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Comcast Awards $20,000 to Urban League of Springfield to Expand

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Comcast announced a $20,000 grant to support the Urban League of Springfield’s Digital Learning Lab, a community resource that is helping to bridge the digital divide in Western Mass. by providing 150 participants each year with essential technology and internet skills training, specialty workshops, and more.

The $20,000 grant will help fund a variety of enrichment training programs at the Urban League’s Digital Learning Lab. Programs include the Foster Grandparent Program, which helps seniors gain confidence in using online tools to mentor youth, and the Project Ready Program, which teaches students coding, advanced digital security, and pathways to careers in computer science.

“Many essential services — healthcare, job applications, and social-services programs — are now online, making digital literacy a critical skill,” state Rep. Bud Williams said. “I applaud Comcast for supporting the Urban League of Springfield’s Digital Learning Lab that ensures residents across Western Massachusetts have access to resources and training to develop the technology skills needed to succeed in today’s digital-first world.”

Added Yvette Frisby, president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield, “for more than 15 years, Comcast has been a dedicated partner in our mission, and we’re grateful for their continued support. While residents have access to affordable high-speed broadband throughout Western Massachusetts, many of our members still lack the digital skills needed to take full advantage of it. This grant ensures more people — regardless of age or background — receive the training and support they need to thrive.”

This grant from Comcast is part of Project UP, Comcast’s commitment to provide digital opportunities through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

“Comcast is proud to support the Urban League of Springfield as they empower local residents with critical digital skills,” said Carolyne Hannan, senior vice president of Comcast’s New England Region. “We understand the importance of internet connectivity, but access alone isn’t enough — people need the skills to confidently and safely use online resources to improve their lives. Through partnerships like this, we’re helping to close the digital divide and create more opportunities for individuals and families across Western Massachusetts.”

Comcast Awards $70,000 to Three Organizations to Advance Digital Equity, Learning

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Comcast announced it is awarding a total of $70,000 across three nonprofit organizations in Western Mass. to help provide area residents and students with technology and computer skills training. These grants are a part of Project UP, Comcast’s $1 billion commitment to advance digital equity through programs and community partnerships that connect people to the internet, advance economic mobility, and open doors for the next generation of innovators, entrepreneurs, storytellers, and creators.

Tech Goes Home will receive $30,000 to offer its digital-inclusion programs in Holyoke and Springfield, through which participants will complete 15 hours of digital skills training and earn a technology bundle that will include a personal device.

The Urban League of Springfield will receive $20,000 to support its digital learning lab, which provides participants with essential technology and internet skills training, specialty workshops, the Urban League’s Project Ready Mentor and STEM youth programs, and more.

The Boys & Girls Club of Springfield will receive $20,000 to support its e-sports programming, through which participants build social-emotional and STEM skills by engaging in educational, hands-on gaming sessions led by club staff.

“We are grateful to Comcast for supporting our efforts to help close the digital divide in Holyoke and Springfield,” said Daniel Noyes, CEO of Tech Goes Home. “By providing our participants with digital skills trainings and their own devices, we’re able to prepare them to navigate school, work, and life. We are excited to see the impact we can make in Western Massachusetts, thanks to the support from Comcast.”

Added Carolyne Hannan, senior vice president of Comcast’s New England region, “we understand the critical role that the internet plays in contributing to a future of unlimited possibilities for everyone across Western Massachusetts. In today’s world, digital literacy is essential to success, which is why we continue to support programs that empower individuals to explore and understand digital media platforms and technical capabilities to set them up for their professional futures.”

Urban League of Springfield Names Yvette Frisby President, CEO

By
Daily News

Yvette Frisby

SPRINGFIELD — The Urban League of Springfield’s board of directors announced the appointment of Yvette Frisby as the organization’s new president and CEO. Frisby, a seasoned senior executive, is the first woman to lead the organization in its 111-year history. She was chosen after a comprehensive national search and certification by the National Urban League, tasked with advancing the organization’s mission of economic empowerment, equality, and social justice in the Greater Springfield area.

Frisby has been a key figure in the Springfield Urban League for 40 years, having risen through the ranks to serve as senior vice president of Operations & Administrative Services over the past decade. Over the past year, she has served as interim president and CEO before being officially appointed to the role. In addition to her new position, she will also act as executive director of the historic Camp Atwater, the oldest African-American camp in the U.S.

“Yvette is the ideal choice to lead the Urban League during this transformative and historical period,” said Maurice Powe, board chair. “She is extremely knowledgeable about the organization on a local, regional, and national level. Yvette possesses a formidable executive viewpoint on the strategic direction the Urban League is moving in. During these challenging yet hopeful times, we are embracing a tremendous opportunity to impact the community and elevate the Urban League to the next level. I look forward to the leadership and experience Yvette will bring to the organization along with her positive impact on our entire community.”

Since arriving at the Urban League in 1984, Frisby has held various positions, including office manager, executive assistant to the president’s office, Youth & Education director, Camp Atwater administrator, and Operations & Administration director. She stepped into a senior leadership role in 2003.

“I am extremely humbled and honored that the Urban League board has selected me to assume this significant position,” she said. “I have devoted my professional journey to serving in a capacity that will always inspire, enrich, and uplift. In this inspiring new role, I am fully committed to leading by example, always striving for excellence, and working tirelessly to make an indelible impact in the Greater Springfield area and our beloved community.

“As the new president and CEO of the Urban League of Springfield Inc., I am excited to bring the vision and mission of the National Urban League to life locally,” she added. “In this pivotal voting year, our work in defending democracy takes on even greater significance. By continuing to defend democracy, demand diversity, and defeat poverty, we will ensure that our programs and services make a lasting impact on the unique needs of Springfield residents, building a stronger, more equitable community for all.”

Frisby holds a master’s degree in organizational management and leadership and a bachelor’s degree in human services from Springfield College. She serves as president of the Greater Springfield Chapter of the Links Inc. and is an adjunct professor at Bay Path University. Additionally, she is a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Advisory Council for the Advancement of Representation in Education, a commissioner of the Springfield Cultural Council, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Xi Xi Omega Chapter.

Urban League of Springfield President, CEO Henry Thomas to Step Down

By
Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Henry Thomas, who presided over the Urban League of Springfield for almost a half-century, announced his retirement on Wednesday.

“I have had the privilege to spend my entire career supporting the Springfield community and creating countless spaces where our community can thrive, grow, and achieve excellence,” he wrote in a letter announcing his decision. “My dream has always been to serve, and I am so honored to have spent my life’s work with a civil-rights organization dedicated to economic empowerment, equality, and social justice.”

Thomas was named one of BusinessWest’s Difference Makers for 2023, and will be honored at a gala on April 27.

He joined the Urban League in 1971 as youth coordinator. In 1974, at age 25, he became the nation’s youngest leader of a national Urban League affiliate. One of his key areas of focus throughout his career has been education, and not just through Urban League programs; he also served for 13 years on the UMass Amherst board of trustees — including two and a half years as board chair — and was a co-founder of New Leadership Charter School.

In all Urban League initiatives — its programs include education and youth-development initiatives, as well as programs for economic and workforce development, health and wellness, and seniors — Thomas has been driven by an understanding of the importance of equity.

“No equity, no excellence,” he told BusinessWest recently. “I always had a feeling that things could be better, as it relates to equity, everyone getting the treatment that others are getting.”

Also in the vein of education and workforce development, Thomas established Step Up Springfield, a teacher-development program in Springfield; is funding (along with his wife, Dee, a former teacher and principal herself) a $50,000 scholarship for Black youth from Springfield; and tackled a two-year assignment with the National Urban League as its vice president for Youth Development, with a primary focus of youth development within inner-city communities.

Another one of Thomas’ successes was bringing Camp Atwater in North Brookfield — the oldest overnight camp for Black youth in the U.S. — back to life in 1980 after a period of dormancy. The camp celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2021.

In yesterday’s letter, Thomas said he will advise the organization as it embarks on a search for its next leader.

“I want to express my gratitude to the staff and board for their incredible support as we have worked to transform the Urban League of Springfield,” he wrote. “As I reflect on over 50 years in my role, there is so much that brings me joy. Together, we have transformed the organization’s fundraising from thousands of dollars to millions of dollars, over $5 million and counting. In my new role as an advisor to the Urban League, I will continue to support the fundraising for this historic establishment.

“It has been an honor to work with and learn from committed and enthusiastic staff and colleagues over the years,” Thomas went on. “I thank the Urban League dream team and board members for their support and am appreciative beyond measure to our grantee partners, community organizations and leaders, philanthropy colleagues, public officials, and private business partners for enriching my efforts. You all have been inspirational allies in our fight for equality and social justice in the Springfield community and beyond.”