By Jamie Lasorsa
Are you familiar with the Sterling Neighbor to Neighbor Fund? Whether your answer is yes or no, our
hope is that the information that follows will either introduce you to this incredible town program or give
you further insight on how your help can make a difference within your community.
The Sterling Neighbor to Neighbor Fund began roughly 10 years ago when Sterling resident Kevin
Beaupre recognized a need within the Sterling community for a type of financial assistance for
residents who found themselves falling on tough times. Starting with a modest $5,000 donation,
Beaupre approached the selectboard to propose an idea of a program that would assist such
individuals when they are faced with unforeseen financial need.
The program was established with the intent to help individuals and families in Sterling who have
demonstrated a financial hardship. Through the program they can apply for assistance with payments
towards expenses such as housing costs, food, utility payments, clothing, and/or other essential living
costs. Recipients can be helped by up to 2 single disbursements of up to $1,500 (payments made
directly to qualified creditors of the applicant-not directly to the applicant), which must be at least 6
months apart (max amount $3,000), unless the committee, in its discretion, determines that additional
assistance is warranted.
There is an approval process which requires applicants to fill out an application form, submit
necessary documentation, and speak with the fund’s community representative, Patrick Fox,
confidentially to verify the need. The committee then discusses the findings and renders a decision
based on the circumstances.
The program is currently run under the Friends of Sterling Seniors, Inc. umbrella, by a committee of
3 long-time Sterling residents, John Kilcoyne, Patrick Fox, and Jack Chandler, who volunteer their time
to run the program. Patrick, who has served as a committee member since 2016, stated that since he
has been a representative of the program, 27 people have received assistance (sometimes more than
once) and more than $36,000 in financial assistance has been provided.
There are a few ways that you can help contribute to this remarkable program and assist with its
ability to help even more residents who find themselves in need. You can make a tax-deductible
donation (via mail to address at the bottom of this article) and/or you can join the Sterling Municipal
Light Department’s “Round Up” program. The “Round Up” program was created to allow ratepayers to
round their bill payment up to the nearest dollar, having the extra go to support the Neighbor to
Neighbor Fund. Since 2016, more than $16,000 has been donated via this program. “Round Up”,
although costing the payee less than $12/year, if pooled together with the other households in town,
(3,248 in 2021) has the potential to lend the program up to $38,976 yearly. You can sign up for this
service on your bill or by registering online.
Also provided at the end of this article is information on how to apply for assistance if you find
yourself in need. The process is completely confidential and there are no restrictions on age, or
income, only that you have been a sole resident of Sterling for a minimum of one year.
The Neighbor to Neighbor Fund has received a lot of heartfelt appreciation from those that have
been on the receiving end, as well as a sense of togetherness from those who have been able to
donate.
“It’s a nice program to have and speaks very well of the town.”-Patrick Fox, Neighbor to Neighbor
Community Representative.
To make a tax-deductible donation:
Please make checks payable to: Sterling Neighbor to Neighbor Fund (no cash donations please)
and mail to: Sterling Neighbor to Neighbor Fund, P.O. Box 173, Sterling, MA 01564.
To sign up for SMLD’s “Round Up” program: Check “Round Up” on your statement, register online or
call SMLD at: 978-422-8267.
To apply for assistance: Applications are available on the town website: sterling-ma.gov (click >
About Sterling, > Local Organizations, > Neighbor to Neighbor Assistance Program)
You may also contact the Fund’s Community Representative Patrick Fox at:
P.O. Box 173, Sterling, MA 01564, patrickfox1973@gmail.com, or 774-275-1174