1. Apply a client-centered approach to our work that influences our decision-making processes across programs, people and physical space, policies, procedures, use of technology and points of access.
2. Infuse diversity, equity, and inclusion practices across services, processes, policies and organizational culture.
3. Strengthen the pipeline to living wage career opportunities for youth and adults.
4. Pilot innovative approaches to client community resource navigation, financial empowerment, and wrap-around supports within WCAC’s Resiliency Center.
5. Explore business models in energy programming in response to policy demands and climate resilience.
6. Continue to explore co-location opportunities with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), family resource centers, and housing providers.
7. Expand WCAC’s continuum of care programming for people from prenatal to age 5, understanding that skills training and access to education are needed to gain living-wage jobs, while trusted childcare providers are needed to maintain employment.
Fundraising Opportunities
WCAC hosts an Annual Appeal in November, seeking financial donations to support and sustain the agency’s programs and services throughout the year. Donations accepted year-round online at www.WCAC.net or by mail to WCAC, 18 Chestnut Street, Suite 500, Worcester, MA 01608.
WCAC also hosts its annual Resiliency Awards celebration in May, in order to publicly recognize individuals and organizations who have gone above and beyond in supporting the agency’s mission. Resources raised through event sponsorships as well as ticket sales support the agency’s Resiliency Fund.
Giving Opportunities
Private donations to WCAC’s Emergency Fuel Fund provide critical support for income-eligible households facing no-heat emergencies during frigid winter months.
New employment partners sought to provide professional workshops, mentoring as well as summer and year-round employment opportunities for young adults through WCAC’s Job & Education Center (JEC) youth employment and positive youth development initiatives.
Donations of school supplies and books for infants through age five needed to support WCAC’s center-based and home-based Head Start and Early Head Start programs.
Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County accepts new or gently worn infant and toddler clothing.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteers are needed as tax preparers for WCAC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program which provides no-cost preparation and filing of income tax returns for income-eligible individuals. Training for IRS certification provided in December with the program in operation January through April.
Leadership
Marybeth Campbell, Chief Executive Officer
Kristen Lemire, Board Chair
James Brooks, Designee for City Manager Eric Batista, Vice Chair
Brian Westerlind, Treasurer
Eve Gilmore, Clerk
Donna Lombardi, Assistant Clerk
Board Members
Dale Allen
Leslie Baker, Designee for Representative Joe McKenna
Gugliemina Chebbani, Fidelity Bank
David Connel, YMCA
Arianna Curet, DTA Central Ma
Marco Estrella
Maricelis Gonzales, El Buen Samariano
Nicholas Lazzaro, Designee for Senator Michael Moore
Peter J. Martin, Bowditch Attorneys
Domenica Perrone, Designee for Senator Robyn Kennedy
Janice Ryan Weekes, MassHire
Jack Salisbury, Head Start Policy Council Designee
Miurka Torres
Donald Xenos, Worcester County District Attorney’s Office
Jacqueline Alvarez, designee for U.S. Congressman James P. McGovern
