WHEAT awarded grant funds

September 28, 2003 - WHEAT Community Services, a nonprofit agency that provides assistance to low-to-moderate income residents of Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Lancaster, and Sterling, is proud to announce that it is the recipient of two grants awarded to assist the organization in fulfilling its mission. The Fieldstone Foundation has awarded $4000.00 to the group to assist in the establishment of the Computer Access for Empowerment Program through the purchase of computers and software. The goal of this program will be to provide access to technology and direct instruction to youth, adults, and the elderly in the areas of the Internet, e-mail, Microsoft Office applications and to provide access to on-line tutoring.

Working together with the Montachusett Opportunity Council, a second grant in the amount of $4200.00 was received through the Workplace Investment Act and the Massachusetts Division of Employment Training. These funds will support, in part, a twelve-month job readiness and mentoring program for at-risk teens. It provides opportunities for unemployed young people to perform meaningful work in a well-supervised context to enable them to learn marketable skills and good work habits. Monthly workshops, community service, and academic development are additional components of the program. Funding from other sources is being sought to add fieldtrips, designed to build leadership and self-esteem, to the program.

WHEAT Community Services is a nonprofit agency that, since 1982, has provided assistance to low-to-moderate income residents of Berlin, Bolton, Clinton, Lancaster, and Sterling in times of need. Services include a food pantry, thrift store, fuel assistance, information and referral services and employment assistance.

WHEAT is located at 44 High Street in Clinton. For more information contact Executive Director Jodi Breidel at (978) 365-6349, or check WHEAT’s new website, www.wheatcommunity.net

Volunteers are always welcome.