WHAT IS BOSTON CARES? WHAT IS THE BED PROJECT

Janice Zajchowski a seasoned software account executive with over a decade of experience managing Fortune 10 accounts for Oracle.  Janice Zajchowski is Boston-based and also is a philanthropist who volunteers for several local non-profit organizations.  One organization close to her heart is Boston Cares. 

Boston Cares is an organization the recruits volunteers to engage in the community.   Boston Cares leads and trains volunteers to help accomplish goals that have a positive impact on individuals.  They partner with schools and organizations to identify and prioritize the needs of the Boston community. 

Through their positive efforts and impact, they inspire and gain additional volunteers.  As the organization grows, it further heightens the importance of the community's needs and activities.

The Boston Cares Bed Project has several core goals.  Some of their goals include ensuring that young people succeed by impacting their environments both from an educational and recreational perspective. Providing tutoring to adults to overcome poverty, ensure culture and environment preservation, contribute to the community's health and wellness, provide shelter and food, and respond to emergencies.

One of its flagship projects is the Boston Cares Bed Project. The Boston Cares Bed Project has a long history.  It was initiated in 2014 and has engaged volunteers and companies.  The goal is to construct a twin or toddler bed frame from start to finish.  The built beds are then distributed to organizations that help individuals transitioning out of homelessness. The Boston Care Bed project has constructed close to 2000 beds since its inception. 

Boston Cares Bed project is rewarding to the community and their volunteers.   Volunteers get to work in a team-building environment and have fun at the same time.  They also get to see the fruits of their labor through the construction of a bed.  For organizations, they get to contribute by hosting sites where these beds are distributed. It is an uplifting event for all the employees.   Finally, these beds are essential to individuals transitioning out of the struggle with homelessness. 

Of the 13,000 families experiencing homelessness, children under 18 make up over 50 percent in Massachusetts.  A sad but realistic statistic.

It is critical to experience a good night's sleep as it can lead to long-term issues.  Studies have proven that insufficient sleep can impact the physical and emotional health of children. Poor sleep can interfere with normal growth and development.  Underachievement and behavioral problems at school, depression, anxiety, and social interaction can result.  Besides the emotional impact of sleep insufficiencies, physical issues such as diabetes, obesity, and the ability to fight off infections can result.

The lack of something as simple as a soft, warm bed that a child can call their own space can have a long-term impact on a child's physical and mental capabilities.  

The Boston Bed Project is one of several or organizations nationwide that has recognized the critical need for beds.  Numerous other organizations offer free beds and furniture to low-income families.  Low-income families may also want to reach out to Cribs for Kids, Bed4Kids, Furniture for Families, local churches, and non-profit organizations.