NEWTON, Mass. (November 26, 2012) – The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation today announced that it provided a $2,500 grant to Understanding Our Differences.  The Newton-based nonprofit organization is the leader in disability awareness education and provides its programs to the Newton Public Schools and to schools and organizations nationwide.

 “Rockland Trust is committed to strengthening the communities in which we work and live,” stated Cheryl Santee, Rockland Trust’s Newton Branch Manager. “We are proud to support the work of Understanding Our Differences and the positive work they do to educate our young people.”

Understanding Our Differences was founded in 1978 as a nonprofit organization to increase awareness, understanding, and acceptance of people with disabilities and differences.  Since then, more than 200 schools and youth organizations nationwide have participated in its programs. In addition, more than 27,000 elementary school students and 8,000 adult, high school and college students have participated as trained, volunteer instructors.

“We truly appreciate Rockland Trust’s support for our organization’s mission to educate communities to value and accept people of all abilities,” said Rebecca Lubens, Executive Director of Understanding Our Differences.  “This grant will strengthen our hands-on, participatory curriculum, which fosters respect for differences and helps prevent bullying.”

About the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation serves the communities of Bellingham, Blackstone, Foxboro, Franklin, Hopedale, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Newton, Norfolk, Waltham and Wrentham.  The Foundation focuses on four primary areas:  education, health and human services, youth programs and community development in our service area. For information about the Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, please contact Jeanne Travers at 781-982-6637 or visit www.RocklandTrust.com.