Massachusetts projects receive United Thank Offering grants

Two projects in the Diocese of Massachusetts have received United Thank Offering (UTO) grants from the Episcopal Church.  The UTO grants are awarded annually for projects that address human needs and help alleviate poverty, both domestically and internationally. 

The B-PEACE for Jorge antiviolence campaign of the diocese's Jorge Fuentes Antiviolence Task Force received $20,000 for its violence prevention work with youth, families and youth ministers --specifically through trauma and resilience training--and to expand its youth leadership and organizing efforts. 

And, an English-language immersion project at the Hegongo Holy Cross High School in the Diocese of Tanga, with the support of the Friends of Tanzania--a group of mission companions from several Diocese of Massachusetts parishes--received an award of $8,850.  Fluency in English will help improve the educational and employment prospects of the school's students, most of whom come from poor backgrounds, according to the application proposal.

The 2014 grants, totaling $1.5 million and awarded to projects in 36 dioceses, were announced at the Episcopal Church's Executive Council meeting in Phoenix on June 12.