Seamen's Widow and Orphan Association

Time 2021-05-11 08:16:39

Web Name: Seamen's Widow and Orphan Association

WebSite: http://seamen.bensplace.net

ID:175776

Keywords:

Widow,Seamen,and,

Description:

The Seamen s Widow and Orphan Association was founded in 1833 in Salem, Massachusetts, for the purpose of affording relief to the widows and orphans of seamen and their worthy descendants . Today each member of the Board of Managers of this 501(c) (3) organization personally delivers monthly stipends to individual beneficiaries, some of whom have ties to the maritime trade. The mission of the Seamen s Widow and Orphan Association is the same now as it was in the 1800s. At the height of the maritime trade, there were many organizations created to assist individuals and families who were struggling to feed and clothe their loved ones due to the loss of job or spouse. As the name of our organization implies, the Seamen s Widow and Orphan Association was specifically created to help support the wives and children of sailors whose lives were lost at sea. As times have changed so has the situation on the North Shore. In 1994 the By-Laws were expanded for the further purpose of affording relief to any and all needy widows, orphans, children, individuals, and families in the area of Salem, Massachusetts. Under the expanded charter, organizations such as the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, The Salem Mission, and The Salem Pantry, in addition to needy individuals, benefit from funds distributed by the Board of Managers. The organization is run by a board of managers of no more than twelve and no less than seven women, plus our treasurer and financial advisors. Women are chosen for the Board of Managers based on their involvement and affiliations with churches, organizations and various activities in the Salem and North Shore community. New managers are suggested and voted on by the current managers. The advisors are selected by the managers based on their connections in the business, financial, and legal community. All positions are voluntary and unpaid except for a small gratuity to the treasurer. With careful investing of the initial funds, dues, and legacies, we have a sound portfolio that continues to grow, but so also does the need grow. It is from this portfolio's growth that we fund our distributions. In the past five years SWOA has distributed approximately $500,000. Average amounts are as follows: 20 women and their families received on average $400 a month 4 Massachusetts Maritime Academy students each received a $2000 scholarship annually 2 Salem food pantries received $400 quarterly 5 local non-profits that assist women and children received $1000 annually. There are many positive anecdotes that are powerful. Please read this true story as it is indicative of SWOA s work and mission. Elizabeth and her husband of 51 years worked hard to maintain their home and run their small market in Salem. He was a self-employed fisherman and was responsible for stocking the shop with his fresh catch from the sea. They had no children. When he passed away the market was closed. Elizabeth lost not only her husband, but her income and she was at risk of loosing the home that she loved. SWOA provided funds that enabled Elizabeth to maintain her dignity and to remain in her residence for another 15 years until she was 90 when she moved into a nursing home. Though you may not have heard of us and we do not have a storefront operation, the Seamen s Widow and Orphan Association has been an actively operating institution for over 175 years. The number of organizations, families, and individuals whose lives have been enriched grows annually. Currently our funds touch hundreds of lives. 2010 Seamen Widow and Orphan Association. P O Box 454, Salem, MA 01970 www.SalemSWOA.org

TAGS:Widow Seamen and 

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