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Winchester, MA – Winchester Hospital announced today it is awarding $43,000 in grant funding to six community-based organizations. As part of an ongoing commitment to give back to the communities the hospital serves, these grants will provide much needed funding for local organizations in support of their shared missions to meet the community’s needs. Of particular emphasis for the grant awards are programs and services that focus on food access, mental health, and housing stability – priority need areas that have experienced an increased level of demand due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“At a time when so many organizations have been impacted by the pandemic, we’re pleased to support and invest in these local groups that help strengthen our communities and enhance the quality of life for residents,” said Rick Weiner, MD, president of Winchester Hospital. “Investing in projects that support priority needs in our cities and towns is critical to keep these programs growing and vibrant for present and future needs.”

Each year grant applications are reviewed and selected by the Winchester Hospital Grant Selection Committee, which is comprised of hospital leaders and local partners from across the Winchester Hospital service area.

Grant recipients include:

Winchester High School

The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated mental health challenges for youth across our hospital service area. This grant will help Winchester High School establish a new in-school program that will raise awareness about mental health for the more than 300 incoming freshman through a rotating topic in a mental health workshop series and mentorship program.

Mission of Deeds

Since 1993, Mission of Deeds has helped low-income families maintain safe, functional permanent homes by providing furniture and household items. In an exceptionally challenging year for so many families, the grant money will support local families through food gift cards as well as providing kitchen essentials so they can cook at home while staying safe from the pandemic.

Tewksbury Community Market

Grant funding will support the Town of Tewksbury in providing the equipment necessary to make all of its vendors capable of accepting SNAP/EBT benefit for the community market program. Each week, during June to September, the community market partners with many local farms to bring food that is healthy and affordable for SNAP-eligible low resource families and older adults that is accessible within the town.

North Reading Police Department

Grant funding will support the North Reading Community IMPACT Coalition in establishing two evidence-based programs designed to strengthen families, increase access to mental health resources, reduce potential substance use and decrease substance use risk factors.

Medford Farmer’s Market

Funding will support the Medford Farmers Market SNAP/ EBT Matching Program to provide additional funds to recipients in need. The grant will also support the market’s Senior Healthy Produce Program, which provides weekly bags of fresh produce at a significantly reduced rate for older adults.

Network for Social Justice

The Network for Social Justice’s mission is to foster a movement for systemic change across many facets that helps to advance equity and inclusion in the town of Winchester. The grant funding will support the establishment of a Winchester Housing Stability Coalition. The coalition will focus on educational campaigns, advocacy initiatives, and municipal partnerships to build community support for diversified and affordable housing in Winchester.