School on Wheels of Massachusetts

Our 20th Anniversary "Shining Stars" gala was a tremendous success, bringing together more than 440 supporters to celebrate our history, future - and student success! Special thanks to Candy O'Terry for shining as evening emcee; and Board Chair Athena Giannaros for her visionary leadership. Athena passed the torch to Spencer D. Collier (new Board Chair) and Jeff Haight (Vice Chair) and will remain on our Board. We honored Jay and Claudia Weed with the Founder’s Award for their unwavering support since 2004. The highlight was hearing from our Shining Stars, students who joined Founder Cheryl Opper on stage to share their inspiring journeys. Each story was met with resounding applause and ovation. See the video by Chris Cardoza that made its debut, stunning student artwork by Massachusetts College of Art and Design - and a heartfelt dance performance by Christie Blanchard’s “In the Wings” Dance Academy. The evening saw a record-breaking auction, led by auctioneer John Terrio - raising crucial funds to open doors and opportunity for more students facing homelessness and poverty. Thank you to our sponsors, generous donors, and amazing volunteers! Together, we will continue to make the future shine for generations to come. For full recap visit www.sowma.org —— So grateful for our sponsors: Intact Insurance Specialty Solutions Spiros Giannaros Athena Giannaros Betty Lee and Dudley Diggs Foundation The Kushner Companies, LLC Cape Cod Lumber Co., Inc Richard McGrail Cheryl Opper Neal Opper Martin Richard Foundation The ALKU Foundation Boston Mutual Life Insurance Lara Brait Stephen Brait HarborOne Bank North Easton Savings Bank Chris Murphy , FSA , CERA Bridgewater State University Anne and Michael Kearney Grey Properties Carol Augustyniak-Marcus Stephen Marcus My Brother's Keeper Wizard Computer Services Inc. Amazon Bos5 Lee Darst Morse Insurance Agency, Inc. Bank of Easton Michael Christian and Diane Christian Patricia Williams Jeffrey Muir and Family

This year, I had the honor of creating a video to celebrate the 20th anniversary of School on Wheels of Massachusetts . Over six months, I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing families living in shelters, as well as the incredible tutors and volunteers who dedicate their time to supporting children experiencing homelessness. This project opened my eyes to the family shelter system in Massachusetts and the unique impact of our state’s Right to Shelter law. I’m so proud of my home state. It also reaffirmed something I’ve always believed—education is a powerful force for change, especially for kids facing instability. School on Wheels is doing vital work to ensure these children don’t fall behind academically, offering not just tutoring but also hope, stability, and opportunity. It was deeply inspiring to witness their mission in action and to help tell their story. To everyone at School on Wheels: thank you for trusting me to capture this milestone. Your work changes lives, and it was an honor to share the voices of the families and individuals who make it all possible. If you’re not familiar with their work, I encourage you to learn more about School on Wheels and consider supporting their mission. Together, we can ensure every child has the chance to succeed, no matter their circumstances. https://lnkd.in/ethfEQv9 Mal Stanton McCunney Cheryl Opper #Storytelling #VideoProduction #EducationMatters #RightToShelter #SchoolOnWheelsMA

This summer, over 90 of our incredible team members came together to support School on Wheels of Massachusetts! They donated, organized, and packed thousands of backpacks filled with essential school supplies for children affected by homelessness. We're beyond proud of their dedication and the positive impact they’ve made! ???? #WhereEachRelationshipMatters #CommunityBanking

Proud to support the School on Wheels of Massachusetts with Akoya team members by providing backpacks and school supplies to students impacted by homelessness and poverty. #volunteering #community #nonprofit

Yesterday we gathered with student recipients of our Bridge Mentoring “Soaring Scholars” scholarship - with respective mentors by their side. “I didn’t share my story of homelessness with anyone at my high school,” said one student. “The stigma was too powerful,” she said. Eventually she confided in her guidance counselor, who referred her to SOWMA's mentoring program. Another broke down as she talked about the loneliness of not having a place to go during holiday and college breaks. “I will be forever grateful to SOWMA for lifting me out of fear and isolation - and for helping me stay focused,” she said. The scholarship was the brainchild of William Harlor and AnnMarie Harlor of Norton, who launched the financial aid program after being mentors themselves. The Harlor's began the scholarship after seeing the life-changing transformation of a student facing homelessness as they mentored her from high school onto college. “We left the brunch yesterday feeling great," said Bill. "Just knowing that all of us are making a difference in these kids’ lives,” he added. We are always in need of volunteer mentors to help guide a high school or college-age student through post-secondary education or vocational training. Learn more about our Bridge Mentoring Program - and the many ways to share your heart with a student in need of direction, guidance and support -?www.sowma.org. #mentoring #partnerforgood #volunteerism #educatekids #empowerfamilies #endhomelessness #sowma

School on Wheels of Massachusetts (SOWMA) today announced the 2024 “Soaring Scholar” scholarship recipients. The Soaring Scholars program begin in 2022. This privately funded scholarship was made possible by William Harlor and AnnMarie Harlor of Norton after they served as volunteer mentors and saw how their student mentee thrived with caring guidance. All scholarship recipients are high school or post-secondary students who are active participants in SOWMA’s Bridge Mentoring Program. The Bridge Mentoring Program provides educational support and resources to Massachusetts high school and college-aged students facing homelessness, and matches those students with a reliable volunteer mentor. The Harlors initiated the scholarship program after being introduced to SOMWA in 2021 by Founder Cheryl Opper. After seeing the success of the Bridge Mentoring students, the Harlors pledged $50,000 over four years to initiate the scholarship funding. They ask family and friends to help support the scholarship program. In the first three years of the scholarship program, more than $80,000 in has been awarded to students in need. “These students are growing up in very difficult situations,” said Annmarie Harlor. “They just need a little financial support, along with the commitment and guidance they get from their mentor and the SOWMA team,” she added. “My favorite part is meeting the students and hearing about their journey. It is incredibly inspiring when a student that we have helped completes their education and gets a job in their chosen field. In my mind, that is the definition of breaking the cycle of homelessness, “ said Bill Harlor. Director of SOWMA’s Bridge Program Brittany O’Hare added, “Our scholarship recipients are extremely grateful for the opportunity to continue to reach for their goals, which would otherwise not be possible,” she said. To learn more about how to get involved, visit www.sowma.org

Our Canton, MA team had a wonderful morning at School on Wheels of Massachusetts' annual Run, Walk & Wag for Kids 5K! Our employees were joined by their families and furry friends, together to support students in need. Intact’s Michelle Sears shared, “Perfect weather, adorable pups, and a dedicated group rallying for a great cause. I’m proud to be able to represent Intact, and alongside SOWMA, provide backpacks and services to children in need”. Thank you to our employees for living our value of generosity! #InsuranceGivesBack #CommunityEnagagement

So grateful for the generosity of the Rockland Trust Foundation for their commitment to empowering students facing homelessness and poverty. Our Pathways to Success program guides students from kindergarten through college, vocational training or apprenticeship to ensure all students have the opportunity to reach their potential. Thank you to the Rockland Trust team for believing in the power of education to transform the future of students at risk ?? #whereeachrelationshipmatters #rocklandtrustcharitablefoundation #philanthropy #charity #educatekids #empowerfamilies #endhomelessness #pathwaystosuccess

Today marks the official 20th birthday of School on Wheels and to celebrate, we circled back to our beginnings with Brockton Mayor Robert Sullivan. “For two decades, SOWMA has been a beacon of hope, providing academic, social, and emotional support to society’s most vulnerable students,” said Sullivan. He described SOWMA’s Brockton roots, which began at the kitchen table of Founder Cheryl Opper. “Cheryl’s vision saw the inception of tailored educational interventions, including school supplies, personalized tutoring, and later, high school and college-age mentoring,” said Sullivan. “Today our hearts are united in one mission – to continue to pave the way for a future where every child has the opportunity to flourish, regardless of circumstance,” said Opper.? Senators Walter timilty, Michael Brady and Representative Carol Doherty were also on hand to issue proclamations along with Mayor Sullivan. Board Chair Athena Giannaros, a Brockton native and graduate of Brockton High School has championed the mission since the beginning.?She applauded the hundreds of Brockton volunteers, donors and advocates who helped spread the learning model throughout the Commonwealth. Vice Chair Spencer D. Collier, CEO of Getfused, a leading Boston-based marketing agency, announced today’s unveiling of a new website designed by the creative team behind the agency.? ? “It’s not just a website,” said Collier, “but a digital footprint that tells the story of two decades of love and labor and propels us into a future teeming with opportunities to engage more students and partners,” he said. Steve Telesmanick acknowledged the thousands of volunteers who have lighted the way for students in need. Check out the new website to be part of the next twenty years! ?WWW.SOWMA.ORG

The Arbella Insurance Foundation is proud to be back as a sponsor of School on Wheels of Massachusetts' "Run, Walk, Wag for Kids!" Join Team Arbella on Saturday, May 4th as we raise funds to help provide educational support to students impacted by homelessness and poverty. Register here: https://lnkd.in/eNQFDpvP