Worcester Business Journal

8 Worcester Business Journal | June 26, 2023 | wbjournal.com clinicians who helped people in crisis, and provided housing, health care, and supports to help people who had lived at state hospitals smoothly reintegrate into the community. Aer that, Orzoco became vice president of behavioral health for ConcertoCare, a national organization based in New York helping people with serious healthcare needs continue living at home. ere, she learned more about the wider world of health services and the nuts and bolts of funding. "ConcertoCare was a wonderful opportunity," she said. "But I always knew my place was in the community." Now Orzoco is back serving the Worcester area as executive director of Abby's House. Her first day was June 26. Founded in 1976, the organization provides overnight shelter, longer-term affordable housing, and services to women with or without children. "We couldn't be more delighted in our selection of Julie," said Laurie Matosky, president of the Abby's House board of directors. "We really believe she is the perfect fit for this job. She really gets it. And with her clinical background, she definitely has the skills that are needed to continue to lead our organization." Orozco is the first person of color to lead Abby's House. She said she's just one of a number of diverse leaders who are beginning to take the reigns at local organizations. "One of the areas where the Worcester community is making strides, but needs to focus on, is the diversity of leadership across our organizations," she said. "We do have organizations that, once you get to a certain level, it gets whiter and whiter." Among Orozco's missions at Abby's House will be leading its diversity, equity, and anti-racism work. She's happy to be a role model for younger leaders from diverse backgrounds. BY LIVIA GERSHON Special to WBJ J ulie Orozco knows a lot about the most difficult challenges people in Greater Worcester face. A licensed social worker, she spent a decade in various leadership roles at Community Healthlink, which serves people experiencing homelessness and mental and behavioral health issues in Central and North Worcester County. She worked with kids in an outpatient clinic, oversaw mobile teams of As Abby's House begins an expansion, the nonprofit's new executive director brings a decade of experience serving vulnerable Central Mass. residents PHOTOS | COURTESY OF ABBY'S HOUSE Helping people Abby's House, by the numbers Overnight shelter beds: ....................... 9 Single-room supportive housing units: ..................................... 72 Women served per year: .................... Approximately 500 Women served since opening in 1976: ........................ 15,500+ Annual budget: .....................$3.3 million Individual donors: ........................ 3,000+ Source: Abby's House Laurie Matosky, board president of Abby's House Julie Orozco, incoming executive director of Abby's House

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