FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Center of Hope Foundation, Inc.
100 Foster Street, PO Box 66, Southbridge, MA 01550
(508) 764-4085
www.thecenterofhope.org
Kayla Krause, Director of Marketing & Sales
KKrause@thecenterofhope.org
(508) 764-4085 ext. 698
Ice Cream Helps Bring Back the Southbridge Spirit
Thanks to UMass Memorial Health’s Anchor Mission
Southbridge, MA – 9/5/2023 – On 8/31/23 caregivers from UMass Memorial Health, along with Board Members of the Center of Hope Foundation gathered at Scoops of Hope, the Center of Hope’s newest business venture, an ice cream shop located at 54 Foster Street in Southbridge, MA. Smiles and sometimes ice cream mustaches were on everyone’s faces as they enjoyed the Scoops menu items.
Scoops of Hope serves homemade American-style ice cream which is made in small batches. The smaller the batch, the fresher the scoop. Every flavor served is made from scratch, with the exception of the toppings. Along with ice cream, Scoops has a delicious menu filled with hot dogs, grilled cheese, chili, salads, and more. As the business continues to grow, so does the menu. “I have never seen anyone take a hot dog and make it somewhat “healthy” by adding avocado and onions like on their Scoop Dog.” said customer Ryan Thompson, “It is the best hot dog I have ever had.”.
Not only does Scoops serve one-of-a-kind ice cream and delicious menu items, but they also provide meaningful employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their shop is a space to share with friends. They foster a work environment where their employees are mentored, inspired, and encouraged to explore their talents and provide an inclusive, joyful customer experience while providing the community with delicious food and homemade ice cream.
“Every scoop of our homemade ice cream, dessert, and meals are created to bring joy and purpose to the lives of all involved,” said Kayla Krause, Director of Marketing and Sales at the Center of Hope.
Scoops of Hope was made possible by UMass Memorial Health’s Anchor Mission, a program that invests capital into the community through various non-profit projects. These projects align with the program’s mission to give back and strengthen the community. By providing low-interest loans that are more flexible than banks, businesses can complete projects with less financial restrictions and risk at a faster rate.
It was 5 years ago that Harrington Hospital went through the process of deciding what their financial future would look like. Would they stay independent or be absorbed by UMass Memorial Health? It was the idea of Anchor Mission that helped seal the deal for this merger that happened just over 2 years ago. Ed Moore, President of UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, said, “One of the key ingredients to close the deal was the understanding and commitment from UMass Memorial for the Anchor Mission. It was a way that they could demonstrate to us and the board that have the fiduciary responsibility of what is best for the community, and that we could reinvest funds into the community. Unlike grants, these funds are investments that can continuously be reinvested and have very low-interest rates.”
Jessica Calcidise, Chief Nursing Officer, Chief Operating Officer of UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, and the Investment Pillar Chair for Anchor Mission, said, “Seeing what Scoops of Hope has done for the Southbridge community is attributed to Cindy Howard, who is so invested in the community and for the members the agency serves. Driving down Foster Street on a Friday afternoon, seeing families and children gathering out back, enjoying food, and playing games, is what I understand this community to be and what it once was. This new business has changed the community. I am so thrilled that the Anchor Mission can be part of that.”
“Scoops of Hope is one of the showcase projects for the mission.”, said Kate Behan, Senior Director of Clinical Affiliations and Anchor Mission Strategy at UMass Memorial Health, who has plans to travel the country and get more healthcare systems to invest back into their communities. Other Anchor Mission investments include the Finally Home Fund, Creative Hub Worcester, and Worcester Common Ground. “We are honored to be recipients of this low-interest loan and partnership with UMass Memorial Health. Our founder and former CEO, Jim Howard, always had the vision to open an ice cream shop here in downtown Southbridge. He knew it was what this town needed and thanks to Anchor Mission, this vision has become a reality.” Said Cindy Howard, CEO of the Center of Hope.
Krause said, “To help bring the “Southbridge Spirit” back, the Center is in the midst of planning some community events like Touch a Truck, Animal Adoption Day, and possibly even a car show. We look forward to being the place where families and friends gather to enjoy time together and hope to see you all there.”
To learn more about Scoops of Hope, Anchor Mission or the Center of Hope please visit www.scoopsofhope.com or call us at 508-764-4085.
Contact:
Cindy Howard, CEO
Center of Hope Foundation, Inc.
Cindy@thecenterofhope.org
774-230-1926
