Future Goals
1. Secure resources to achieve a measure of financial stability, ensuring the organization has the capacity to continue its mission of advancing public health in the North Central region through raising community awareness, coalition organizing, and advocacy;
2. Strengthen and expand transportation systems in the region through the establishment of a Transportation Management Association, a Regional Coordinating Council, and a regional Mobility Master Plan;
3. Build a resilient and equitable local food system through continued partnership in the Local Food Works coalition;
4. Complete a regional, Age-Friendly Plan endorsed by AARP;
5. Expand access to equitable maternal care in the region in collaboration with healthcare providers, social service organizations, and community leaders and residents;
6. Continue to provide the training, resources, and platform for community members to advocate on the issues that impact their health and wellbeing, especially those community members whose voices are often unheard;
7. Improve the social connectedness and self-determination of our communities through continuous opportunities to engage, lead, and make meaningful contributions to community health.
Fundraising Opportunities
While we do not host fundraising events, we recently launched a web store where supporters can purchase merchandise and proceeds help fund our youth engagement activities.https://healthequity.itemorder.com/shop/home
Giving Opportunities
Online donations are gratefully accepted year-round at https://www.chna9.org/196/Donate.
Individual and organizational donors may fund donor-directed projects aligned with the regional Community Health Improvement Plan by contacting the Executive Director at chelsey@chna9.org.
Find out about coalition membership and sponsorship opportunities at https://www.chna9.org/250/Give-and-Receive.
Volunteer Opportunities
We coordinate with partner organizations to place volunteers who can conduct trainings and informational seminars; organize community events, meetings and listening sessions; or organize and/or participate in community-led projects and programs such as digital literacy trainings, advocacy events, volunteer driver programs, immigrant services, and more. We also have a Youth Advisory Council and a Spanish-speaking Ambassadors group. Interested individuals can contact chelsey@chna9.org with a description of their geographic and topical areas of interest.
Leadership
Chelsey Patriss, Executive Director
Veronika Patty, Prevention Coordinator for the City of Gardner Health Department, Board President
Ayn Yeagle, Growing Places, Vice President
Peter MacDonald, Sunrise Senior Living, Treasurer
Board Members
Wendy Aguilar, Pathways for Change
Sarah Caiazzo-Pyke, youth director
Mary Giannetti, Heywood Healthcare
Garry Gleckel, community member
Irene Hernandez, Active Life Adult Day Center
Therese LaRose, community member
Brandon Robbins, Ginny’s Helping Hand
Deborah Stone, Fitchburg State University
Marielle Vega, community member
Kirby Lecy, Department of Public Health, ex officio
