By Don Aucoin, Boston Globe staff Not that any of you need more stress in your lives at this particular time, but Harvard psychologist Richard Weissbourd wants all you parents out there to take a long look in the mirror and ask yourself whether you’re doing your children more harm than good. For his new book, “The Parents We Mean …
"The coming charity crisis"
By Daniel Gross, Newsweek The latest victims of the sagging economy: charities. In May the annual gala of the Robin Hood Foundation, an event at which a few thousand hedge fund magnates and leveraged buyout titans conspicuously display their wealth and commitment to social justice while rocking out to A-list musical guests (Shakira, John Legend, Sheryl Crow), raised $56.5 million, …
"As it celebrates its 20th year, MBK bids farewell to it's founders"
By Vicki-Ann Downing, Brockton Enterprise The simple bungalow on Everett Street in Taunton doesn’t look like a place where grace struck two decades ago. But it was there, on a Sunday night in March 1988, that life changed forever for James and Theresa Orcutt, empty-nesters in their mid-40s, full-time employees at the Paul A. Dever State School. That moment grew …
"My Brother's Keeper rare among non-profits"
By Vicki-Ann Downing, Brockton Enterprise Dennis Carman, president of the United Way of Greater Plymouth County, says that My Brother’s Keeper is rare among non-profits because it has remained true to its faith-based origins by not accepting public funding. “They provide a needed service without any of the strings that come attached with other funding sources,” said Carman, who is …
"Volunteers serve and learn at My Brother's Keeper"
by Vicki-Ann Downing Brockton Enterprise June 11, 2008 As much as the ministry of My Brother’s Keeper means to the families it serves, it means just as much to the volunteers. Each year, 100 students from Stonehill College and another 150 from Catholic high schools volunteer at the Easton-based non-profit. Most are from upper middle-class or affluent families, said Jim …
"Golfers make pitch for charity"
By Matthew Leonido, Enterprise special correspondent Last year, the rain put a damper on the first charity golf tournament for My Brother’s Keeper, but its second annual event Friday was held in the sunshine, and drew more golfers in its first day than the entire three-day event last year. “Tough weather last year, but the sun is shining, God is …
"Special delivery"
by Sandy Coleman Boston Globe January 25, 2007 In a world hungry for giant plasma TVs and supersized mansions, Jim and Terry Orcutt have chosen the other extreme. They live in a modest rented apartment. They drive old cars. And their furniture is, by their own estimation, not as nice as the furniture they deliver daily to area families in …
"Helping one family at a time"
by Beverly Beckham Boston Globe December 17, 2006 Terry Orcutt spends her days on the phone and most evenings, too, listening, taking notes, asking questions. “Where do you live? What do you need? How many children do you have?” Her concern is real. Her love for people she doesn’t know is real, too. It’s what drives her and what sustains …
"More people than ever need a helping hand"
By Elaine Allegrini, Enterprise staff writer Last year’s high heating costs, combined with the ever-rising cost of living, has left a residual effect on those who live on the edge, according to area social service leaders. With the winter heating season just a cold-spell away and the holiday season on the doorstep, requests for food stamps, heating assistance and holiday …
"They give gifts and keep faith"
By Beverly Beckham, Boston Herald columnist Three time a day they stop and pray. There’s a prayer room outside the warehouse. Prayer keeps them on course. Prayer keeps them focused on God. It’s all about God at My Brother’s Keeper. You step into the warehouse, converted for Christmas into Santa’s workshop, and it’s magical. You hear “Frosty the Snowman” and …