40 Under Forty 2022: Taylor Lacroix
Photo | Erika Sidor
Taylor Lacroix
Photo | Erika Sidor
40 Under Forty 2022 winners Eric Gratz, Taylor Lacroix, Mike Nicholson, and Lauren Crossman-Nanoff pose at Old Stone Church in West Boylston
- Title Senior division director of community services
- Company Open Sky Community Services, in Worcester
- Residence Worcester
- Birthplace Concord, N.H.
- Colleges Roger Williams University, Simmons University School of Social Work
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While many people see the problem of homelessness abstractly as a quality of life issue in Worcester, Lacroix has devoted herself tirelessly to helping the people who are experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health.
At Open Sky, Lacroix oversees 16 programs serving more than 800 individuals with complex needs in Worcester County. She was hired into the Aggressive Treatment and Relapse Prevention program at Open Sky in 2016, and helped design the Homelessness Prevention Program which, with ATARP, has housed more than 120 people over the past three years. Because the populations Lacroix helps often find themselves involved with the criminal justice system, she was uniquely qualified to work with the Worcester Police Department and the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health to develop behavioral health and de-escalation training for first responders.
She is the chair of the Worcester City Manager’s Task Force for Sustaining Housing First Solutions. While overseeing programs, Lacroix doesn’t lose touch with the people she serves. She is pursuing a master’s degree in social work at Simmons University in Boston and using the opportunity to intern with Open Sky’s outpatient clinic and provide one-on-one therapy to clients.
What movie best encapsulates your personality? “The Lion King” – experiencing loss, redemption, and leadership
What is the best location in Central Mass? Boynton Park and Cascades Park – perfect for walking your dog and getting exercise
What is most responsible for the person you are today? My family not being able to access much-needed services, and I don't want other families to have to experience that.
Outside of your career and family, what has been your marquee life experience? Opening a charcuterie business, 2 Gouda Girls, with my best friend
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So freaking honored to know you!! You are amazing!
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Hats off to anyone with the compassion, wisdom, and tenacity to take on the real challenges of real people dealing with homelessness.
Taylor is a gift to all of us.
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