Polito Gives $10K to SYFS By Joyce Kelly, Staff Writer Thursday 09/07/2006

Rep. Karen Polito, R-Shrewsbury, once again showed there is plenty of green to go around when people combine fun with a good cause.

For the fifth year, golfers and community supporters came together at Polito’s annual charity golf tournament and raised $20,000 for two local charities.

On Friday, Polito gave Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services (SYFS) a $10,000 check. SYFS is the town’s only private, non-profit human service agency, and is the primary provider of social services for low-income families. "I do believe they provide unique services to teens who have problems, and they are very effective in working with law enforcement and schools to offer a wide range of helpful services. What they really do is dovetail what our local government provides, which is limited," Polito said.

Polito created the golf charity as part of her responsibility to the community, she said.

"It’s important to have a charity event to reach out to friends and supporters," Polito said.

Since she first created the fundraiser five years ago, major corporate and individual supporters have made it a success, she said.

Along with 10 corporate sponsors’ annual donations, the tournament’s five major sponsors give $3,000 a piece: Central One Federal Credit Union, Wheelabrator of Millbury, Polito Development, J.A. Polito & Sons, and Peterson Oil.

Polito said she is also grateful to key sponsors, individuals and businesses who donated raffles and prizes.

Of the 148 golfers who played in the tournament, two of the winners were from Shrewsbury.

"It’s a really fun event, and it’s amazing to see how dedicated the individuals are who participate in the tournament and come back every year to take part," Polito said.

Over five years, Polito’s golf tournament has given over $100,000 to SYFS and the Westborough Food Pantry.

"I’m actually a member of the SYFS board of directors, and I recognize the social service needs in our community, particularly our youth, and I value the services this organization provides," Polito said.

Years ago, violence was a big problem in Shrewsbury, but it has been decreasing because of SYFS’ Violence Intervention Program, police, and ADVISE (Against Domestic Violence In Shrewsbury Education), said Jeffrey Chin, director of Shrewsbury Youth and Family Services.

"There’s a little misconception that Shrewsbury is an affluent town with no poor families, but many can’t afford health insurance because of income level," said Chin.

Based on the needs of residents, the organization shifts focus.

The large growth that Shrewsbury has experienced can bring city-like problems, such as domestic violence, homelessness and youth crimes, said Chin.

"Shrewsbury has come full-circle; there are more and more youth issues today," said Chin.

This year, a lot of people need fuel assistance, counseling, parental help and healthcare advocacy, Chin said.

"Sometimes people don’t know where to look or network, and we help them do that," he said.

Chin estimates SYFS has assisted tens of thousands of families since it was formed in 1983.

"Our tournament is their second largest fundraiser, and I feel committed to continue the event to help the organization," Polito said.

Polito stressed the importance of the community continuing to work hard to support the agency, which is heavily dependent on grants and private donations.Donations account for about 40-45 percent of the private, non-profits agency’s annual budget.