Community program leaders laud retained earmark funding

By Owen Boss GARDNER — Support from state legislators recently secured additional funding for many local community nonprofits, which will help the organizations continue to provide beneficial programs to residents of the city and greater region. Julie Meehan, director of the Community Action Committee, said this is the first year their Fellowship Table meals program has received additional state funding, and that the $5,000 infusion couldn’t have come at a better time for impoverished members of the community. “The fellowship table is our free weekly meal served every Thursday, and we have seen a growing number of individuals utilizing the program because of the recent economic downturn,” said Ms. Meehan. “We’ve actually had to package the meals for people to take them home, which allows the nutrition they receive for the week go that much further.” The Greater Gardner Community Development Corp. received $75,000, which Director James Cruickshank said will be a huge help. “We are really thrilled and excited and very appreciative of our legislative partners,” said Mr. Cruickshank. “This is to make sure that the programs that we currently offer can continue. When you are an agency that has less than a $300,000 budget this is really critical funding.” Another community program receiving funding is the Molly Bish Institute at Mount Wachusett Community College, which will receive $50,000 from the state. This will allow the institute to continue to offer child safety programs, according to Andrea Hart de Gravelle, coordinator of Civic Engagement for the college’s Center for Democracy and Humanity. “This being an especially lean budget year, the funding speaks volumes about legislators’ commitment to supporting the work we’ve been doing here,” said Ms. Hart de Gravelle. Similarly, college President Daniel Asquino was also grateful for the funding which will advance the program further. “This is an investment in our future — the children of Massachusetts,” said Dr. Asquino. oboss@thegardnernews.com Appeared on Page 1 on 8/8/2008 (Vol. 206 No. 187)