Programs designed to help low income families become stable and economically self-sufficient will be the beneficiary of the Newton-Needham Regional Chamber’s annual Children’s Charitable golf tournament, Aug. 7 at Woodland Golf Club.

This year’s charitable recipient will be the Josephine McNeil Legacy Fund established to continue and expand the efforts by long-time affordable housing advocate Josephine McNeil, a Newton resident to provide supportive services for CAN-DO residents.

McNeil retired this year as executive director of CAN-DO (Citizens for Affordable Housing in Newton Development Organization), leaving a legacy that includes creation of 41 units of affordable housing in Newton and programs designed to assist low and moderate incomes families.

“Josephine McNeil has been a tireless advocate for families and children in Newton and the chamber is pleased to be honoring her legacy and supporting the continuation of her important work,” said Walter F. Tennant, chairman of the golf committee and the chamber’s treasurer.

Founded in 1994, CAN-DO has built homes for veterans, developmentally disabled adults, domestic violence survivors in need of transitional housing, young parents at risk and other low-income families.

But McNeil says the recipients of subsidized housing need more than a roof over their head to become self-sufficient.

“While housing is the platform, it is not enough to lift families out of poverty,” said McNeil. “They need targeted and personalized services which will provide them with the skills they need to gain confidence and mentors who will support them as they work to achieve stability and financial independence. This fund is designed to provide those types of services.”

Coinciding with McNeil’s retirement earlier this year, CAN-DO established an affiliation with Metro West Collaborative Development. That organization will administer the fund which will be used solely for the Mobility Mentoring Programand staffed by a consultant who has been trained in the methodology of the program.

Contributions donated to the McNeil Fund will be used solely for the benefit of CAN-DO's low-income residents, McNeil said.

Registration information about the tournament can be found at www.nnchamber.com.