NATICK, MA, September 11, 2023- The Community Foundation for MetroWest is proud to announce the 10th annual Community Leadership Reception taking place on Thursday, September 28 from 4:30-6:30 pm at the Verve Hotel in Natick. This year’s event marks the inaugural year of the MetroWest Workforce Development Project and the Foundation is excited to commemorate the impact it has generated in the community over the past 12 months.
The Community Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of the residents in 33 cities and towns in MetroWest. In their belief that a thriving community relies on a strong workforce, the MetroWest Workforce Development Project was launched to focus on income inequality that persists in the MetroWest and provides a path to financial stability for under-resourced youth and underemployed or unemployed adults.
The evening will include highlights from the project’s first year and the presentation of the 2023 Community Leadership Award to two honorees: Yale Appliance and Christine Schuster, President and CEO of Emerson Health, for their outstanding leadership.
“Our approach is simple but impactful,” said Jay Kim, Executive Director of the Foundation. “The persistent income inequality in our society demands our collective attention and action. We are excited to announce our investment in our signature workforce development project that aims to provide a definitive path to financial security for under resourced youth and underemployed or unemployed adults. By focusing on creating increased access to often overlooked job opportunities, we aim to connect MetroWest residents with vital training, mentorship, and guidance that will empower them to earn higher wages and attain meaningful benefits. Through this initiative, not only will our neighbors have the opportunity to secure careers to support themselves and their families, but businesses in our community will also gain access to a pool of skilled, diverse workers. Together, we can bridge the gap and build a future where income inequality is no longer an insurmountable barrier.”
In its inaugural year, the MetroWest Workforce Development Project has provided over $250,000 in grants to workforce development initiatives across MetroWest. Four new programs, focused on Bio-Tech, Building Trades, Medical Trades, and Green Jobs, have been funded and have supported 115 residents from low-income backgrounds, primarily students or families of color.The Community Leadership Award is presented to those in MetroWest who use their corporate positions to make a positive change through philanthropy. Yale Appliance, and Christine Schuster, President & CEO of Emerson Health System, will be honored at the event for their dedicated support and generosity as they receive the Foundation’s esteemed 2023 Community Leadership Awards.
Yale Appliance Company, with a century of business experience, has consistently focused on capital projects and programs that directly benefit vulnerable populations in Boston, the South Shore, and MetroWest communities. Steve Sheinkopf, CEO of Yale Appliance, also serves on the Board of the Foundation.
Christine Schuster, with over 25 years of healthcare experience, has been recognized with excellence in leadership awards across the Commonwealth for her dedication to improving lives and giving back to the community.
The Community Foundation extends an invitation to the community at large to attend an inspiring evening of celebration and gratitude. Attendees are encouraged to purchase tickets here or become sponsors, supporting the Foundation’s mission to create increased access to professional opportunities and a path to financial security for under resourced youth and underemployed or unemployed adults to build a brighter future for all.
ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION FOR METROWEST
Since 1995, The Community Foundation for MetroWest has been improving the quality of life in 30+ MetroWest communities. The Foundation provides financial and educational resources to local nonprofit organizations, sharing essential data about our region to inform decision making, and partnering with donors to help guide and align their giving with the areas of greatest need in the community.
ABOUT YALE APPLIANCE
The Yale Appliance Company began as one storefront on Portland Street in Boston in 1923. One hundred years later it has become three storefronts with locations in Dorchester, Hanover and Framingham. Behind the success of the company, is a dedication to improving the lives of people where they work and live. Yale Appliance and Steve Sheinkopf, CEO, have been involved with the Foundation since 2016 supporting the work the Foundation does in MetroWest. Additionally, Steve has served on the Foundation’s Board of Trustees since 2018. Since The Yale Foundation’s inception, they have donated more than $1.2M to local nonprofits in MetroWest Boston and beyond.
ABOUT CHRISTINE SCHUSTER, President & CEO, Emerson Health
Christine has over 25 years of healthcare experience. Before joining Emerson Health as president and CEO in 2005, she served as president and CEO of Quincy Medical Center and Athol Memorial Hospital. She also served as COO of the Tenet Saint Vincent Healthcare System, Extended Care Division. She worked as a healthcare consultant with Coopers & Lybrand (now PriceWaterHouseCoopers ) early in her career. Among her many accomplishments, in 2023, she was included in Boston Magazine’s list of Most Influential Bostonians and named a hospital “CEOs to know” by Becker’s Health. Previously, Modern Healthcare Magazine and Witt Kieffer Associates recognized her as an Up and Comer Award recipient. Christine continues to be personally involved with the Community Foundation for MetroWest through her volunteerism and activism.
To purchase tickets click here. For more information about the event or The MetroWest Workforce Development Project, contact:
Kelly McDermott
Chief Marketing Officer
The Community Foundation for MetroWest
[email protected]
(508) 272-7070
