Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1538244
60 Giving Guide 2025 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 (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. Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) 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 "I am honored to serve as Chair of WCAC and to support its mission of breaking the cycle of poverty through advocacy, partnerships, and direct service. WCAC plays a vital role in empowering individuals and families on their path to self-sufficiency by fostering equitable access to education, career pathways, and essential resources. I look forward to working alongside our dedicated team and community partners to expand opportunities, drive meaning ful impact, and build a more resilient, thriving community." - Kristen Lemire, Board Chair 18 Chestnut Street, Suite 500 Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 754-1176 www.WCAC.net Full-time Employees: 140 Annual Revenues: $43 million Year founded: 1965 MISSION STATEMENT Our vision is to break the cycle of poverty one neighbor at a time. Through safety-net services and asset-building solutions, Worcester Community Action Council (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 71.5% Federal and State Funding 25.8% Earned Revenue & Fees 2.6% United Way, Corporate & Private Marybeth Campbell Chief Executive Officer Kristen Lemire Board Chair