Donations
In Massachusetts, Vinfen receives the majority of its funding from agencies within the Executive Office of Health and Human Services including the Department of Mental Health (DMH) and the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDS). In Connecticut, services are provided by the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS) and the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS).
Funding for programs or activities beyond clients’ contractual service needs must be raised from other sources to fill the gap.
This is why donors are vital to our work, helping us transform lives by making critical investments in a wide variety of our programs and services.
There are many ways you can help support our work.
Donate online now (click on the button below – all major credit cards accepted)
Donate by mail
Click here to download a PDF version our mail-in form.
Please fill it out, and mail with a check made out to “Vinfen” to the following address:
- Development Office
- Vinfen Corporation
- 950 Cambridge Street
- Cambridge, MA 02141
Gift Giving Opportunities
The Lamson Health and Wellness Fund
The Lamson Fund for Health and Wellness was named after former Vinfen President Gary W. Lamson who retired at the end of 2009 to honor his many accomplishments. Individuals with psychiatric and developmental disabilities are at significant risk for chronic diseases and die at a much younger age than non-disabled populations. Vinfen has been working for many years with national and local experts to reduce chronic diseases and improve health outcomes for the 7,000 individuals in our care. Donations to this Fund will help us launch several key initiatives such as the In Shape Program, Vinfen Tasty and Healthy Cookbook as well as provide YMCA memberships to the individuals in Vinfen’s care. Your generous donation will have a significant impact on the health and quality of life for individuals with psychiatric and developmental disabilities.
Fund for Public Education and Awareness
Help us stomp out stigma too often associated with psychiatric and developmental disabilities. In 2008 the first Moving Images Film Festival was held to shine a spotlight on the power of film to erase negative stereotypes about individuals with developmental and psychiatric disabilities. The 3rd Annual Moving Images Film Festival was held on March 27, 2010. The Moving Images Film Festival is free and open to the public.
Fund for Family Engagement and Education
This fund is needed to support and enhance the Developmental Services Division’s Annual Family Forum which engages, educates and celebrates families and their involement with Vinfen DSD programs. Vinfen is exploring ways to increase the opportunities for families to engage and obtain educational support for themselves and their loved ones. The 2nd Annual Family Forum will be held in October 2009. Help us celebrate Vinfen family involvement in 2010.
Fund for Emergency Respite Care
This fund provides emergency respite care at a Vinfen program or in a family home for an individual with developmental disabilities whose family has an urgent need for the individual to receive direct support from a professional caregiver. This fund provides respite services to families who might otherwise not have access to respite.
Fund for Careers in Rehabilitation
The need for a skilled workforce has never been greater. This fund will allow staff to pursue career development options within Vinfen through an Intranet Career Information Center. The fund will also help develop courses and training for managers to adapt to an ever-changing and mobile workforce. Scholarships will also be awarded to allow staff to attend colleges and universities.
Fund for Green Living
This fund will help us reduce energy costs by replacing inefficient energy systems with environmentally friendly furnishings and equipment.
Angel Tree Fund for Holiday Gifts
This fund provides holiday gifts for individuals with psychiatric and developmental disabilities. Without these gifts, many individuals would not have presents during the holidays. Your small donation will make a big difference in the lives of the people we serve.
The Fund for Advancing Recovery and Rehabilitiation
This fund will support individuals with disabilities moving toward increased self-determination and consumer choice by developing computer-based training for individuals with disabilities. Research shows that computer-based cognitive enhancement training can improve functioning for individuals with psychiatric, neurological and developmental disabilities. Donations made to this fund will support projects such as Computer Literacy and Cognitive Enhancement Training (CET).
Gifts of Real Estate and Tangible Property
Give a gift of real estate or other capital assets (stock in closely-held companies, oil or mineral rights, works of art, jewelry, books, etc.) can be sold for the immediate benefit of Vinfen or, in certain circumstances, given to Vinfen for future sale. Although the responsibility for appraisal rests with the donor, that expense is tax-deductible if you itemize. It is also possible to make a gift of real estate to Vinfen and retain the right to live on the property during your lifetime. The acceptance of personal property and closely held stocks will be determined on a case-by-case basis.
Contact
For further information, contact Laura Goldberg, Development and Graphic Design Specialist at 617-441-1726 or goldbergl@vinfen.org.