Massachusetts Senator Mark Montigny Earmarks Funding For SouthCoast Children

A SouthCoast nonprofit focused on helping hospitalized children and their families is receiving a major boost thanks to a new grant that appears in the latest version of the Massachusetts State Senate budget.

State Senator Mark Montigny helped arrange a $50,000 earmark for the Friends of Jack Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting pediatric patients and their families during difficult medical journeys.

Friends of Jack 'Grateful' to Montigny

“We’re incredibly grateful to Senator Montigny for recognizing the work that the Friends of Jack is doing for children and families across our region, and for helping secure $50,000 in funding in the Senate budget proposal," said Friends of Jack Executive Director Peter Cohenno. "While we understand that the Commonwealth’s budget process still has several important steps ahead, Senator Montigny’s advocacy made it possible for us to even reach this stage."

"Because we were not included in the final House budget, without Senator Montigny’s support we would have lost any opportunity to receive state funding this upcoming year," Cohenno said.

Supporting Children and Families

Montigny said the decision to advocate for the funding came down to one thing: helping children and families facing some of the hardest moments imaginable.

“I don’t think anyone disagrees that needy children or children hurting deserve support,” Montigny said. “Particularly when they are very sick and families are terrified about what their child is going through.”

The Friends of Jack Foundation works closely with hospitals and families, helping provide emotional support and services that improve the experience for children undergoing treatment. The nonprofit often funds child life specialists who help ease fear and anxiety for young patients while also supporting parents navigating stressful situations.

A Competitive Budget Year

Montigny noted that budget earmarks are highly competitive. He said he is selective when choosing which organizations to support.

“There’s an infinite need and finite resources,” he said. “I really try to listen to who is helping children that are most in need or lacking comfort.”

The senator praised the Friends of Jack's direct impact and said the funding will help continue meaningful work for local families right here on the SouthCoast.

Putting Children First

Montigny also spoke about the growing challenges families face within the healthcare system, noting nonprofits like the Friends of Jack Foundation help fill important gaps in care and emotional support.

“It takes caring people putting children first,” he said.

The Friends of Jack Foundation serves families throughout the SouthCoast and beyond, helping make difficult medical situations a little less overwhelming by paying the salaries of child life specialists, providing superhero capes and masks to bolster courage before a difficult procedure, and supplying SouthCoast first responders with teddy bears to help calm young children.