Our Focus Areas

Brian Adams

We began these blogs because we wanted to start a conversation. The posts on this blog are the personal perspectives of individual staff, volunteers and guest bloggers, they do not necessarily reflect the views of the organization. We encourage response and conversation. We just ask you to keep it respectful. We'd love to hear it. It's a conversation, after all, we hope you'll add to it. Want to be a guest blogger? Email us

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Brian Adams
Tue, 03/06/2012

Boston College Students Spend Alternative Spring Break with Ellis Memorial Preschoolers

Student volunteers undergoing week-long nonprofit experience

During spring break, hundreds of student volunteers from across the United States team up with United Way to make a meaningful impact in communities across the country. Locally, a dozen "Alternative Spring Breakers" from Boston College are participating with United Way and our partner agencies through hands on projects and learning about the nonprofits in and around Greater Boston.  read more »

Brian Adams
Tue, 02/21/2012

We'll See You After School...Now Give Us Your Lunch Money

Should high school students be fined?

I admit I broke a few rules, missed a few recesses and even stayed after school a few times. Not once though, did I have to hand over my lunch money for violating a school rule. Let us know what you think about a network of Chicago schools that is fining its students for rule violations.  read more »

Brian Adams
Fri, 01/13/2012

Calls for Help

Returning service members seek assistance in growing numbers

United Way's 24-hour, statewide 2-1-1 call service received roughly 90,000 calls in 2011 from residents seeking assistance with veterans services as well as housing, utility payments, procuring food, becoming financially stable, emergency relief and childcare help. The call volume is a sharp increase from the 30,000 calls it received at the beginning of the recession in 2006. Adding to the increased need for assistance with services is the return of our nation's service members from overseas, an influx projected to impact the call center beginning in the first few months of 2012.  read more »

Brian Adams
Mon, 07/11/2011

Innovation Schools: New Methods, New Options, New Confusion

Navigating the education marketplace

I consider myself lucky that I am not a parent for one simple reason: how do you choose a school for your kid when there are so many options? I say this from experience. I am a deer-in-the-headlights shopper, frozen stiff by options, upgrades, sales, and outside opinion.  read more »

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