About the Emma Whittaker Fund

For the third consecutive summer, the Emma Whittaker Fund is to support Camp Massasoit.

This year, the Emma Whittaker Fund provided a scholarship to support campers attend with one (2-week) session of sailing at Camp Massasoit. 

There were 19 applicants for the scholarship! Due to the number of applicants, additional support from the YMCA, the Emma Whittaker scholarship, five of the applicants were able to attend sailing camp! 

From the parents ...

"He loves the ocean and this would be an amazing opportunity for him ... He's a great learner and always looking for something exciting to try ... I would love to surprise him with this. New friendships and a new skill

would be great for his confidence."

"My daughter has been begging

me to sign her up for sail. She is a strong swimmer and is very interested in learning the art of sailing."

The Emma Whittaker Fund granted funds to support Community Boating Center’s Sailing into Knowledge program. 

“Community Boating Center of New Bedford is collaborating with local schools to offer programs teaching ocean stewardship, sailing, seamanship and how they are connected to science, technology, engineering and math. CBC has teamed up with the New Bedford Public Schools, Alma Del Mar, Renaissance, Global Learning Charter Public School, Nativity Preparatory School, and Our Sisters’ School to offer programs during and after school to their students. The programs are tailored to each school’s values and expectations of their students. In the Fall of 2013 CBC launched its Sailing into Knowledge trial program, based on REACH, US Sailing’s STEM education program. Using sailing as a medium, REACH provides youth with hands-on integrated learning opportunities that inspire interest in fields of study like physics, marine biology, robotics, technology and more."

The Emma Whittaker Fund is honored to support the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County. This grant will support CAC of Bristol County’s mission to empower children and families to heal from the trauma of abuse and violence through community partnerships, education and the pursuit of justice. Three core program areas advance the CAC mission- further protecting and advocating for children after a disclosure of abuse, helping children and their families heal from trauma and educating the community about prevention.

“The Emma Fund assists the Children’s Advocacy Center of Bristol County in protecting children who have experienced severe trauma. We are able to support our therapy dog Marie’s training as well as fund training for students about online risky behaviors. We’re so grateful for your generosity!” Lara Stone, Co-Director  

The Emma Whittaker Fund is pleased to support Old Rochester Regional High School’s ORR Cares. 

ORR Cares is a student-led, staff supported club dedicated to fostering a positive and supportive environment for mental health at Old Rochester Regional High School and the larger ORR community. Its goal is to unite community members in order to build awareness, identify resources, eliminate stigma and promote open communication that encourages students and families to ask for help. 

According to ORR, this group is growing in size due to the passion and leadership of ORR students and dedicated faculty such as Ms. Dowdall and Ms. Andrade.  With every meeting and event held, the mission of this club is helping to build a culture at ORRHS that supports all students through empathy and connection.

In its inaugural year, this group has had great success:

• They have established membership and a protocol for leadership selection among the group 
• Sought student input on events, placing an emphasis on student voice
• Led community service activity for our school wide CSL day
• Organized a successful Green Night fundraiser, using the popularity of sports to bring attention to the important of mental health
• Held a craft night in partnership with the Knit or Crochet club for all community members and grade levels, building a foundation of skills and resources while having fun
• Organized a Be Seen In Green day along with important messaging in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.