NCSC Establishes Family Fund to Provide Emergency Assistance to Families in Need

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Newton Community Service Center (NCSC) is stepping up efforts to help local families impacted by the recession, especially those NCSC families who are struggling to pay for child care and after-school activities. The NCSC Family Fund is now providing scholarships for child care as well as temporary, emergency assistance to local families coping with financial hardship.

In keeping with NCSC’s 100 years of community service, the NCSC Family Fund is providing assistance in three critical areas:

1. Program and Camp Scholarships – full or partial camp scholarships or program tuition assistance for NCSC families to bridge temporary gaps in a family’s ability to pay for child and youth services
2. Safety Net for Families – emergency grants funded by the United Way of Mass Bay of up to $1,000 in funds of last resort to help families meet basic obligations (e.g., utilities) that affect child and family well-being
3. Food for Families – to support NCSC’s new partnership with the Newton Food Pantry, ensuring basic nutritional support for families in need

“Many of the people who are coming to us for assistance never thought they would find themselves in such dire straits,” said Bill Garr, NCSC President and CEO. “Thanks to the generosity of our donors we are able to administer a true neighbor-helping-neighbor program so families can stay in their homes and have access to enriching child care options for their children.”

Among those who are benefiting from NCSC’s Family Fund is Jessica (not her real name). A mother of two, Jessica’s husband is on his third tour of duty in Iraq. She works full-time as a nurse for a nearby hospital and was not able to afford the $800 per month fee for her 7-year-old daughter to have after-school care. NCSC is subsidizing half of the cost of the program for a period of time and Jessica is able to pay the balance.

“My daughter thoroughly enjoys the programs and activities that NCSC offers,” said Jessica. “I am at peace just knowing that my child is happy and that she is receiving the support and compassionate care that she needs and deserves during these trying times. I am truly grateful for everything this scholarship has provided for my family during our time of need.”

Rhonda is a single mother of two who is also grateful for the assistance she’s receiving from NCSC. Rhonda is self-employed and needs child care for her 19-month-old son. Because child care is critical for her ability to work, NCSC’s Family Fund is subsidizing one-fourth of the total cost of care.

“By providing tuition assistance, the Family Fund has helped ensure that my son will continue to have the best possible care, at a reasonable and affordable rate. I am thankful for all the NCSC and the Fund have done for our family,” said Rhonda.

NCSC is committed to providing quality services to all families in the Newton and Waltham area regardless of their ability to pay.