and be completed by summer of 2023, is a four-story, 20,000-square-foot building comprised of 30 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals. FBMS currently operates more than 600 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and Veterans across Southern Massachusetts.

Supporters of Yawkey Housing Resource Center

Public Funders: Administration of Governor Charlie Baker & Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito  – Department of Housing and Community Development, Executive Office of Health and Human Services; City of Quincy; Quincy Affordable Housing Trust Committee; Quincy Housing Authority; Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation; Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC); Property Casualty Initiative.

Private Funders: Alvarium Foundation; Arbella Insurance Foundation; Boselli Family; Patricia Conway; John Donohue & Frances Robinson; Eastern Bank; Philip & Deborah Edmundson; The Flatley Foundation; Jack Conway & Co., Inc.; Lisa Lenon & William Stanton; The McKim Family; William Murphy; The Pineau Family; Quincy Mutual Group; Rockland Trust; South Shore Bank; Jack & Kay Spurr; Yawkey Foundation.

Development Team: Property Manager and Service Provider – Father Bill’s & MainSpring; Development Consultant & Owner’s Project Manager – NeighborWorks Housing Solutions; Architect – The Narrow Gate Architecture; General Contractor – Dellbrook | JKS; Project Attorneys – Hackett Feinberg, P.C.; Matera, Vopat, Matera & Johnson, P.C.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 5,000 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and more than 600 permanent supportive housing units. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

Yawkey Foundation Awards FBMS $2 million toward transformational Housing Resource Center

Gift will support Quincy development that re-envisions approach to ending homelessness

[QUINCY, Mass., Thursday, November 4, 2021] As the region and nation struggle with a homelessness crisis exacerbated by the pandemic, the Yawkey Foundation is providing nonprofit organization Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) with a $2 million transformational gift toward its innovative Housing Resource Center development in Quincy. This gift supports a new property and service-delivery model that aims to end homelessness on the South Shore and across Southern Massachusetts.

FBMS, a regional leader of services to prevent and end homelessness, is set to break ground on its development this month. The agency is re-envisioning how a community assists individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness by replacing its overnight emergency shelter with two new buildings consisting of a day center, an emergency shelter, and on-site efficiency apartments.

The new approach would dedicate more staff and resources to homelessness prevention, diversion and rapid re-housing, thus reducing the overall reliance on overnight shelter.

The new property, located at 39 Broad Street, will be called the Yawkey Housing Resource Center, in honor of the Yawkey Foundation’s longtime support of FBMS and its legacy of providing support to the region’s most vulnerable and underserved. Since its founding in 1977, the Yawkey Foundation has made contributions to hundreds of nonprofits providing critical services to those in need in Massachusetts.

“Throughout their lifetimes, the Yawkeys quietly and generously supported organizations providing basic needs for countless vulnerable individuals and families,” said Maureen H. Bleday, Chief Executive Officer and Trustee of the Yawkey Foundation. “The holistic, compassionate, and dignified care provided to those most in-need by our long-standing partners at Father Bill’s & MainSpring will be even more impactful with the new Housing Resource Center, and the Trustees consider it an honor to perpetuate Tom Yawkey and Jean Yawkey’s philanthropic legacy with this grant.”

This $2 million commitment from the Yawkey Foundation serves as a lead gift in FBMS’ “A Path Home” campaign to raise $10 million privately toward the project’s capital and programmatic expenses.

“The way our community ends homelessness is with a bold plan that invests in the upstream services that help more people stay in their homes and avoid shelter, and that’s exactly what the Yawkey Housing Resource Center will do,” said John Yazwinski, President & CEO of FBMS. “And the way this plan becomes a reality is with the help of compassionate philanthropic leaders like the Yawkey Foundation. We are grateful to the Foundation for being an early believer in our vision.”

The Yawkey Housing Resource Center will be constructed at 39 Broad Street, located across the street from FBMS’ existing emergency shelter, Father Bill’s Place, which will be knocked down as part of the City of Quincy’s plans to build a new Public Safety Complex.

The first phase, expected to be completed by the spring of 2023, is a two-story, 16,000 square-foot building comprised of FBMS program and training spaces, shelter beds and services, administrative offices, and a healthcare clinic.

The second phase, expected to break ground in spring of 2022 and be completed by summer of 2023, is a four-story, 20,000-square-foot building comprised of 30 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals. FBMS currently operates more than 600 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and Veterans across Southern Massachusetts.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 5,000 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and more than 600 permanent supportive housing units. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About the Yawkey Foundation

The Yawkey Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the philanthropic legacy of Tom and Jean Yawkey, whose eight decades of quiet generosity supported individuals and families in the  communities that were closest to their hearts – Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. Having awarded more than $500 million to-date in charitable grants to organizations focused on Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife, Yawkey Foundation is committed to preserving and  sustaining the charitable values of the Yawkeys by investing in impactful nonprofits providing resources, opportunity, and dignity to the vulnerable and underserved. For more information, please visit www.yawkeyfoundation.org.

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

FBMS to Convert Brockton Hotel into Permanent Supportive Housing for Homeless Individuals

With support from the Baker-Polito administration, Roadway is a first-in-the-state conversion project

[BROCKTON, Mass., Tuesday, October 12, 2021] On Tuesday, members of the Baker-Polito Administration joined Brockton city officials and the team at Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional leader of services to prevent and end homelessness, to tour a project underway to convert the former Rodeway Inn, located at 1005 Belmont St., into new, permanent supportive housing for 69 formerly homeless individuals. Renamed the Roadway, the conversion – a first for Massachusetts – is being hailed as a game-changer in how the state and local providers can address homelessness in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Stable housing provides a foundation for people to thrive, and we are proud to invest in this dynamic project, which is a first for the Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Father Bill’s and MainSpring are creating a model to leverage existing resources to meet the needs of a vulnerable community.  We are proud to support this project, and congratulate all of the partners involved who worked to bring this project to fruition.”

“The lack of affordable housing in the Commonwealth hurts all of our communities, and as COVID-19 revealed, it is a public health crisis. Today’s project is the result of creative strategies to address the impact the global pandemic has had on our state, especially the most vulnerable among us,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy. “We are thrilled to support this innovative and ground-breaking project that furthers our efforts to combat homelessness and address our lack of affordable, supportive housing to help people succeed across Massachusetts.”

The conversion project follows FBMS’ use of the site as a satellite emergency shelter since June 2020, which has allowed for social distancing among guests of its main shelter, the MainSpring House in downtown Brockton.

In September 2021, MassDevelopment issued a $5.3 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of Roadway Apartments LLC, an affiliate of Father Bill’s & MainSpring, Inc., as part of the funding package to renovate and convert the site into housing units for formerly homeless individuals. Eastern Bank purchased the bond.

“Every person deserves access to safe, stable, and affordable housing, and Father Bill’s & MainSpring, Inc. is a regional leader in that mission,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “MassDevelopment is proud to be a partner as the organization works to repurpose a formerly vacant motel into housing, creating a vital pathway out of homelessness for individuals in need.”

In addition to MassDevelopment’s tax-exempt bonds, the Department of Housing and Community Development will support the long-term ownership and operation of the project with subsidy funds, federal tax credits, and project-based vouchers. DHCD’s assistance will also help Father Bill’s & MainSpring provide supportive services to Roadway tenants.

FBMS also worked with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), a quasi-public community development financial institution, that provides early-stage financing to Massachusetts’ non-profit affordable housing developers and works closely with DHCD on supportive housing development.

“CEDAC is proud to support the incredible work of Father Bill’s & MainSpring as they take on this extraordinary project,” said Roger Herzog, Executive Director of CEDAC. “We worked closely with our partners to establish the feasibility of this new model of permanent supportive housing for persons experiencing homelessness and look forward to replicating it across the Commonwealth.”

The $10.1 million conversion project will reduce Brockton’s individual shelter population by 50 percent, with future investments in housing needed to maintain those gains and achieve further progress.

Funding for the Roadway apartments was also provided by the Arbella Insurance Foundation, Beth Israel Lahey Health, and the Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA).

“This conversion is a vital step in protecting our neighbors in need during a public health crisis and making sure we don’t return to an overcrowded shelter system,” said John Yazwinski, FBMS’ President & CEO. “We are grateful to the Baker-Polito administration, the administration of Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan, and all of our partners in the public and private sectors for their support in making this exiting project a reality.”

“This is about collaboration. We’re working with Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Kennealy — people who understand how compassionate we need to be,” said Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan. “John Yazwinski and his team do it every single day. Every single day they’re trying to make a difference here in Brockton. I’m so proud to be here, not just as a mayor, but I’m proud to be here as a lifelong Brocktonian.”

The project involves the creation of 69 efficiency-style apartments and will result in the addition of kitchenettes to existing hotel rooms, which already have their own private bathrooms. Additional site improvements include a common laundry room and electrical, mechanical and life safety systems. Similar conversions of hotels into efficiency apartments are being done in California, Oregon, and Washington State.

The conversion is occurring in stages to allow for the continued operation of the satellite shelter, with the first group of guests expected to move into their newly renovated apartments next month. All tenants will move in by next spring, at which point the property will no longer be utilized as a shelter. Preference will be given to the individuals who have been staying at the satellite shelter during the pandemic. Tenants will have access to FBMS case managers who will help them remain housed and become more self-sufficient.

FBMS currently manages more than 600 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and Veterans across Southern Massachusetts. In total, 93 percent of FBMS tenants remain housed for at least three years.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,700 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Arbella Insurance Foundation commits to FBMS’ innovative approach to end homelessness

Arbella Insurance Foundation grants $600,000 in support of key developments in Quincy, Brockton

[June 24, 2021] Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional leader of services to prevent and end homelessness, has received two grants totaling $600,000 from the Arbella Insurance Foundation in support of a pair of trailblazing initiatives in Quincy and Brockton.

As part of the Foundation’s ongoing efforts to support the local community, the Arbella Insurance Foundation awarded FBMS two distinct grants of $300,000. One grant will support FBMS’ Housing Resource Center project in Quincy, and the other will support the agency’s plan to convert an underutilized hotel in Brockton into 69 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Arbella Insurance Foundation. For the past three decades they have been champions of our mission, stepping up year after year to assist the most vulnerable members of our community,” said FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski. “The Housing Resource Center in Quincy and the hotel-to-housing conversion in Brockton are going to be game-changers in our communities and the first of their kind in Massachusetts. The Foundation has long believed in our vision to end homelessness on the South Shore and across Southern Massachusetts, and these two grants will help move us closer to that goal.”

Last year, the Arbella Insurance Foundation played a vital role in FBMS’ early response to the COVID-19 pandemic, offering to match up to $50,000 in donations to FBMS. For many years, the Foundation has been a leading sponsor of the agency’s annual FoodFest fundraiser and employees from the Arbella Insurance Group have volunteered at FBMS’ emergency shelters.

“Father Bill’s & MainSpring has been a beacon of hope on the South Shore,” said John Donohue, chairman, president and CEO of the Arbella Insurance Group and chairman and president of the Arbella Insurance Foundation. “These two initiatives will have a direct, positive and meaningful impact on the local community. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support FBMS in its mission to make the world more equitable by ending homelessness.”

FBMS’ Housing Resource Center in Quincy aims to transform how the agency assists individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness by replacing its existing overnight emergency shelter with two new buildings consisting of a new day center, an emergency shelter, and on-site efficiency apartments. The new approach would dedicate more staff and resources to homelessness prevention efforts and rapid re-housing to reduce the overall reliance on overnight shelter.

In Brockton, FBMS has partnered with public and private organizations to purchase the Rodeway Inn, an underutilized hotel, and convert the property into housing. The conversion model, which has been adopted in other parts of the country during the pandemic, plays a critical role in depopulating emergency shelters and protecting vulnerable individuals during a public health crisis. The conversion project will reduce Brockton’s individual shelter population by 50 percent, with future investments in housing needed to maintain those gains and achieve further progress.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,700 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About the Arbella Insurance Group and the Arbella Insurance Foundation
Established in 1988, the Arbella Insurance Group (www.arbella.com) is an A rated company by AM Best, with more than $800 million in revenue and approximately $1.8 billion in assets. Headquartered in Quincy, Massachusetts, Arbella is a customer-focused, regional property and casualty insurance company, providing commercial insurance products in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island and New Hampshire, and personal insurance products in Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Arbella Insurance Group founded the Arbella Insurance Foundation in 2004. Recognized as one of the Boston Business Journal’s “Top Charitable Contributors” for 12 consecutive years, the mission of Arbella’s Foundation is to engage in activities and to support not-for-profit organizations that have a significant positive impact on the people and communities served by Arbella.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

FBMS receives state funding in support
of transformative Quincy development

Non-profit organization’s Housing Resource Center model will revamp approach to homelessness
CLICK HERE TO WATCH VIDEO OF THE ANNOUNCEMENT

[QUINCY, Mass., April 1, 2021] Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional leader of services to prevent and end homelessness, has received $4 million in state funding toward the first phase of its innovative Housing Resource Center (HRC) development in Quincy.

Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito made the announcement on Wednesday, March 31, 2021 during a press conference outside of Father Bill’s Place, which is FBMS’ current emergency shelter for individual adults in Quincy. The Baker-Polito administration announced a total of $13.7 million in capital funding and project-based vouchers to support seven affordable housing projects for vulnerable communities across the state. In addition, the state announced $5 million in capital grants to 28 communities, including Quincy, under the Housing Choice Initiative.

Other speakers at the event included Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Mike Kennealy, Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano of Quincy, State Senator John Keenan of Quincy, Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch, and FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski. They were joined by state and city officials as well as local housing advocates, FBMS staff and shelter guests.

FBMS’ HRC model aims to transform how the agency assists individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness by replacing its existing overnight emergency shelter with two new buildings consisting of a new day center, an emergency shelter, and on-site efficiency apartments. The new approach would dedicate more staff and resources to homelessness prevention, diversion and rapid re-housing, thus reducing the overall reliance on overnight shelter.

The HRC will be constructed at 39 Broad Street, located across the street from Father Bill’s Place. The existing shelter, a one-story, 7,000-square-foot building, will be knocked down as part of the City of Quincy’s plans to build a new Public Safety Complex.

“We want to end homelessness, not manage it — and the Housing Resource Center will move us closer to that goal.” said FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski. “The HRC is a solutions-based, proactive approach that meets individuals further upstream in their housing crisis. By investing in day services that re-house homeless individuals more quickly and prevent more people from entering shelter, we will lower public costs, reduce reliance on shelter beds and downtown spaces, and provide our neighbors in need with stability and a pathway to self-sufficiency.

“Thank you to the Baker-Polito administration, Speaker Mariano and the Quincy state delegation, and Mayor Thomas Koch and the Quincy City Council for supporting this innovative approach. Together, our community is taking a leap forward in our fight to end homelessness, Yazwinski added.

The state’s Department of Housing and Community Development is awarding $4 million to the HRC.

“In 2018, our administration signed the largest affordable housing legislation in Massachusetts history, and we have worked hard to invest in the production and preservation of thousands of affordable units in every region of the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Thanks to our partners in the Legislature and local leaders, we are ensuring that supportive housing remains a key component of our broader strategy to increase production.”

“Permanent supportive housing provides necessary services to our most vulnerable populations, and I am so proud that we have invested in the development of hundreds of units of this type of affordable housing across the Commonwealth available to the families and individuals that have the greatest need,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Every project in today’s round will result in housing with tailored services that will create an environment that will allow people to thrive.”

Between the seven projects announced Wednesday, DHCD, working with the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), will make available approximately $2.6 million in National Housing Trust Fund (HTF) funding, dedicated to households at 30% area median income or less; $10.7 million in state bond funds through the Housing Innovations Fund (HIF) and the Housing Stabilization Fund (HSF); and 57 state project-based housing vouchers to qualified and experienced sponsors. CEDAC, which manages HIF, works closely with DHCD to administer these rounds and review applications for funding.

“Solving our housing crisis requires housing production of all types, including permanent supportive housing for veterans, older adults, people in recovery, and individuals with disabilities, as well as shelter beds for those experiencing homelessness,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Kennealy.  “Thanks to this innovative partnership involving DHCD, the city of Quincy, elected officials, and Father Bill’s & MainSpring, the vision of meeting the needs of the most vulnerable among us with a state-of-the-art facility is closer to being a reality.”

“Our team has worked closely with incredible partners like CEDAC to invest in projects that will meaningfully help a diverse set of people who can thrive with support and housing they can afford,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Jennifer Maddox. “Our department has been committed to keeping our investments in housing development on track. Our housing crisis began before our current health crisis, and I am proud we’ve been able to continue funding the development of new affordable housing in every region and pass important zoning reform to make it easier for communities to promote housing at the local level.”

The first phase of the HRC, set to start later this year, is the construction of a two-story, 16,000 square-foot building comprised of FBMS program and training spaces, shelter beds and services, administrative offices, and a healthcare clinic. Other features include a commercial kitchen space, showers, a laundry area, bathrooms, private meeting space, and a large convertible space to be used for multiple activities, including dining.

The second phase is a four-story, 20,000-square-foot building comprised of 30 units of permanent supportive housing for formerly homeless individuals. Tenants will have access to FBMS case managers who will help them remain housed and become more self-sufficient. FBMS currently manages more than 550 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and Veterans across Southern Massachusetts.

In September 2020, FBMS signed a 99-year-lease with the City for the site at 39 Broad Street, a key step in the HRC development. The City of Quincy has awarded $1 million to the HRC from its Affordable Housing Trust Fund, and it has successfully applied for a Housing Choice Community Capital Grant for design and engineering work.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated many of the longstanding issues that our cities and towns have faced, such as homelessness,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano. “The grants awarded today will support organizations that serve our most vulnerable residents and provide them with a path to safe, stable and dignified housing. The Massachusetts House is proud to support the work of the awardees and provide opportunities for them to expand their services. I am proud to have worked alongside the Quincy delegation to help secure this grant for Father Bill’s, and look forward to seeing the positive impact their future facility will have in our community.”

“The Supportive Housing award, coupled with local funding from the City of Quincy, allows Father Bill’s & MainSpring to move forward with its multi-use facility, which represents a new, more comprehensive approach towards preventing homelessness in southern Massachusetts,” said Senator John Keenan, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Housing.

“Father Bill’s & MainSpring are an invaluable resource and advocate for our community. Their innovative work in not only providing stable housing, but also in their efforts in intervention and prevention work are critical to our community members facing homelessness,” said Representative Tackey Chan. “This grant money will make their new facilities a reality and allow their work to be more broad-reaching.”

“The innovative Father Bill’s & MainSpring Housing Resource Center is going to be a life-changer for so many of our most vulnerable community members in the City of Quincy,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch. “I’m proud to partner in this endeavor, and deeply grateful to the Baker and Polito Administration for once again seeing the value in a such a vital local project by granting it a National Trust Fund Supportive Housing Award.”

“Congratulations to the non-profit organizations receiving these supportive housing funding awards. Their work is so necessary to providing housing and services to truly vulnerable populations across the Commonwealth,” said Roger Herzog, the Executive Director of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). “CEDAC values our effective collaboration with the Baker-Polito Administration and its Department of Housing and Community Development and its strong commitment to the production of supportive housing through the eighth annual funding round dedicated for this purpose.”

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,700 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 427-6448 x2289, pronan@helpfbms.org

United Way funds winter coats for families
Families served by Father Bill’s & MainSpring supported by United Way Warmer Winters Fund

[BROCKTON, Mass., February 17, 2021] More than 60 children served by Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) received brand-new winter coats this season, thanks to the United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s 6th Annual “United Way Warmer Winters Fund.” Since 2015, this initiative has helped over 1,200 children in Greater Plymouth County keep warm during the cold winter months.

The fund was supported this year by generous donations from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth, Bluestone Bank, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Macy’s, National Grid and The Brockton Rotary Club. United Way was able to allocate $14,653 to help low income children in Greater Plymouth County, including $1,633 donated to FBMS.

FBMS utilized the grant funding to purchase winter coats for children served by the agency. FBMS, a regional provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts, provides emergency shelter to more than 260 families per year, including more than 460 children.

“For many of our families in need, this is the most difficult winter they’ve ever experienced. On top of trying to keep their kids healthy during a pandemic, they’re also trying to work, pay the bills, and help their kids with remote schooling,” FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski said. “Many families just can’t afford to buy new winter gear for their children, so we’re very grateful to the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and its corporate partners for bringing much-needed comfort to our neighbors in need this winter.”

Other recipients of the funds to purchase coats were The Family Center at Community Connections of Brockton, The Arc of Plymouth & Upper Cape, Boys & Girls Club of Marshfield, Boys & Girls Clubs of Metro South, Brockton Day Nursery, Family & Community Resources, Health Imperatives, and the Brockton Area Arc.

“As we all know, this year has been more challenging than ever for our younger neighbors. We are continually thrilled to see the community come together to support our ‘Warmer Winters’ initiative,” said United Way President & CEO Dennis Carman. “Thanks to our generous donors, we have been able to provide children with 275 new coats this winter. We are also excited to be able to supply 250 fleece hats this year in addition to the coats.”

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About United Way of Greater Plymouth County
Established in 1922, United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s mission is “We unite people, ideas and resources to improve the lives of people in Greater Plymouth County.”  United Way envisions a “a safe, healthy and well-educated community in which people’s needs are met effectively, respectfully and compassionately” by focusing its resources on addressing the vital and interconnected needs of education, health and income.  United Way serves the communities of southeastern Massachusetts, including the city of Brockton and the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, and Whitman. www.uwgpc.org facebook.com/uwgpc

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Father Bill’s & MainSpring Receives $25,000 Grant From Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation For COVID-19 Relief
In total, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation donated $45,000 to FBMS in 2020

[January 8, 2021] Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional leader of services to prevent and end homelessness, has received a $25,000 grant from Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation (EBCF) to assist individuals and families struggling during the pandemic. The grants are part of a commitment from the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation to provide financial support to local organizations focused on COVID-19 relief.

In total, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation provided FBMS with three grants in 2020, totaling $45,000. The grants have helped FBMS meet the growing need for its services across Southern Massachusetts since the onset of the pandemic.

In December, Eastern Bank featured FBMS on its Give for Good charitable-giving platform, which makes it easier for Eastern Bank customers to donate to local non-profit organizations.

“This past year has been by far the most difficult in our agency’s history, and the reason we have been able to continue providing hope to our neighbors in need is because of generous organizations like the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation,” said John Yazwinski, President and CEO of FBMS. “These grants have allowed FBMS to operate additional space to provide safe shelter and basic needs to guests in Quincy and Brockton, many of whom are elderly or immunocompromised. We are very grateful to the Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation for stepping up and supporting our mission at this most critical time.”

During the early days and weeks of the pandemic, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation began to lend its support as quickly as possible, and it has steadily increased throughout 2020 the amount of unsolicited grants to nonprofit organizations. In total, $11 million in COVID-19 relief grants has been provided to hundreds of local and regional organizations in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island in 2020.

The most recent funding supports organizations focused on housing stability, homelessness, food security, and essential services and utilities for low- and moderate-income individuals and families.

FBMS is receiving a grant for its work in addressing housing insecurities compounded by the virus outbreak.

“Housing, homelessness and food insecurity have long been challenges in our local communities that are being made worse by the double impact of the pandemic and approaching winter season,” said Nancy Huntington Stager, President and CEO of Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation. “Thank you to the organizations and people bravely working on the front lines to support our neighbors in need providing vital assistance during these times. The need for corporate philanthropic support of our nonprofit partners is as great now as it was at the beginning of the pandemic, and we invite those who can to join us in giving their support.”

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,700 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Jack Conway & Co. sponsors brunches, gift bags for shelters
Quincy churches donate trees, decorations while individual donors help provide items for gift bags

 [QUINCY, Mass., December 23, 2020] Jack Conway & Company, a family-owned and operated real estate company based in Norwell, is sponsoring a Christmas Day celebration that will bring food and gifts to more than 300 individuals experiencing homelessness in Southern Massachusetts.

Jack Conway & Co., a longtime supporter and advocate for individuals and families experiencing homelessness, is donating $10,000 to cover holiday brunches and gift bags for guests of Father Bill’s & MainSpring’s (FBMS) emergency shelters in Quincy and Brockton. The company’s leadership team, including President & CEO Carol Bulman, Director of Strategic Development Katie Clifford, and Chief Operating Officer Al Becker, who currently serves on FBMS’ Board of Directors, decided to make the donation after learning that many of FBMS’ guests would be spending Christmas at the shelter instead of visiting friends and family, due to the pandemic.

In a typical year, the emergency shelters are relatively quiet on Christmas Day as guests visit their loved ones for holiday festivities. However, due to COVID-19, many guests will be staying at the shelter this Friday to avoid the types of social gatherings that public health experts say could lead to a spread of the virus.

“We are very grateful to Carol, Al, Katie, and the compassionate team at Jack Conway & Co. for bringing Christmas cheer to our neighbors struggling this season,” FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski said. “The holidays are about coming together with loved ones, and obviously many of us, including our shelter guests, aren’t able to do that this year. By sponsoring this Christmas celebration, Jack Conway & Co. is letting our guests know that they are not alone and that it’s still possible for us to come together, even while apart.”

The late Jack Conway and his wife, Patti, helped co-found FBMS back in 1982, and Jack Conway & Co. has since remained one of the non-profit organization’s most generous supporters. The company’s Christmas sponsorship comes three months after the company raised $67,146 for FBMS through its annual Jack Conway Memorial Golf Tournament for the Homeless and a corresponding matching-gift drive.

Several churches from the Quincy Interfaith Network recently mobilized their members to donate new Christmas trees and holiday decorations to adorn the dining halls at Father Bill’s Place in Quincy and MainSpring House in Brockton. Donations came from the following churches: Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Quincy; Faith Lutheran Church in Quincy; Bethel Church of the Nazarene in Quincy; Wollaston Congregational Church; Houghs Neck Congregational Church; First Church of Squantum; and East Milton Congregational Church.

The gift bags handed out to shelter guests this week were also made possible by dozens of individual donors who ordered essential winter gear and other items such as gift cards, shaving sets, puzzle books, and earbuds.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,700 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

FBMS Case Managers Recognized by Statewide Advocacy Group
Geoff Gagnon, James Lawson, Caz McSorley honored for direct-care work amid pandemic

 [December 15, 2020] Three housing case managers for Father Bill’s & MainSpring’s (FBMS), a regional leader of services to prevent and end homelessness, have been recognized for their work assisting individuals in need during the COVID-19 crisis.

Geoff Gagnon of Plymouth, James Lawson of Quincy, and Caz McSorley of Weymouth were among 18 direct-care workers presented with the Ed O’Neil Award by the Massachusetts Housing and Shelter Alliance (MHSA), a statewide advocacy organization that represents nearly 100 community-based member agencies in the state. The awards were presented during MHSA’s Annual Meeting, held virtually on Thursday, December 10.

The Ed O’Neil Award, which recognizes exceptional work assisting individuals experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness, was presented by MHSA President and Executive Director Joe Finn and Sarah O’Neil, daughter of the late Ed O’Neil, for whom the award is named. Ed O’Neil, a former Father Bill’s Place guest and FBMS housing participant, was a longtime advocate for homeless individuals, a U.S. Navy Veteran and a counselor for people with substance use disorders.

McSorley, who has worked for FBMS for more than eight years, is a Case Manager in FBMS’ Quincy Housing office. She said the most fulfilling part of her job is being a “lifter of heads, giving someone hope, purpose, and self-worth.”

“It’s an unexpected honor,” McSorley said about winning the award. “I’m just doing what I have to do, it’s not your average job, your heart has to be in it, it’s a mission. I can honestly think of so many others within the agency who have the same passion and vision as I.”

Lawson, who has worked for FBMS for 18 months, is also a Case Manager in FBMS’ Quincy Housing office. He said it’s rewarding to have a job that helps people stay housed and prevents individuals from becoming homeless.

“It was a little overwhelming,” Lawson said about winning the award, “especially when I found out who the award was named after. I’ve been in human services for a while, and I’ve never done it for recognition at all. I’ve always found it worthwhile to be able to feel like I’m giving back.”

Gagnon, a Case Manager in FBMS’ Plymouth Housing office, has worked for the organization for 17 months. Prior to that, he worked in both individual and family shelters on Cape Cod for several years. He said he feels fortunate to work with colleagues who are so committed to helping those who are vulnerable and in need.

“I enjoy being able to assist our participants in the challenges that they face each day,” Gagnon said. “The issues our participants experience are sometimes so overwhelming and they often struggle in navigating the many systems that can assist and support them, whether they be housing, legal, mental health, substance abuse, and healthcare. By serving as a support and resource for them, we can help alleviate the fears and frustrations they face in order to be successful.”

FBMS employees have been considered essential workers during the COVID-19 crisis. Starting in March, when millions of people across the country began staying home to limit their exposure to the highly contagious coronavirus, FBMS’ staff continued to show up to work to assist individuals, families, and Veterans experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

“We are so proud of James, Caz, and Geoff for this well-deserved recognition, which is an extra special honor considering it’s named after Ed O’Neil, who means so much to our mission,” FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski said. “The work of these three, along with our entire staff, has been heroic during this pandemic. They are putting their health at risk in order to provide hope and safety to our neighbors in need.”

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,700 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 427-6448 x2289, pronan@helpfbms.org

Regional non-profit provides 1,000 meals on Thanksgiving
Father Bill’s & MainSpring expands delivery program to keep tradition going amid COVID-19

[BROCKTON, Mass., November 26, 2020] Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to ending homelessness in Southern Massachusetts, provided approximately 1,000 Thanksgiving meals to local residents in need on Thursday, offering home deliveries and meal pick-ups in addition to hosting dinners for guests of its emergency shelters in Brockton and Quincy.

Though FBMS couldn’t hold traditional in-person community meals this year due to COVID-19, the agency’s network of supporters stepped up to ensure that everybody in need this Thanksgiving could receive a dinner that included turkey, several side dishes, and pie. The agency secured individually packaged meals from Hardy Catering in West Bridgewater and expanded its meal-delivery program, setting a record for the most meals FBMS has ever provided in a single day.

“When we started planning for this year’s Thanksgiving program back in the summer, it was never a question of if; it was a question of how,” John Yazwinski, FBMS President & CEO, said. “Thanks to our amazing community, we were able to overcome all of the logistical and financial challenges created by COVID-19 to make sure nobody struggling on Thanksgiving went hungry. Many of our neighbors in need are elderly or are immunocompromised, so we are incredibly grateful to our donors and volunteers for helping provide every individual with safe and socially distanced access to a Thanksgiving dinner.”

Approximately 400 meals were provided in Brockton to guests of the MainSpring House emergency shelter, guests of the satellite shelter at the Rodeway Inn, tenants living in FBMS’ permanent supportive housing, and Brockton-area residents who picked up meals at a designated outdoor location.

The agency’s meal-delivery operation was based out of Christ Episcopal Church in Quincy, where approximately 60 volunteers assembled and delivered more than 450 meals to homes across the South Shore — a 50 percent increase from last year’s home-delivery program. In adherence with social distancing guidelines, all deliveries were contactless Thursday. Another 150 meals were provided to guests staying at Father Bill’s Place emergency shelter in Quincy and a satellite shelter at Best Western in Quincy.

Donations to a special Thanksgiving Fund allowed FBMS to meet this year’s added costs. As of the latest count, $31,640 had been raised toward the fund. Two South Shore donors, who wished to remain anonymous, contributed $7,500 to the fund as part of a matching-gift challenge.

Easton Knights of Columbus, Council #238 donated 118 full-size pies to FBMS in partnership with Montilio’s Baking Company and Roche Bros. Supermarkets. In addition, Table Talk Pies of Worcester, donated 720 individually packaged 4-inch pies.

Hingham Congregational Church historically has donated all of the turkeys for FBMS’ community dinner in Quincy. When the agency decided to cater the meals this year due to COVID-19, Hingham Congregational Church made a generous monetary gift in lieu of the turkey donation.

New supporters of our Thanksgiving program this year included Greater Boston Plumbing Contractors Association, the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, Duff & Phelps – Boston, and SK & Associates.

For more information on how the public can assist their neighbors in need, visit helpfbms.org/holidays.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring

Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,700 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helfbms.org

New home for Veterans opens in Randolph
Envision Bank, Father Bill’s & MainSpring partner to build home for formerly homeless Vets

[RANDOLPH, Mass., November 10, 2020] At a time when space and comfort have never felt more important, the Envision Bank Home for Veterans is opening its doors to 10 formerly homeless Veterans.

On Tuesday, Nov. 10, Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) and Envision Bank co-hosted a virtual event to celebrate the opening of the Randolph property, which contains 10 efficiency apartments, a community room, a program room, and an office for FBMS staff. The virtual event featured a mixture of live videos and pre-recorded messages to commemorate the home’s opening on the week of Veterans Day.

In recent weeks, tenants have begun moving into the brand-new property, a two-story building owned and operated by FBMS, a regional provider of services and housing designed to prevent and end homelessness. The home is located at 26 Moulton Street next to the Envision Bank branch in downtown Randolph.

The project began as a dream four years ago when Envision Bank management first discussed the idea of building a home for Veterans in need. That dream became a reality thanks to the unique, proactive partnership between Envision Bank and FBMS. Last year Envision Bank sold a vacant parcel of land to FBMS for $1, and the bank’s foundation donated $500,000 toward construction. The bank also provided $300,000 in financing to build the house, which will provide on-site case management and supportive services to help tenants gain the skills needed to become more independent. One of the apartments is wheelchair accessible and one is adapted for hearing/sight impairments.

Envision Bank employees have been helping new tenants move into their studio apartments, greeting them with signs that say “Welcome Home” and “Thank You for Your Service.”

“Everyone deserves safe, dignified, permanent housing to reclaim their lives — and those who have fought for our freedom, our Veterans, are no exception. We are thrilled that our colleagues are able to be there, welcoming Randolph’s newest residents,” said Envision Bank President and CEO Bill Parent. “We’ve worked hard to make a difference where we can on issues impacting our Veterans, the homeless, or those at risk of homelessness. Partnering with Father Bill’s & MainSpring has allowed us to successfully support both of those goals. They have been focused on ending homelessness and raising awareness for the issue of homelessness in today’s society, starting a larger conversation and building greater empathy for one another through understanding — and through high-quality housing and important support services that give Veterans the opportunity to bring the future they dream of to reality.”

Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, FBMS and its development team, led by general contractor Curtis Construction Co., were determined to stay on schedule with the construction of the home, which was considered essential.

“We are incredibly grateful to Envision Bank, the Envision Bank Foundation, the bank’s leadership team, particularly Bill Parent, Jim McDonough, Lou Trubiano and Richard Olson, and the entire Randolph community for committing to this project at a critical time for our mission,” said FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski. “The way we end homelessness, not just manage it, is by creating more affordable housing, and this is especially important in this time of social distancing. We can never have people sleeping on our shelter floors again, and the Envision Bank Home for Veterans is a perfect example of how the public and private sectors can come together to provide hope to our neighbors in need.”

FBMS currently operates more than 550 permanent supportive housing units on the South Shore and across Southern Massachusetts. On average, 99 percent of FBMS tenants stay housed at least one year, while 93 percent of tenants stay housed at least three years.

Other funding sources for the $2.57 million project include $1.46 million from the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC); $100,000 from the Town of Randolph’s Community Preservation Committee, and $75,000 from MassHousing Center for Community Recovery Innovations (CCRI). Other project supporters include: Alvarium Foundation; Electro Switch Corporation; The Elks – Lodge 2130, Randolph; Highland Street Foundation; My Brother’s Keeper; The Pineau Family; Randolph AMVETS Post 51; Randolph Chamber of Commerce; Jeannette Travaline; The Trubiano Family.

FBMS is raising additional funds through naming opportunities. For more information on these opportunities and to take a virtual tour of the new home, visit helpfbms.org/envisionhome.

The project’s development team was comprised of Curtis Construction Co., Rothschild & Associates, Elton + Hampton Architects, Anser Advisory, and Matera, Vopat, Matera & Johnson.

About Envision Bank              

Founded in 1851, Envision Bank is a Massachusetts-based community bank, committed to proactively helping consumers and business owners simplify their financial lives. It operates six full-service locations, three lending centers, and seven mortgage production offices in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and southern New Hampshire and can serve anyone in New England online at www.envisionbank.com. The bank is a top regional mortgage lender, as well as a provider of cash management and financing solutions to commercial businesses. NASDAQ: RNDB

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps more than 6,700 people annually who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices throughout Southern Massachusetts. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 427-6448 x2289, pronan@helpfbms.org

Jack Conway & Co. annual golf tournament raises more than $65,000 for Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Real estate agency held a Matching Gift Drive in conjunction with the golf tournament

October 22, 2020 — A strong showing of support this fall has enabled Jack Conway & Company to raise $67,146 in support of Father Bill’s & MainSpring, which serves individuals, families and veterans facing homelessness in Southern Massachusetts.

Monies were raised at the 36th Annual Jack Conway Memorial Golf Tournament on Sept. 24, held in conjunction with a Conway-funded Matching Gifts Drive. The sense of need amid the COVID-19 pandemic compelled an outpouring of generosity, as all 32 team slots in the tournament sold out in record time. In total, 128 agents, vendors and partners participated in the golf event held at Easton Country Club in Easton, Mass. that looked a bit different than past years as efforts were taken to comply with COVID-19 precautions.

It was this willingness to participate by so many that inspired Jack Conway & Co. to run a Matching Gifts Drive in conjunction with the tournament.

“Father Bill’s & MainSpring has a strong and storied history with Conway,” said Carol Conway Bulman, President and CEO of Jack Conway & Co. “In these unprecedented times it felt like the right thing to do, to support some of our community’s most vulnerable citizens through such a great organization. We graciously thank those who supported us on the course and through individual contributions to make this remarkable donation possible.”

In lieu of what would have been an auction, raffle, and luncheon event, additional physical and electronic donations were taken on the course as well as online by those who could not be at the tournament but wanted a way to contribute. All funds raised on the course and over the three days surrounding the event were matched for a grand total of $67,146.

“We’ve been so amazed by the generosity of our golfers, sponsors and donors, they truly care,” added Al Becker, Chief Operating Officer of Jack Conway and Board Member of Father Bill’s & MainSpring. “As a company we’re grateful to able to give back to a part of our community that really needs the help.”

“We’re so grateful to Carol Bulman, Al Becker, and the Conway team for finding a way to hold this very special tournament during such challenging times,” said John Yazwinski, President & CEO of Father Bill’s & MainSpring. “The Conway family and their company have been with our mission since our agency’s founding more than 35 years ago, and this tournament is yet another example of how they’ve gone above and beyond to strengthen the neighborhoods they serve.”

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Father Bill’s & MainSpring raises $1.15 million in response to COVID-19 crisis
Non-profit more than doubles its Campaign for Hope fundraising goal

[August 6, 2020] Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional provider of emergency shelter and housing, raised more than $1.15 million toward its Campaign for Hope, supporting the organization’s response to the unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 crisis.

The Campaign for Hope, which ran from May through July, was launched by FBMS as an alternative to its signature FoodFest fundraiser, canceled this year due to the pandemic. Funds raised by the campaign will allow FBMS to continue operating satellite emergency shelters for individuals experiencing homelessness, in addition to its primary shelters in Quincy and Brockton.

The added sites allow for social distancing among guests, many of whom are elderly or suffer from underlying health conditions which make them particularly vulnerable to the coronavirus.

In the spring, FBMS set a goal to raise $500,000 toward the Campaign for Hope in order to cover added costs during the early stages of the crisis. The Arbella Insurance Foundation and Bank of America joined the campaign as its leading supporters.

When it became apparent that the pandemic would impact FBMS’ operations through the end of the year and into 2021, FBMS stepped up its fundraising efforts by expanding its outreach to more businesses, organizations, and individual donors.

In total, the Campaign for Hope raised $1,155,930.

“Our mission has been tested many times in our 38-year history; we’ve endured economic recessions, the opioid epidemic, and harsh winters filled with blizzards and nor’easters. But we’ve never faced a challenge like COVID-19,” said John Yazwinski, President & CEO of Father Bill’s & MainSpring. “It means the world to us to know that we are not alone in this unprecedented fight. We are truly blessed to be part of such a special community that cares about one another, and the tremendous response to this campaign means our neighbors in need can hold onto hope during the challenging times ahead.”

Since March, FBMS has hired additional staff in order to operate its temporary shelter sites. In addition, across all of its sites, the agency has invested in PPE, handwashing stations, cleaning supplies, as well as extra food to fill a gap left by a temporary loss of kitchen volunteers.

The agency estimates that the pandemic has resulted in an additional $300,000 per month in costs, of which $125,000 per month must be raised in private donations.

The Campaign for Hope received support from approximately 70 local businesses and organizations, with gifts ranging from $500 to $100,000. In addition, two anonymous donors from Hingham offered to match $100,000 in individual donations made to FBMS during the month of July, a goal that was successfully met.

The campaign also included an online auction featuring 30 items, including golf passes, virtual experiences and seven Get One, Give One packages, which helped support past FoodFest restaurants while also providing meals for shelter guests.

Campaign for Hope Leading Supporters: Arbella Insurance Foundation; Bank of America

Heroes of Hope: Anonymous (5); Bridewater Savings; Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts; The Boston Foundation; Cape Cod Lumber; Cashman Dredging; Charlesbank Homes Foundation; Dellbrook | JKS; Dunkin Joy in Childhood Foundation; Eastern Bank; Philip & Deborah Edmundson; Electroswitch; Flatley Foundation; HarborOne Bank; Highland Street Foundation; Jay & Linda Hooley; Jack Conway Realtor; John and Mary Corcoran Foundation; Law Office of George G. Burke; Lynch & Lynch; Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund; Medtronic Foundation; My Brother’s Keeper; The Narrow Gate; NiSource Charitable Foundation, Columbia Gas of Massachusetts (A NiSource Company); North Easton Savings Bank; Quincy Mutual Group; Republic Plumbing Supply; Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation; The Shaughnessy Family; South Shore Bank; South Shore Health; United Way of Greater Plymouth County; United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley; Webster Bank; Yawkey Foundation; Abington Bank; Atlantic Mechanical Contractors; A.W. Perry; The Bay State Federal Savings Charitable Foundation; Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Milton; Boston BullPen Project; Jeffrey Cotto (Rogers | Gray); Don Dickinson; Harvard Pilgrim Health Care; IKEA Stoughton; Jesson, Oslin & Associates, LLP; John C. and Eunice B. Morrison Charitable Foundation; Kevin P. Martin Associates, P.C.; Marshfield Community Television; NeighborWorks Housing Solutions; North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (NASRCC); P. Leo and Helen A. Corcoran Foundation; Randolph Chamber of Commerce; Bill & Katherine Reardon; Roche Bros.; Rogers | Gray; Rotary Club of Weymouth; Signature Healthcare; State Street Corporation; Stonehill College; T&K Asphalt Services, Inc.; Tufts Health Plan Foundation; Kathleen, Joanne and Richard Jr, in honor of their parents, Richard and Virginia Welch

Campaign for Hope Media Supporters: The Patriot Ledger; Wicked Local

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 7,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing. FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Frontline staff at Father Bill’s & MainSpring recognized for service during COVID-19 crisis
Frontline staff receives the Richard C. and Virginia A. Welch Dedicated Volunteer Award

[July 23, 2020] The frontline staff at Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional provider of emergency shelter and housing, has been named the 2020 recipient of the Richard C. and Virginia A. Welch Dedicated Volunteer Award. The recognition is being announced as part of FBMS’ Campaign for Hope, a fundraising initiative launched as an alternative to the organization’s FoodFest event, which was canceled this year due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Starting in March, when millions of people across the country began staying home to limit their exposure to the highly contagious coronavirus, FBMS’ frontline staff continued to show up to work to assist individuals, families, and Veterans experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

The award is named after the late Richard C. Welch, the co-founder and President of Dyna-Fab Company and a longtime member of the board of directors at FBMS, and his late wife Virginia.

The Welch Award is typically presented at FoodFest to a volunteer/supporter who demonstrates a significant commitment to the agency’s mission. When considering the launch of the Campaign for Hope, focusing on the organization’s needs as a result of the pandemic, the Board of Directors decided it was fitting to recognize the agency’s frontline staff.

“In life, it’s the tough times that reveal our strength and character. During these challenging past few months, you have shown exceptional strength and the highest character by stepping up for the guests who rely on our services,” FBMS Board of Directors Chair Dr. Michael Kryzanek and Vice Chair Mary Catherine Finn wrote in the award letter to frontline staff. “You put your own health at risk in order to provide hope and safety to our neighbors in need. Your commitment to our mission has been heroic.”

The Campaign for Hope, which runs through the end of July, is raising funds to help FBMS keep up with the unprecedented costs associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Arbella Insurance Foundation and Bank of America are leading supporters of the Campaign for Hope, which thus far has received support from more than 70 businesses, organizations, and individual donors.

Campaign for Hope features:

• Video Tributes – FBMS frontline staff will be recognized via special video messages recorded by Boston Bruins star Charlie Coyle, a Weymouth native, and local elected officials. The tributes are being shared on FBMS’ social media pages.
• Get One, Give One Auction – The public can support local restaurants hit hard by the pandemic while also filling an important need for FBMS. Winning bidders receive gift cards to local restaurants, all longtime FoodFest participants, while also providing prepared meals for emergency shelter guests or frontline staff. To learn more, visit campaignforhope.givesmart.com.
• General Auction – Similar to past FoodFests, FBMS is holding an online auction for valuable items, including unique virtual experiences, gift cards, and sports memorabilia. To learn more, visit campaignforhope.givesmart.com.
• Matching Gift Challenge – Through the end of the Campaign for Hope (July 31), two Hingham donors, who wish to remain anonymous, have offered to match all donations to FBMS, dollar for dollar, up to $100,000. It is the largest matching gift offer the agency has ever received. Donations can be made at helpfbms.org/donate or sent to: Father Bill’s & MainSpring, Attn: Development Office, 430 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

All proceeds support FBMS’ response to the COVID-19 crisis. FBMS estimates that it is spending an additional $300,000 per month as a result of the pandemic, of which $125,000 per month must be raised in private donations. Additional expenses for the agency include the operation of satellite shelters, allowing for social distancing among guests, and new investments in food, PPE, and cleaning supplies.

“Our campaign ends on July 31, but we will be fighting this virus for the foreseeable future. The funds raised now will help us sustain hope during the difficult times ahead,” FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski said. “We are blessed to have a dedicated staff showing up every day to help our most vulnerable neighbors, and we are grateful to our generous network of supporters who are stepping up to provide hope when it’s needed most.”

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 7,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Yawkey Foundation donates $150,000 to Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Funding will support non-profit organization’s response to COVID-19 crisis

BROCKTON, Mass., June 23, 2020 – The Yawkey Foundation is continuing their longtime support of vulnerable populations by donating $150,000 to Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional non-profit organization that provides critical services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

The grant from Yawkey Foundation, a longtime supporter of FBMS, will support the agency’s efforts to provide emergency shelter and hot meals to more than 200 individual adults per night during the COVID-19 crisis. In addition, the funds will help FBMS continue offering emergency shelter to more than 130 families per night and continue operating more than 550 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and Veterans on the South Shore and across Southern Massachusetts.

Since 1977, Yawkey Foundation has promoted inclusion and equality by donating more than $500 million to charities assisting those in need, particularly through education, healthcare and human services. In response to the COVID-19 crisis and its repercussions on the most vulnerable communities, the Foundation has focused meaningful support on Massachusetts’ smaller, under-resourced regions with limited philanthropic resources, such as Brockton, that have been hit particularly hard by the pandemic.

“We are grateful to the Yawkey Foundation for helping provide hope to our most vulnerable neighbors during these incredibly challenging times,” said FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski. “The Yawkey Foundation is stepping up when we need them most, and this generous grant will help us continue saving lives in the months and years ahead.”

The $150,000 grant will go toward FBMS’ Campaign for Hope, which was launched as an alternative to the agency’s FoodFest fundraising event, canceled this year due to COVID-19. The cancellation of FoodFest comes at a time when FBMS needs corporate and private support more than ever; the agency estimates that it must raise $125,000 per month in private funding to keep up with new costs related to COVID-19.

“Yawkey Foundation has been honored to support Father Bill’s & Mainspring for almost two decades, and it’s difficult to recall a time or circumstance during which their shelter, housing, and hunger relief programs have been more critical,” said Maureen H. Bleday, Yawkey Foundation CEO. “We know that this grant is an investment in the recovery, rebuilding and renewal for the individuals and families they serve with such care and compassion throughout the Greater Brockton community.”

In response to the crisis, FBMS has worked with local partners to open up temporary shelters in Quincy and Brockton, helping provide space for social distancing to help protect the health and safety of guests and staff. In addition, the agency is hiring new staff to meet an increased need for services; is purchasing extra food for shelter guests to make up for a temporary loss in its volunteer workforce; and is taking the steps needed to limit the spread of COVID-19, including investments in extra handwashing stations and an aggressive cleaning of its facilities.

To learn more about FBMS’ response to the coronavirus crisis and to learn more about the Campaign for Hope, visit helpfbms.org/hope.

 About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 7,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About Yawkey Foundation
Yawkey Foundation is dedicated to perpetuating the philanthropic legacy of Tom and Jean Yawkey, whose eight decades of quiet generosity supported individuals and families in the communities that were closest to their hearts – Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. Having awarded more than $500 million to-date in charitable grants to organizations focused on Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife, Yawkey Foundation is committed to preserving and sustaining the charitable values of Tom and Jean Yawkey by investing in impactful nonprofits providing resources, opportunity, and dignity to the vulnerable and underserved. For more information, please visit www.yawkeyfoundation.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Father Bill’s & MainSpring launches Campaign for Hope as alternative to FoodFest
Campaign to raise critical funds in support of most vulnerable during COVID-19 crisis

[QUINCY, Mass. June 4, 2020] Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional provider of emergency shelter and housing, has announced a new fundraising campaign as an alternative to its annual FoodFest event, which has been canceled this year due to the COVID-19 crisis.

FBMS is launching the Campaign for Hope with a goal of raising $500,000 by the end of July. The campaign’s lead supporters are the Arbella Insurance Foundation and Bank of America, both of which made major donations in March that helped FBMS early in the COVID-19 crisis.

“The cancellation of FoodFest comes at a time when there’s an urgent need for corporate and individual donations,” said John Yazwinski, FBMS President & CEO. “Led by the Arbella Insurance Foundation and Bank of America, our Campaign for Hope provides an opportunity for our community to come together, while apart, to provide hope to our most vulnerable neighbors experiencing homelessness.”

FoodFest, which FBMS hosted for 25 years straight, has been the signature fundraising event for a non-profit that provides emergency shelter to approximately 260 individuals per night and more than 130 families per night. Last year, FoodFest, in partnership with more than 35 local restaurants, raised more than $350,000 to support FBMS’ mission to end homelessness on the South Shore and across Southern Massachusetts.

The loss of FoodFest revenue comes as FBMS grapples with the unprecedented challenges created by the COVID-19 crisis. The agency has invested in additional staff and shelter sites in order to allow for social distancing among guests, and has invested in other items, such as PPE, handwashing stations, and cleaning supplies, to help guests feel safe and comfortable. In addition, as a result of a temporary loss of its volunteer workforce, FBMS is purchasing extra food to make sure all guests have access to three meals per day.

The agency estimates that keeping the shelters open and safe during the pandemic has resulted in an additional $125,000 each month that must be raised in private donations.

“We’re calling our campaign contributors our Heroes of Hope,” said Catie Reilly, FBMS Chief Development Officer. “While we won’t gather together for FoodFest in July, we plan to recognize our Heroes of Hope and incorporate elements of FoodFest in a virtual, interactive capacity. We also look forward to working with our past FoodFest restaurant partners in new and creative ways to highlight and support them during this difficult time.”

To learn more about the Campaign for Hope, visit helpfbms.org/hope.

Donations by mail can be sent to: Father Bill’s & MainSpring, Attn: Development Office, 430 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Bank of America assists Father Bill’s & MainSpring during COVID-19 crisis
Efforts will boost outreach and services to Southern MA’s most vulnerable individuals

BROCKTON, Mass., April 13, 2020 —  Bank of America is joining with Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) in order to support individuals and families experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis.

A $100,000 grant from the bank will assist FBMS as it continues to face steep operational challenges while providing emergency shelter and hot meals to more than 200 individuals per night during the pandemic. In addition, the non-profit organization is providing emergency shelter to more than 130 families per night and is operating more than 550 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and veterans on the South Shore and across Southern Massachusetts.

In response to the crisis, FBMS has worked with local partners to open up temporary shelters in Quincy and Brockton, helping provide additional space to help protect the health and safety of guests and staff. In addition, the agency is hiring new staff to meet an increased need for services; is purchasing food for shelter guests to make up for a temporary loss in its volunteer workforce; and is taking the steps needed to limit the spread of COVID-19, including investments in extra handwashing stations and an aggressive cleaning of its facilities.

“We are grateful to Bank of America for providing this incredibly generous gift at a critical time for our agency,” said FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski. “This crisis has created significant additional costs as we work around the clock to protect our guests, many of whom are elderly or have underlying health conditions. This grant from Bank America will assist us tremendously as we continue to provide care to our most vulnerable neighbors.”

The grant is part of Bank of America’s commitment, announced last month, to distribute $100 million to local communities around the world facing unprecedented challenges.

“At Bank of America, we are working every day to provide resources that support the needs of our communities. The Coronavirus pandemic is forcing nonprofit groups like Father Bill’s & MainSpring to do more for a vulnerable population that depends on their services. We will continue supporting the rising need for services to support our community,” said Miceal Chamberlain, Massachusetts president of Bank of America.

Earlier this month, FBMS partnered with the South Shore YMCA and the City of Quincy to open up a temporary secondary shelter at the Quincy YMCA branch. And in Brockton FBMS has partnered with the state and City of Brockton to open four emergency tents outside of MainSpring House. These initiatives have allowed FBMS to depopulate its shelters, providing the space needed for guests and staff to practice social distancing, limiting their potential exposure to COVID-19.

FBMS is partnering with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, Manet Community Health Center, and Brockton Neighborhood Health Center to provide basic health care services and COVID-19 testing to guests and staff.

To learn more about FBMS’ response to the coronavirus crisis and to learn how the public can help, visit helpfbms.org/coronavirus.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About Bank of America
At Bank of America, we’re guided by a common purpose to help make financial lives better, through the power of every connection. We’re delivering on this through responsible growth with a focus on our environmental, social and governance (ESG) leadership. ESG is embedded across our eight lines of business and reflects how we help fuel the global economy, build trust and credibility, and represent a company that people want to work for, invest in and do business with. It’s demonstrated in the inclusive and supportive workplace we create for our employees, the responsible products and services we offer our clients, and the impact we make around the world in helping local economies thrive. An important part of this work is forming strong partnerships with nonprofits and advocacy groups, such as community, consumer and environmental organizations, to bring together our collective networks and expertise to achieve greater impact. Learn more at about.bankofamerica.com, and connect with us on Twitter (@BofA_News).

Bank of America has delivered more than $2 billion in philanthropic investments since 2009, with approximately $250 million in 2019 alone. In April 2019, the company announced a $5 billion Bank of America Community Homeownership Commitment™ to benefit low- and moderate-income homebuyers and communities across the U.S. over the next five years. Also in 2019, Bank of America Community Development Banking provided a record $4.88 billion in loans, tax credit equity investments and other real estate development solutions. Between 2005 and 2019, Bank of America financed 202,800 affordable housing units. To meet the unique needs of its 12 million small business owners, the company provides advice, solutions and dedicated support. Bank of America maintained its position as the nation’s top small business lender at the end of 2019, with $38.9 billion in total outstanding small business loan balances (defined as business loans in original amounts of $1 million and under), up 7% year over year.

For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts.

www.bankofamerica.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

State, city, and local partners team up to provide emergency relief to individuals experiencing homelessness in Brockton
Heated tents will provide extra space, support to guests of MainSpring House

[BROCKTON, Mass., March 31, 2020] The administrations of Gov. Charlie Baker and Brockton Mayor Robert F. Sullivan are partnering with local non-profits Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) and Brockton Neighborhood Health Center (BNHC) to provide emergency relief to individuals experiencing homelessness in Brockton during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Officials have approved a plan to erect multiple emergency tents next to the MainSpring House, an emergency shelter operated by FBMS at 54 North Main Street in Brockton. The heated tents, to be erected within the coming week, will hold emergency cots and additional amenities for approximately 60 guests who are currently staying at MainSpring House.

The tents will be erected on the city-owned Perkins Park and outside of Jeff’s Place, the housing property operated by FBMS at 26 Spring Street. The tents will allow FBMS to depopulate MainSpring House, which in recent weeks has been providing shelter to approximately 125 guests per night.

By opening up these tents, guests and staff at MainSpring House will be able to practice the social distancing guidelines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, MainSpring House and its healthcare partner, Brockton Neighborhood Health Center, which operates a clinic within the shelter, will have the space needed to create potential quarantine areas to better protect guests and staff from exposure to COVID-19.

“We want to thank Mayor Robert Sullivan, the City of Brockton, the administration of Governor Charlie Baker, including the Executive Office of Health and Human Services, and Brockton Neighborhood Health Center for coming together to provide critical support to our most vulnerable neighbors during this crisis,” said FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski. “Our guests are among the most vulnerable to the coronavirus, including elders and individuals with underlying health issues. By opening these tents, we’re able to depopulate our shelter and we’re in a much better position to deliver the support and care our guests need during these unprecedented times.”

“Brockton Neighborhood Health Center is pleased to be part of this collaboration to protect the vulnerable homeless individuals in Brockton,” said Brockton Neighborhood Health Center CEO Sue Joss. “The close quarters in the MainSpring facility make it nearly impossible to maintain the social distancing necessary to prevent the spread of COVID-19. The tents will allow guests at MainSpring to spread out and keep their distance from each other. BNHC is supporting this effort by testing MainSpring staff and guests for the virus and providing medical support and guidance to this effort.”

“My role as Mayor is to protect all residents of the City. To that end, I have been in close contact with John Yazwinski and Sue Joss since this crisis started to make a plan for some of Brockton’s most vulnerable residents – our homeless population,” said Mayor Robert F. Sullivan. “I welcome the State’s assistance and look forward to a solution-based approach that provides a healthy environment to help our residents.”

FBMS is adding staff around the clock to help provide support to the expanded shelter operations. Between the MainSpring House and the tented areas, a total of 7 staff will work the 4 p.m. to midnight shift, 6 staff will work the midnight to 8 a.m. shift, and 6 staff will work the 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. shift.

Staff along with a police detail will ensure security of the tented areas. In addition, there will be surveillance cameras pointed toward the park for additional visual supervision.

Several weeks ago, FBMS began implementing precautionary measures at MainSpring House to better protect guests and staff, including a more thorough screening process for guests entering the shelter. The screening, conducted by staff and medical personnel, helps identify guests who are exhibiting symptoms similar to those of COVID-19.

In addition, FBMS purchased additional handwashing stations and invested in cleaning services to help limit exposure to COVID-19. For more information, visit helpfbms.org/coronavirus.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About Brockton Neighborhood Health Center
Brockton Neighborhood Health Center is a multicultural organization that collaborates with community agencies and residents to provide high-quality, comprehensive health care that is responsive to community health needs and is linguistically, culturally and financially accessible. We are committed to health promotion and disease prevention, and serve more than 35,000 individual patients each year in our three downtown clinics.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contacts: Patrick Ronan, Community Relations & Marketing Manager, Father Bill’s & MainSpring, 508-649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org; Lauren Dell’Olio, Vice President of Communications, South Shore YMCA, 617-680-7659, ldellolio@ssymca.org.

Quincy YMCA to provide extra space, support to most vulnerable during COVID-19 crisis
City of Quincy, South Shore YMCA, and Father Bill’s & MainSpring collaborate to provide emergency shelter to elders and at-risk individuals experiencing homelessness

[QUINCY, Mass., March 31, 2020] South Shore YMCA, the City of Quincy and Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) have partnered to create a temporary emergency shelter that will support some of the area’s most vulnerable individuals during the ongoing COVID-19 crisis.

Starting on Wednesday, April 1, the South Shore YMCA Quincy Branch on Coddington Street will open up its gymnasium to approximately 50 individuals currently staying at Father Bill’s Place, the emergency shelter operated by FBMS at 38 Broad Street. The temporary shelter will provide beds, meals, and supportive services to elders and individuals with underlying health conditions, who are among the most vulnerable to the coronavirus.

The City of Quincy’s Office of Emergency Management, at the direction of Mayor Thomas Koch, has provided the cots and logistical support needed to operate an emergency shelter. The City, South Shore YMCA and FBMS are working together to provide support staff and to ensure site security.

By opening up a secondary shelter, guests and staff at Father Bill’s Place will be able to practice the social distancing guidelines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In addition, working with the Y, Father Bill’s Place will have the relief necessary to create potential quarantine areas in other locations within Quincy, which would better protect guests and staff from exposure to COVID-19.

In recent weeks, Father Bill’s Place has been providing shelter to more than 120 individuals per night.

“We’re grateful to Paul Gorman, the team at the South Shore YMCA, Mayor Thomas Koch, and the City of Quincy for stepping up and providing the leadership and resources needed to support our neighbors in need during these unprecedented times,” said FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski. “Based on our communications with shelter providers on the West Coast, including those most impacted by the coronavirus in Washington state, we’ve determined that the best course of action right now is to depopulate our shelters, creating more physical space for individuals who don’t have their own home. This temporary shelter in Quincy goes a long way in protecting our most vulnerable guests during this crisis.”

“We made one phone call to South Shore YMCA President Paul Gorman to explore this idea, and his response was immediate: ‘What do you need and when do you need it?’” said Quincy Mayor Tom Koch. “I am extraordinarily grateful for the SSYMCA’s partnership on this important effort to protect some of the most vulnerable members of our community; the hard, fast work of the team at Father Bill’s to make it happen; and the leadership of Joe Finn and the Massachusetts Shelter and Housing Alliance for bringing all the parties together.”

“The YMCA has been a part of the Quincy community for more than 125 years,” said South Shore YMCA President & CEO Paul Gorman. “We have always had a strong relationship with the City and the Mayor’s office and are happy to support the community in any way we can.  We pour our hearts into our social services work, which is at the core of our mission. We are proud and honored to work alongside the City and Father Bill’s Place in this time of need.”

FBMS has been working with Boston Health Care for the Homeless Program, which operates a health care clinic inside Father Bill’s Place, and Manet Community Health Center in order to implement health and safety measures that better protect guests and staff during this pandemic.

Several weeks ago, FBMS began implementing precautionary measures at Father Bill’s Place to better protect guests and staff, including a more thorough screening process for guests entering the shelter. The screening, conducted by staff and medical personnel, helps identify guests who are exhibiting symptoms similar to those of COVID-19. Guests displaying symptoms are directed to a health care provider for further screening.

All guests staying at the South Shore YMCA Quincy will have undergone the screening process at Father Bill’s Place and displayed no COVID-19 symptoms.

In addition, FBMS purchased additional handwashing stations and invested in cleaning services to help limit exposure to COVID-19. For more information, visit helpfbms.org/coronavirus.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About the South Shore YMCA
The South Shore YMCA is a leading charitable organization dedicated to strengthening community. Since 1892, the Y has served communities across the South Shore of Massachusetts and beyond, engaging over 60,000 adults, children, families and seniors each day through membership, critical social services, and programs that support a healthy spirit, mind and body. The Y empowers everyone by ensuring access to resources, relationships and opportunities for all to learn, grow and thrive. By bringing together people from all backgrounds, the Y’s goal is to improve overall health and well-being, ignite youth empowerment and demonstrate the importance of connections throughout our community. To learn more about the South Shore YMCA and our causes, visit ssymca.org. The Better You Belongs Here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 649-4589, pronan@helpfbms.org

Urgent need for donations during COVID-19 crisis
Father Bill’s & MainSpring continues to provide services that support our most vulnerable

[BROCKTON, Mass., March 24, 2020] Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS), a regional provider of emergency shelter and housing, is asking the public for support during the COVID-19 pandemic, as the non-profit agency continues to provide essential services to our most vulnerable neighbors in Southern Massachusetts.

As a result of the COVID-19 crisis, FBMS is anticipating an operational shortfall of approximately $125,000 per month that is needed to continue providing essential services while also protecting guests and staff from exposure to the virus. Every night, the agency provides emergency shelter to approximately 260 individuals and more than 130 families who are experiencing homelessness. In addition, FBMS continues to operate more than 550 permanent supportive housing units for formerly homeless individuals, families, and veterans.

Cash donations provide FBMS with the most flexibility in responding to the crisis. Donations will allow FBMS to purchase meals for guests, purchase additional handwashing stations and cleaning supplies, and compensate shelter staff for working during the crisis.

To make an online donation, visit helpfbms.org/donate. Checks can be sent to: Father Bill’s & MainSpring, Attn: Development Office, 430 Belmont Street, Brockton, MA 02301.

“We can’t press pause on homelessness during this crisis,” FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski said. “At our shelters in Quincy and Brockton we work with immunodeficient populations, including elders and guests with chronic illnesses, who are among the most vulnerable to COVID-19. We must pull together as a community to provide our critical services of food and shelter, and we simply can’t do it without help from our supporters.”

In addition to cash donations, FBMS is in need of:

• Bagged lunches and prepared meals: Bagged lunches and prepared meals can be delivered on weekdays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. at Father Bill’s Place, 38 Broad Street, Quincy (617-770-3314), and MainSpring House at 54 North Main Street, Brockton (508-587-5441). These deliveries, which provide essential services, are permitted during a shelter-in-place order. IMPORTANT: Please call shelter upon your arrival and staff will meet you at your vehicle to accept donation. For more info, visit tinyurl.com/LunchesFBMS.
• Disinfectant & Cleaning Supplies: Our shelters are in need of: hand sanitizer, gloves, masks, hand soap, Clorox wipes, Lysol spray, or any type of disinfecting solution. To make a donation, email info@helpfbms.org or call 508-649-4589.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE, Contact: Patrick Ronan, (508) 427-6448 x2289, pronan@helpfbms.org

United Way brings warmth to FBMS families
United Way of Greater Plymouth County funds purchase of winter coats for local children in need

[BROCKTON, Mass., March 3, 2020] More than 60 children served by Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) received brand-new winter coats this season, thanks to the United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s 5th Annual “United Way Warmer Winters Fund.” Since 2015, this initiative has helped over 1,000 children in Greater Plymouth County keep warm during the cold winter months.

The fund was supported this year by generous donations from Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital Plymouth, Bridgewater Savings Bank, Good Samaritan Medical Center, Macy’s, National Grid and Target. United Way was able to allocate $11,850 to help low income children in Greater Plymouth County, including $2,151 donated to FBMS.

FBMS utilized the grant funding to purchase winter coats for children served by the agency. FBMS, a regional provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts, provides emergency shelter to more than 260 families per year, including more than 460 children.

“Many families in our region are struggling to keep up with the high cost of living, making it very difficult for parents to afford seasonal items, like coats for their kids,” FBMS President & CEO John Yazwinski said. “We’re very grateful to the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and its corporate partners for bringing warmth to our neighbors in need this winter.”

Other recipients of the funds to purchase coats were The Family Center at Community Connections of Brockton, The Arc of Greater Plymouth, Brockton Area Arc, Brockton Day Nursery, Brockton Visiting Nurse Association, Family & Community Resources, and Health Imperatives.

“We are once again overjoyed to see the community unite to support our ‘Warmer Winters’ initiative,” said United Way President & CEO Dennis Carman.

About Father Bill’s & MainSpring
Father Bill’s & MainSpring (FBMS) is the leading provider of services to prevent and end homelessness in Southern Massachusetts. The agency, founded in the early 1980s by a group of interfaith and community leaders, helps nearly 6,000 people annually who find themselves homeless, or at risk of homelessness, achieve more self-sufficiency through a range of services including homelessness prevention, emergency shelter, employment programs, and permanent supportive housing, FBMS, a proud partner of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County and the United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency with administrative offices in Quincy and Brockton and program offices across the South Shore. For more information, visit www.helpfbms.org.

About United Way of Greater Plymouth County
Established in 1922, United Way of Greater Plymouth County’s mission is “We unite people, ideas and resources to improve the lives of people in Greater Plymouth County.”  United Way envisions a “a safe, healthy and well-educated community in which people’s needs are met effectively, respectfully and compassionately” by focusing its resources on addressing the vital and interconnected needs of education, health and income.  United Way serves the communities of southeastern Massachusetts, including the city of Brockton and the towns of Abington, Avon, Bridgewater, Carver, Duxbury, East Bridgewater, Easton, Halifax, Hanover, Hanson, Kingston, Lakeville, Marshfield, Middleboro, Pembroke, Plymouth, Plympton, Rockland, Stoughton, West Bridgewater, and Whitman. www.uwgpc.org facebook.com/uwgpc