Malden YMCA Receives Grant from The Foundation Trust

The Malden YMCA – which serves Everett, Malden and Medford – received a $3,000 grant from The Foundation Trust to support the Y’s programs that provide leadership opportunities and work readiness skills development for Medford teens.

This is the second grant the YMCA has received from The Foundation Trust, a Melrose-based private foundation that was established in recent years with a regional focus on New England and a special focus on Greater Boston. Its mission is to support the ongoing work of small to medium-sized non-profit organizations that provide vital services to under-resourced populations that larger charitable foundations may overlook.

“We are thrilled that The Foundation Trust has made this investment in our Medford programs for teens,” says Malden YMCA CEO, Debbie Amaral. “The vast majority of teens we serve in Medford are youth of color and from low-income households - both factors that can put them at a disadvantage for accessing opportunities for advancement. Our program will bring those opportunities right to the teens who need it most.”

The Malden YMCA’s teen programs in Medford provide safe spaces for youth to learn, grow, explore their interests, and develop their self-confidence. Foundation Trust grant funds will support programming at the Medford Youth Center (in the Gene Mack Gym at 30 Forest St.) and Willis Ave. Community Center (at a Medford Housing Authority development). With Foundation Trust and other grant support, the Y will implement new programs and activities, including the Y’s leadership development curriculum, visits to local businesses, work readiness workshops, and connecting Medford teens to its food distribution sites and computer science and tech partnerships for hands-on volunteer and work opportunities. It is anticipated that over

The Malden YMCA – which serves Everett, Malden and Medford – received a $3,000 grant from The Foundation Trust to support the Y’s programs that provide leadership opportunities and work readiness skills development for Medford teens.

This is the second grant the YMCA has received from The Foundation Trust, a Melrose-based private foundation that was established in recent years with a regional focus on New England and a special focus on Greater Boston. Its mission is to support the ongoing work of small to medium-sized non-profit organizations that provide vital services to under-resourced populations that larger charitable foundations may overlook.

“We are thrilled that The Foundation Trust has made this investment in our Medford programs for teens,” says Malden YMCA CEO, Debbie Amaral. “The vast majority of teens we serve in Medford are youth of color and from low-income households - both factors that can put them at a disadvantage for accessing opportunities for advancement. Our program will bring those opportunities right to the teens who need it most.”

The Malden YMCA’s teen programs in Medford provide safe spaces for youth to learn, grow, explore their interests, and develop their self-confidence. Foundation Trust grant funds will support programming at the Medford Youth Center (in the Gene Mack Gym at 30 Forest St.) and Willis Ave. Community Center (at a Medford Housing Authority development). With Foundation Trust and other grant support, the Y will implement new programs and activities, including the Y’s leadership development curriculum, visits to local businesses, work readiness workshops, and connecting Medford teens to its food distribution sites and computer science and tech partnerships for hands-on volunteer and work opportunities. It is anticipated that over 30 high school teens will enroll in the Y’s Medford-based programs this year.

“What we love about the Malden YMCA’s teen programming is that it’s not just keeping youth busy, it is providing them with hands-on experience that they can apply to real life,” says Lauren Liecau, Manager of Outreach and Development at the Foundation Trust. “We're proud to support the Malden YMCA as they help these teens develop leadership skills in a safe and fun environment.”

About the Malden YMCA

For over 140 years, the Malden YMCA has supported the foundations of community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. From its facility in downtown Malden as well as community outreach sites in Malden, Everett and Medford, the Y serves over 23,000 individuals each year. The Y is committed to nurturing the potential of every child and teen by cultivating the values, skills and relationships that lead to positive behaviors, better health and educational achievement. The Y’s programs enable children and teen the opportunity to discover who they are and what they can achieve. To learn more visit www.ymcamalden.org and connect with them on Facebook: @YMCAMalden.

About The Foundation Trust

The Foundation Trust is a private philanthropic foundation serving Greater Boston. In supporting the important work of small to medium-sized nonprofit organizations, the Foundation Trust enhances individual wellbeing and community development. To learn more, visit www.FoundationTrust.org or find them on Facebook: @FoundationTrust.