Worcester Business Journal

72 Giving Guide 2024 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 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, family resource centers, and housing providers. 7. Expand WCAC's continuum of care programming from prenatal to agefive, understanding that skills training and access to education is 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 are 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, and 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 are 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. Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) Karen L. Walker, Chair Kristen Lemire, Vice Chair Brian Westerlind, Treasurer James Brooks, Assistant Treasurer Eve Gilmore, Clerk Donna Lombardi, Assistant Clerk BOARD MEMBERS Dale Allen Leslie Baker Guglielmina Chebbani David Connell Arianna Curet Marco Estrella Maricelis Gonzalez Peter J. Martin, Esquire Janice Ryan Weekes Jack Salisbury Miurka Torres Donald Xenos "For 60 years, Worcester Community Action Council has inspired a spirit of hope and helped millions of individuals and families connect to approaches that help them succeed, making communities— and our nation—stronger. Since the beginning, WCAC'smission has extended well beyond supporting individuals and families. Community Action is skilled at bringing people and resources together in innovative ways to advance community-wide solutions to stubborn challenges. It is truly my honor to play a part in that long and valuable legacy!" - Rev. Dr. Karen L. Walker, Board Chair 18 Chestnut Street, Suite 500 Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 754-1176 www.WCAC.net Full-time Employees: 150 Annual Revenues: $43.5 million Year founded: 1965 MISSION STATEMENT WCAC's vision is to break the cycle of poverty one neighbor at a time. Through safety-net services and asset-building solutions, WCAC creates economic mobility opportunities for tens of thousands of people annually through programs such as energy assistance, early education and care, financial empowerment, positive youth development and career pathways. SERVICE AREA WCAC serves the City of Worcester and forty-five contiguous communities in Central and Southern Massachusetts. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 64% Federal Funding 19% Earned Revenue & Fees 5% State Government Marybeth Campbell Executive Director Rev. Dr. Karen L. Walker Board Chair

• Cover