Read more: MASSACHUSETTS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION: Local women receive MEF scholarships – Plymouth, MA – Wicked Local Plymouth

This month, the Massachusetts Educational Foundation continues to introduce you to the recipients of this year’s scholarship awards, as presented at the SSWBN Celebration in June.

Barbara Broussard works toward an advanced degree in Social Services, her response of strength after she had been prevented from educating herself during her 23-year marriage. She had stayed home to care for her two children, and now that they are grown, she is focusing on her own dream to help other women in situations such as domestic abuse or life trauma, by becoming a therapist or counselor. She conveys a truly an intense passion to make changes in the lives of others, and participates in an international studies travel abroad program to immerse herself in other cultures to further understand the value of respecting diversity.

Forced to rethink her future when her family’s business closed in 2006, Liisa Budge-Johnson found employment with the Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department, becoming its Community Outreach Coordinator, a job she truly loves. She spends much of her time speaking to community groups, and she has uncovered in herself a real talent for public speaking. She uses her scholarship to obtain a degree in communications. One to always be giving back, Liisa co-founded Score for a Cure in 2009 after three women in her soccer team were diagnosed with breast cancer. As this organization has grown, it has raised thousands of dollars and expanded to 40 teams participating from six states, a remarkable accomplishment indeed.

Wendy Sheppard is a fighter. Having been the victim of domestic violence, she made the tough choice to protect herself and her three sons. She is strong willed, determined to succeed and to provide a solid home and life for her sons, stating she “will do whatever it takes.” Now that her children are in school, she is pursuing her life’s passion to be a nurse. Wendy anticipates obtaining an Associate in Nursing degree in January 2014.

The ability to help women like these through the Massachusetts Educational Foundation scholarships is possible only through the contributions and generosity of its supporters. The members of the MEF Board of Directors greatly appreciate that you remember our cause when you consider your giving plans, no matter what the level of gift you can manage.

Next year we celebrate our 15^th anniversary, so we have set a goal to award 15 scholarships. Perhaps you will consider being a part of the planning for this great event — if so, please notify me directly at avaglaser@ mac.com. You may donate either online at www.massedfund.org/donate, or by mailing your check to Massachusetts Educational Foundation
PO Box 192
Accord, MA  02018-0192

And as always, THANK YOU!

The Massachusetts Educational Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women over 35, enabling them to transition to a more rewarding career, by providing scholarships for education, a place of empowerment and support, and the tools they need to create the life they desire for themselves and future generations. Donations are tax deductible to the extent of IRS regulations.

Ann Reynolds

NORWELL — Ann Reynolds of Fitchburg recently won a scholarship from the Massachusetts Educational Foundation Inc. She is one of six women from across Massachusetts who have found a passion through meaningful family experiences that dramatically affected their lives.

The Norwell-based Massachusetts Educational Foundation, Inc (MEF) is a nonprofit dedicated to helping women, aged 35 or older, enhance their lives through educational programs by granting scholarships to eligible applicants. A ceremony for the six scholarship recipients was held late last month in the Cohasset Harbor Inn.

Reynolds is originally from Brentwood, England, and has lived in Fitchburg and Leominster for many years, raising her four children with her husband. Through her meaningful years of volunteering at her children’s schools, she often came across a number of students who did not have the support or guidance necessary to initiate the college application process.

“My kids were very fortunate to have an excellent guidance counselor, as well as two committed advocates at home. I became very interested in helping these less fortunate children with their journey and, through this process, have realized my passion,” she said.

Reynolds has already completed her associate’s degree at Mount Wachusett Community College and has been accepted at Assumption College, where she will pursue a bachelor’s degree in human services. She ultimately is seeking a master’s degree in guidance counseling.

“I feel very blessed to be in a position where I can go back to school. My biggest cheerleaders are all four of my kids, as well as my husband, and I am truly humbled with their enthusiasm and encouragement,” she said. “I am also grateful to the MEF scholarship fund for believing in me. I am more motivated than ever to help these kids.”

MEF scholarship recipients are Massachusetts residents who may be embarking on a career transition or fulfilling a life passion. Donations from individuals, corporations and foundations help fund the MEF scholarship program. The scholarship application process opens each March and closes at the beginning of May. Awards are announced at the end of June.

For information on the Massachusetts Educational Foundation, visit www.massedfund.org.
Read more: http://www.sentinelandenterprise.com/community/ci_21042083/fitchburg-woman-awarded-scholarship#ixzz20LbI8pwG

Spring time, what a wonderful time of year as the trees and gardens start to renew themselves for another year. It also means that the application season has begun for the MEF. In the spirit of paying it forward we need your help in spreading the word about these scholarship opportunities. The application and forms are available on this website link http://www.massedfund.org/scholarship-2012.

The qualifications are as follows:

• A mature woman (age 35 and older)
• A Massachusetts resident
• Making a career change
• Enrolled in a qualified education program

Come to Celebration in June to meet this years recipients!

This is the busiest time of year for the MEF and our greatest challenge as we once again work through the process of narrowing down the field of applicants to a selected few as our resources are limited. As a member of the board of directors, it pulls at the heart strings to read the stories, meet the applicants, and continue to follow them throughout their process to reach their goal of a higher education. This is the toughest job I have encountered in my work life and it is a fact that the selection committee has even reached into their pockets to create another scholarship on the spot. The MEF does make a difference in the lives of women and we know this years crop will push our buttons once again, but we are ready for the challenge and cannot wait to present them to all of you at Celebration!

Our next event is the SSWBN April Breakfast on April 26, 2012 from 7:30 – 9:30AM at Linden Pond and will feature Siiri Morley, Founding Partner Prosperity Candle, and she will talk about the Global Sisterhood: Women Supporting Women to Create Change. This will be a very uplifting and motivating story of how women no matter what their profession, political belief or education can make a difference by investing in ones communities and world wide. As Siiri states “The sense of Sisterhood has no borders”. This is a fundraiser so please come and purchase a raffle ticket for a fabulous prize or make a donation.

Contributions are always needed as we expand our sights, while raising funds for scholarships. The goal is to give (15) $1,000 scholarships in 2013 at our 15th year anniversary. We appreciate every gift no matter what the size as it all helps to reach the mission of the organization. Credit cards can be charged through our website www.massedfund.org. Please look at the sight for upcoming events.

With much appreciation and hope to see you April 26th.
Veva Johnson- President

This is a large undertaking for a small all-volunteer board and a few helpful committees.  So we’d appreciate your support by spreading the word about the Foundation, following and “liking” us on Facebook (link to http://www.facebook.com/pages/Massachusetts-Educational-Foundation/143362345730070), attending fundraising events, inviting eligible candidates to apply for our scholarships, and including our cause in your giving strategy for the year.

Statistics show that businesses who give back and have a deliberate philanthropic strategy, find that the benefits far exceed the time and energy they put into it.

• By demonstrating the values a business has, it draws in customers with the same values and sets the business apart from the competition.
• Increasing visibility in the community (through PR), is a win/win situation, not just for the business but for the cause, too.
• Employees feel good about making a difference and working for a company that cares.
• Putting a strategy in place, efforts are focused and can have measurable results.

The Massachusetts Educational Foundation may align with your company’s strategy if:

• The target audience for your business is primarily women (but not limited to)
• Your business has an educational component
• You have been through a career transition yourself and wish there was a scholarship available when you needed it (relating your own story to your customers can have an incredible impact on your brand!)

We’re happy to discuss if there’s a win/win that makes sense for the Foundation and your business. Feel free to contact us today.  (link to http://www.massedfund.org/contact-us/)

And be on the lookout for upcoming news, fundraising opportunities and events:

• Scholarship applications available March 1, 2012, eligibility requirements on our web site: http://www.massedfund.org/scholarships/
• Sponsoring the SSWBN April breakfast – speaker to be announced
• Scholarships awarded at SSWBN Celebration
• Raffles, shopping events and more!

The Board of Directors has reviewed each and every scholarship application submitted.  All applicants were carefully considered and several were invited to personal interviews. Now that all of the steps have been completed, the scholarships are ready to be awarded at Celebration on Thursday, June 28^rd!  Plan to join us for an evening of new beginnings at Celebration at Cohasset Harbor Inn from 6-9:30pm.  The 2012 Massachusetts Educational Foundation Scholarships will be awarded and I hope you are there to hear some amazing stories and meet these incredible women.

Our Red Sox ticket raffle is in full swing. Four (4) box seats for the July 19^th game against the Chicago White Sox, plus $150 spending cash and a one-night hotel stay can be yours if you hold the winning ticket.  Don’t miss a chance to visit Fenway Park while it celebrates its 100^th Anniversary.  If you would like raffle tickets for yourself or your friends, please contact me at phyllis@imageresolutions.com.  Drawing will take place on July 10^th.

For more information on The Massachusetts Educational Foundation please read about us on the web at http//www.massedfund.org and “like” us on Facebook.

Phyllis Wenzel
Board of Director
Image Resolutions, Norwell

Siiri demonstrates how to be a good citizen of the world and serves as an example that other small business owners can follow. I have always been a big fan of helping people less fortunate, but there are huge differences between women who are less fortunate in the United States versus women living in Afghanistan or Iraq. I can only imagine the impact that Siiri’s kindness and business acumen has had for these women.

I am always struck by how a person arrived at the place in life where they currently are. What was their journey like? What road blocks did they encounter and how did they overcome them?

Siiri outlined her journey quite clearly and it made perfect sense to me why she is successful. She was not born into a wealthy family that provided her with educational opportunities or a path free of financial road blocks. She was raised by two teachers who understood the value of a good education. As parents, they made decisions that would allow their daughter to attend the best schools. Siiri did her part by being a good student and earning scholarships to pay for some of her education.

The educational nugget for me in all of this was that while all of us have different birth families with different resources and values, we can all still find a way to follow our hearts.

I believe we are much better citizens in our own corner of the world if we are doing things that make us happy and use the gifts we have been given to their highest potential. While it is sometimes difficult to figure out what our talents are and how best to use them, it is much easier to do that if we surround ourselves with people who support our ideas and value us for what makes us unique and special.

Personally, I did not come from a family that told me that I could be whatever I wanted to be. We were much too practical for that! My journey led me to this Network and I have met many women who inspire me and who believe that I can be whatever I want to be. If you want that kind of support in your life to achieve your goals, then jump on board. I’ll save a seat for you.

The Mass.ED Fund just completed its annual meeting in August and welcomed three new members to its Board of Directors:

• Ava Glaser- Market America
• Beth Harper-MacDonald, Crittenton Women’s Union
• Jacqueline McCarthy – Coffee News of Massachusetts

We used our recent name change as the catalyst to begin a new era for the Foundation. We invited one of the Network’s founders, Susan Hammond of scHammond Advisors, who facilitated the day’s activity along with several guests, who gave up a day of work to bring their creative minds and thoughts to help share in our newdirections and vision:

• Janet  LaBerge – Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
• Jacqueline Collins – Partnering for Performance
• Darlene Calcagno – Cuisine By Darlene & Downtown Women’s Group

The Foundation thanks all of these people who donated their time to help us think out of the box, and with Susan’s direction we now have a Master Plan in place to continue to work on for the next year or two to help propel us to the next milestone.  We have been getting some very interesting positive comments from the community as the need is very great so Watch Us Soar!

Thanks to everyone who donates to this worthy cause as you, too, all have a stake in the outcome: and you do make a difference in people’s lives!  Following is a letter received from Heidi M. DeCourcey who was unable to attend the scholarship event but wanted to share her thoughts with all of you.

Re:  Scholarship
presentation  June 23, 2011
Dear Mrs. Johnson:
I would first like to say that I am honored and appreciate that I was picked to be a recipient of the SSWBN Educational Foundation Scholarship but I am sorry to say that I will not be able to attend the presentation due to that I will be in school that evening and could not get the night off from my class.   I am regretfully sorry that I will not be able to attend this wonderful event.   I would have enjoyed to thank everyone for their contributions and kindness to make this scholarship possible for us.

I have had a very busy schedule this summer, I am currently taking three night classes at Curry College and a EMT course at EMS Academy during the day.   I will start my Nursing program this fall at Cape Cod Community College, and I will graduate in 2013.  Also, I will continue to finish my bachelors in psychology with a minor in sociology and concentration in heath psychology in the spring of 2012.   On top of this I am a single mother of two sons ages 12 and 9 and work 40 hours, the 11pm-7am shift at Jordan Hospital Emergency Room as a clinical attendant. Again, thank you for your awarding me this scholarship:  it will be so helpful in my journey in my education.

Sincerely,
Heidi M. DeCourcey

The Massachusetts Educational Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women over 35, enabling them to transition to a more rewarding career, by providing scholarships for education. Donations are tax deductible to the extent of IRS regulations.

The Massachusetts Educational Foundation is broadening its scope of awareness to raise awareness throughout the areas we serve.  The by-laws state that our work is from the middle of the state of Massachusetts all the way to the east coast:  we decided that it would be far more efficient to accomplish our mission in these areas with a change in our name.

Please remember that our roots will always be the SSWBN as our history reflects our early beginnings together.  Rest assured that your generous donations for scholarships will continue to be distributed to worthy recipients each and every year.

We are thrilled to announce that the winner of the Red Sox Raffle was Kenneth Puliafico! Kenneth and his family were thrilled to win the prize of the 4 Red Sox tickets for the game on July 7^th, the hotel room, and $150 cash!  He bought his ticket from Lori Cook at Bryantville Deli in Pembroke.  Lori Cook is a past Learning Lottery winner and a great supporter of the Foundation.

We would like to reach out and thank those who helped with the Red Sox Raffle.  First, to Ellen D’Isidoro who helped bring the idea to a reality in working closely with our Board.  Also, our ticket sellers:  Mercedes Aza of Roomscapes, Ava Glaser of Marketamerica, Eileen Hayes (past SSWBN Board member) of US Boston Capital Corp, Lauren Dupre of Timeless Antiques and Paula Lind of O’Donoghue Insurance … to name a few.  And of course a huge THANK YOU to all who purchased raffle tickets!    As a result of these combined efforts this was the single biggest fund raiser in the history of the Massachusetts Educational Foundation!

As awareness grows in the areas we cover, our mission is not only well received but definitely needed.  We are moving forward at lightning speed to grow our Foundation with the addition of new Board members and Team members to reach new heights.  If you have an interest in finding our more about The Massachusetts Educational Foundation and how you can help make a difference in people’s lives, then please contact me at 617-842-3464.

Enjoy the summer!

Veva Johnson
President