Latest news with #SusanJohnson
Yahoo
29-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund kicks off summer appeal. Here's how you can help others
It's that time of year again: beach days, barbecues, fireworks and summer vacation plans. As the busy summer season gets under way, it's also a great time to think about giving a little assistance to your neighbors in the Cape Cod and Islands community. The Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund 2025 Summer Appeal kicks off today with a goal of raising $225,000 by Aug. 25 to keep neighbors housed, working, and cared for through crisis. Cape Cod's housing crisis is playing a central role in the calls for help this summer. Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund Executive Director Susan Johnson said the call volume from those needing assistance is 16% higher over the same period from last year. 'Housing assistance remains the number one service requested, followed by utilities, transportation, food insecurity, and child care. As Cape Cod gears up for another busy summer, the rising cost of living is pushing more year-round residents to the brink,' Johnson said. The region's cost-of-living index is now at 131.5 — driven largely by housing costs nearly 93% above the national average — even full-time workers are struggling to stay afloat, she said. According to the Cape and Islands Association of Realtors, median home prices have surged past $745,000, making stable housing unreachable for many service workers and families, Johnson added. "I feel incredibly lucky to have grown up here and now to serve a community that shows up for each other in times of need. Even with all the challenges our neighbors are facing, I know we can make a difference — I've seen it happen,' said Johnson. 'With the continued generosity of both our year-round and seasonal community, we can give local families the support they need to stay secure and stable here on the Cape and Islands — whether that need comes next week, next month, or in the middle of winter." The Neighbor's Fund, founded in 1936 as the Needy Fund, is here to help our community fill those financial gaps through the continued generosity of neighbors helping neighbors. People in need submit their requests for assistance to the Neighbors Fund and in turn the Neighbors Fund pays for the goods or services — a medical bill, for example — through a voucher system. No cash is given to Neighbors Fund fundraising drive includes a summer campaign and a holiday campaign. Generally, 90% of what is raised is spent on programming and 10% on administrative expenses, Johnson said. To raise awareness about the summer appeal, the Cape Cod Times will feature a story each Wednesday and Sunday, which will be accompanied by a list of people who donated to the fund through August 25. Donations, which are tax-deductible, may be made online at Checks can be made payable to: The Cape Cod Times Neighbors Fund P.O. Box 36 Hyannis, MA 02601 Donate to the Neighbors Fund Those needing assistance may contact the the Neighbors Fund at 508-778-5661 or can be emailed to info@ The Neighbors Fund is also on Facebook ( and X (@Neighborsfund). Visit the site at This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Neighbors Fund summer appeal: How to help the Cape Cod community
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
From SNAP Benefits to Valedictorian: Goodwin University Celebrates the Remarkable Journey of Susan Johnson
EAST HARTFORD, Conn., June 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Goodwin University is proud to shine a spotlight on Susan Johnson, an extraordinary member of the class of 2025 whose perseverance, academic excellence, and personal resilience have earned her not only the title of valedictorian but also the school's Award for Academic Excellence in the Bachelor of Science in Human Services program. A single mother of four, Susan spent years working tirelessly as a nanny while receiving SNAP benefits to make ends meet — but she knew she was capable of more. When Susan received a flyer in the mail about free associate degree programs offered through Goodwin University's partnership with the state SNAP program, she saw a pathway to a brighter future for her and her young family. Susan officially enrolled in Goodwin's associate degree program in human services in 2018 — and everything changed. By the end of her program, Susan earned her associate degree summa cum laude. Soon after, she joined the University staff as a senior administrative assistant, a role that empowered her to pursue her bachelor's degree in Human Services while working full-time and raising her daughters. Her GPA? An astonishing 4.0, and she is presently pursuing a master's degree in Public Health. Susan's story reaches its pinnacle this week as she prepares to represent her fellow 2025 graduates as valedictorian, carrying the Goodwin University flag and ringing the Goodwin Bell during commencement ceremonies. "You have it in you to make the end of your story better than how it began," says Susan. "No matter where you start, you have the power to rewrite the future — and I am living proof of that." University leaders agree. "Susan's journey from SNAP recipient to University graduate and employee exemplifies the transformative power of education and determination," said Goodwin's Human Services program director, Liz Lane. "She is an inspiration for those who cross the stage at commencement this week, as well as those who sit in the stands." University President Mark Scheinberg echoes this sentiment. "Susan reminds us what's possible when opportunity meets resilience and the support of an educational community. She embodies the mission of Goodwin University at its best: removing barriers to education, championing learners of all ages and backgrounds, and helping students write new chapters in their lives filled with purpose and potential." Media outlets are invited to cover Susan's story and the award presentation. Interviews with Susan and University representatives are available by request. Commencement Information:Date: Thursday, June 12Time: 4 Rentschler Field, East Hartford, ConnecticutVisuals: Susan addressing the crowd, receiving the Academic Excellence Award, ringing the bell, and carrying the university flag. MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES: One-on-one interviews with Susan Johnson Interviews with Liz Lane and university leaders about Susan's recognition Footage and photos from commencement About Goodwin University: Goodwin University in East Hartford, Connecticut, is an innovative learning community that empowers hard-working students to become sought-after employees. We tailor our programs to address the needs of employers, and we shape them to fit the lives of students. Classes are conveniently offered year-round — days, evenings, weekends, and online. Degrees may be flexibly layered across certificate, associate, bachelor's, and master's programs in a variety of in-demand fields. Better still, we surround our students with the personal support and the professional guidance they need — not just to earn degrees, but to change lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. For more information, please visit To schedule interviews or request media access, contact: Peter Decoteau, pdecoteau@ 860-748-8246 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Goodwin University
Yahoo
18-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Terry Court complex to receive state aid
WILLIMANTIC — The Connecticut Department of Housing and the Connecticut Housing Finance Authority have signed financing agreements for 12 developments that will contribute to constructing or preserving 1,279 housing units. These developments will include affordable housing units for low- and moderate-income renters, designated as permanent supportive housing. One of those developments is located in Willimantic at Terry Court. The Willimantic Housing Authority owns the 68-unit affordable community at Terry Court in Willimantic. It will undergo significant rehabilitation and add new accessible units. The project's scope includes hazardous materials abatement, new windows, doors and siding and the reconstruction of eight homes to create ADA-compliant apartments. The upgrades will extend the life of the 1949-built community while better serving individuals and families. 'As Tony the Tiger says, 'it's great!' Terry Court was built after World War II for low-cost housing for our veterans at a time when construction of housing included using hazardous materials,' Windham Mayor Tom DeVivo said. 'This is a good opportunity. Willimantic public housing suffered from decades of neglect caused by funding shortfalls.' DeVivo added the town has been supporting CBDG funding for the last six or seven years to help improve the housing options infrastructure, and this funding will boost these endeavors. 'I would like to thank Representative [Susan] Johnson and Senator [Mae] Flexer for their leadership in acquiring this much-needed grant,' DeVivo said. As part of the state's effort to revitalize the state-sponsored housing portfolio, the redevelopment is supported by $4.49 million in grants from DOH, $3 million in financing and $500,000 in HTCCs from CHFA. 'Every investment in affordable housing is an investment in stronger, more resilient communities,' said Seila Mosquera-Bruno, Connecticut Housing commissioner. 'These developments reflect our commitment to preserve and expand housing options – whether it's building new homes or adding quality affordable rentals.'
