Worcester Business Journal

48 Giving Guide 2021 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. 1. Be a model employer and agency. 2. Infuse diversity, equity and inclusion practices across services, processes, policies, and organizational culture. 3. Impact lives through quality care and services. 4. Develop a Resiliency Center as a gateway for clients and a more direct avenue to financial empowerment. 5. Reimagine our Job & Education Center as a more aligned pathway to post-secondary opportunities and good jobs. 6. Build infrastructure to meet employee and participant needs. 7. Apply a client-centered approach to our work that influences decision making processes across programs, people and physical space, policies, procedures, use of technology and points of access. Marybeth Campbell Executive Director Karen L. Rucks- Walker, ThD Vice Chair MISSION STATEMENT SERVICE AREA: WCAC serves the City of Worcester and 45 surrounding communities in Central and Southern Massachusetts. WCAC's values of advancing equitable access, elevating all voices, and partnering with people are embedded in the role we play as the federally-designated anti-poverty agency for Central and South-Central Massachusetts. WCAC embodies service to the community through our Mission: Helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships, and advocacy. Federal Funding ................... 78% State/Local Government ....... 9 % Other/Earned Revenue ......... 13% TOP FUNDING SOURCES: Donald G. Xenos, Chair Karen Rucks-Walker, ThD, Vice Chair Steven Desmarais, Treasurer Brian Westerlind, Asst. Treasurer Donna Lombardi, MEd, R.D., Clerk Eve Gilmore, Asst. Clerk Noreen Johnson Smith Dale Allen, PhD Leslie Baker Eric Batista Kathryn Crockett Arianna Curet Marco Estrella Mark Gustafson Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. 484 Main Street, Suite 200 Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: 508-754-1176 www. WCAC.net Full-time employees: 120 Annual revenues: $23,000,000 Year founded: 1965 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Sean Lauziere Kristen Lemire Peter Martin, Esq. Gladys Rodriguez-Parker Janice Ryan Weekes FUTURE GOALS WCAC is seeing a far greater need for our services as the collective community looks to recover from the devastating impact of the COVID19 crisis. In the coming year WCAC is seeking support for our new Resiliency Center, a community-based strategy to mobilize our services across our footprint and with partner organizations for clients with a direct avenue to financial empowerment. If you can support our efforts with a donation, particularly during these challenging times, it would be truly appreciated. Donations are accepted year-round online at www.WCAC.net or by mail to WCAC, 484 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608 • Volunteers are needed as tax preparers from January through April for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in which income-eligible residents have their income taxes prepared and filed at no cost. WCAC serves VITA clients throughout Central Massachusetts. Training for the IRS certification takes place in December. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES POST-PANDEMIC: WCAC partners with thousands of low and low-to-moderate income individuals and households each year for whom COVID greatly exacerbated their vulnerabilities and widened economic and public health gaps. This year, we served our clients in new ways, including via online applications, virtual and remote services, and self-service stations. With equitable access in mind, as well as maintaining health and safety for all staff and clients, we expect to keep these options available while also working towards reopening our doors to the public as we follow health data. WCAC is committed to making an impactful difference in the lives of local residents through programs that support individuals, children, and families. WCAC forms strategic partnerships to create jobs and opportunities for young people; provides services intended to help youth overcome the effects of poverty and to prepare them for academic success. The fuel assistance and weatherization programs help our most vulnerable neighbors, seniors, and veterans remain in their home. WCAC's mission of helping people move to economic self-sufficiency aligns well with my personal and professional values, and I am proud to be a part of this important work. – Karen L. Rucks-Walker, ThD, Vice Chair • WCAC hosts an Annual Appeal in November, and a Spring Appeal held in May in conjunction with Community Action Month, seeking financial donations to support and sustain the agency's programs and services throughout the year. Donations accepted year-round at www. WCAC.net or by mail to WCAC, 484 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. • New partners sought to provide professional workshops, mentoring as well as summer and year-round employment opportunities for young adults through our Job & Education Center's (JEC) Job One youth workforce initiative. • Private donations to WCAC's Emergency Fuel Fund provide critical support for income eligible households right in your backyard, facing no-heat emergencies during cold winter months. • Donations of breakfast, lunch and snack options, gift cards and bus passes accepted for young adults enrolled in the JEC, many of whom experience food insecurity and face significant barriers to education and employment. • Head Start/Early Head Start and Healthy Families programs accept donations of school supplies and books for infants through age 5. Healthy Families also accepts new or gently worn infant and toddler clothing for its Baby Boutique. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES

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