Our Grantees

ABCD (Action for boston community development)

ABCD is a nonprofit human services organization that each year provides more than 100,000 low income residents in the Greater Boston region with the tools and resources needed to transition from poverty to stability and from stability to success.To fulfill this purpose, ABCD uses a comprehensive approach that systematically addresses the range of barriers faced by households in poverty, from day-to-day crises to longterm needs for jobs and education. www.bostonabcd.org

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay, Boston, MA

Since its inception, The David E. Retik Christopher D. Mello Foundation's support of our programs has extended far beyond financial generosity. We have been moved to tears and called to collective action by Susan Retik's inspiring words. www.bbbsmb.org

Childcare Resources of Indian River, Vero Beach, FL

The David E. Retik Christopher D. Mello Foundation will have an immediate impact on the lives of young children in Indian River County, Florida. All children deserve quality early learning opportunities, regardless of their families' limitations. Support from the Foundation has helped pave the way for bright futures. www.childcareresourcesir.org

Child Guidance Center of Southern CT

The Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut is dedicated to improving the mental and behavioral health of children and teens through treatment, education, and community support. CGC offers a broad range of individualized mental health diagnostic, assessment and treatment services to aid children in overcoming psychological, behavioral, developmental, social and familial problems in conveniently located clinics, homes, schools and other community locations. We provide 1) crisis services 2) specialized treatment services, 3) prevention services, and 4) testing and assessments. www.childguidancect.org

The Children's Room

The Children's Room provides support for grieving children, teens and families free of charge. It is the largest independent non-profit in Massachusetts dedicated to supporting families who have suffered early loss. www.childrensroom.org

Bridge over troubled waters

Bridge Over Troubled Waters provides effective and innovative services to runaway, homeless and high-risk youth, helps youth avoid a lifetime of dependency on social services, guides youth towards self-sufficiency, and enables youth to transform their lives and build fulfilling, meaningful futures.

Colgate University

Funding to Colgate University is in support of The David E. Retik Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship is an endowed scholarship of Colgate University.

boston bullpen project

For those in need, a missed rent payment, a lapse in insurance coverage or a lack of transportation can mean the difference between persistent struggle and a path to success. Boston BullPen Project provides specific support at critical junctures for struggling families and individuals. The organizaion is committed to meeting these urgent needs, with the ultimate goal of improving the overall quality of life.https://bostonbullpenproject.org/

Food for free

Food For Free improves access to healthy food through establishing innovative programming and partnerships to overcome barriers and strengthen the community food system. Through a combination of food rescue and transportation services, Food for Freeprograms address not only short-term hunger, but also the long-term health effects of food insecurity and poor nutrition, while reducing food waste. www.foodforfree.org

The Food Project

The Food Project’s mission is to create a thoughtful and productive community of youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a sustainable food system.  Each year, The Food Project hires 120 teens, grows 200,000 lbs. of food, and donates more than 180,000 servings of fresh produce to hunger relief organizations across eastern Massachusetts.  www.thefoodproject.org/

Harlem Lacrosse Boston

Harlem Lacrosse’s mission is to empower the children who are most at risk for academic decline and dropout to rise above their challenges and reach their full potential. Harlem Lacrosse inspires children to dream about tomorrow while working hard on the field and in the classroom today. www.harlemlacrosse.org/boston

BAGLY ~ Boston Alliance for Gay Lesbian and Transgender Youth

The Boston Alliance of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender Youth, is a youth-led, adult-supported social support organization, committed to social justice and creating, sustaining, and advocating for programs, policies, and services for the LGBTQ+ youth community. 

Hope for families center

The Hope for Families Center is the source of safety and security when the Treasure Coast’s most vulnerable residents find themselves without shelter. They serve as the catalyst to get families back on their feet and provide the structure, education and resources to not only keep families safe today but to have the ability to provide for themselves for the long term. www.hopeforfamiliescenter.org

Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport

Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, Inc. (MLC) provides basic literacy and life skills training to low-income women using a holistic approach within a compassionate, supportive environment. MLC was founded in 1987 on the premise that one of the best ways to help entire families overcome poverty and succeed is to educate women and mothers. Rooted in this multigenerational approach, the motto of Mercy Learning Center is “Educate a woman… Educate a family.” Since its founding, MLC has educated and empowered over 10,000 women. www.mercylearningcenter.org

redlands christian migrant association

RCMA opens doors to opportunities through quality child care and education from crib to high school and beyond. RCMA makes the dreams of children in migrant farm working and low-income families their focus. That means making sure anything that impacts their learning is taken care of. From early childhood education to health care assistance to supplying WiFi hotspots and tablets for homework, RCMA takes a holistic approach that cares for the entire child - including a helping hand for their parents. www.rcma.org

Horizons bridgeport

Horizons is a transformational, community-centered, out-of-school-time learning program proven to close the opportunity gap. Horizons believes that every child, regardless of background, should have the same chance at making a positive impact on his or her community. https://www.horizonsbridgeport.org/

Rosie's Place

Rosie’s Place has been a place where welcome and help are offered unconditionally. A sanctuary offering meals, groceries, shelter and showers. A steppingstone offering women free ESOL classes and assistance finding employment and housing. A connection to women in the community who have not yet accessed our vital services. With the support of the Retik Mello Foundation, Rosie’s Place will continue to be there for more than 12,000 women each year. www.rosiesplace.org

Rye YMCA

The Rye YMCA is a family-oriented community service organization which welcomes all people and promotes positive values through programs that build spirit, mind, and body. The Fitness Center at the Rye YMCA is named in memory of Christopher D Mello. www.ryeymca.org

Sara's Smiles Foundation

Sara’s Smiles Foundation is committed to helping children who are battling cancer live every moment to the fullest. Sara’s Smiles Foundation believes that children can be empowered by taking an active part in their experience. We believe fear can be eased by helping children and their families better understand their journeys. Sara’s Smiles offers resources that not only educate, but also create a positive, personal environment. www.saras-smiles.org