LYNN – Four Lynn organizations were chosen to receive grants to help boost outreach for the Lynn BabySteps Savings Plan program.
This initiative funds Lynn organizations in the development and execution of outreach strategies to increase enrollment in the BabySteps Savings Plan. BabySteps provides a free $50 deposit when a MEFA U.Fund 529 account is opened within one year of a Massachusetts child’s birth or adoption.
Highlands Coalition, LEO, New Lynn Coalition, and United Nations Community Development Corp. have been selected to receive a total of $50,000.
State Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg announced the recipients on Nov. 15.
“Although Lynn has one of the highest birth rates in Massachusetts, its participation in BabySteps has remained disproportionately low compared to other cities,” Goldberg said. “These grants will help local groups raise awareness in their community and reach families where they are.”
The Massachusetts Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE) will fund the four organizations. Each organization can receive up to $12,500, and the final funding will be announced later.
“The City of Lynn is thrilled to have leaders from our organizations expand outreach strategies to increase participation in BabySteps,” said Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson. “This is a tremendous effort to assist our families in proactively transforming the future of their children.”
Over the next several months, two community planners will join OEE, the Massachusetts Educational Financing Authority, and the Hildreth Stewart Charitable Foundation to organize and implement grantees’ strategies for increasing participation in Lynn BabySteps.
“This grant will help local leaders design and implement effective ways to boost enrollment in the BabySteps Savings Plan,” said state Rep. Donald Wong, whose district includes parts of the City of Lynn. “I am thankful for this grant funding and am confident that it will benefit not only the families in Lynn but across Massachusetts.”
Other local lawmakers expressed their support for the BabySteps program.
“I am grateful for this grant funding that will go towards increasing awareness and participation in the BabySteps Savings Plan here in Lynn,” said state Rep. Peter Capano (D-Lynn). “With these additional resources, local organizations will have the necessary tools to reach more families.”
State Rep. Dan Cahill (D-Lynn) said that the BabySteps Savings Plan is a great opportunity for parents to invest in their children’s future education and economic well-being.
“I am thrilled for this grant funding, which will go to support local organizations working hard to improve the lives of families in our community and across the state by increasing participation and awareness of this program,” Cahill said.
State Sen. Brendan Crighton (D-Lynn) said, “Thanks to this grant, our community partners will offer their ingenuity, thoughtfulness, and care as they work to ensure more families enroll in BabySteps.”
