December 21, 2009 — Foundation for MetroWest announced that it has awarded grants totaling $159,500 to organizations throughout the MetroWest region as part of its 2009 grant cycle.

The 2009 distributions were focused on three key service areas – arts and culture, family support, and environment. Recipients of this year’s grants will use the funding for job creation, staff development, support to the elderly and victims of domestic abuse, and building open and accessible park lands.

“During this time of unprecedented financial need, Foundation for MetroWest is proud to support organizations throughout the region,” said Judith Salerno, executive director of Foundation for MetroWest. “By distributing these much needed funds we are doing our part to ensure that the MetroWest region remains vital and strong.”

In 2009 the Foundation for MetroWest distributed nearly $600, 000 throughout the region and has distributed more than $5.5 million since its inception in 1995

Following are the organizations receiving the recent funding:

Arts & Culture

• Amazing Things Center, Framingham – $7,000
• Commonwealth Ballet, Acton – $3,000
• DeCordova Museum, Lincoln – $5,000
• Discovery Museum, Acton – $5,000
• Framingham History Center, Framingham – $5,000
• Reagle Players, Waltham – $5,000

Family Services

Advocates, Inc. , Framingham – $10,000
• Employment Options, Marlborough – $10,000
• Framingham Court Mediation Services, Framingham – $10,000
• Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, Framingham – $10,000
• MetroWest Outreach Connection, Inc., Framingham – $10,000
• Minuteman Senior Services, Burlington – $5,000
• Parenting Resource Associates, Inc., Lexington – $10,000
• REACH Beyond Domestic Violence, Waltham – $7,500
• Second Step, Inc., Newtonville – $5,000
• Springwell Inc. – $5,000
• WATCH, Inc., Waltham – $10,000
• Wayside Youth and Family Support Network, Inc., Framingham – $7,500

Environmental

• Massachusetts Audubon Society, Lincoln – $5,500
• New England Wild Flower Society, Framingham – $10,000
• Southborough Open Land Project, Southborough – $7,000
• Waltham Land Trust, Waltham – $7,000