Worcester Business Journal

wbjournal.com | December 15, 2025 | Worcester Business Journal 9 to local partners including Worcester Community Action Council, Worcester Housing Authority, and the Regional Environmental Council. "Gi cards are an essential way to de- liver direct aid," Garvin said. "Our role is to connect people and resources so that no one is le behind and our communi- ty doesn't wait for help to arrive." Philanthropy "cannot replace the scale of federal programs," but "doing nothing is not an option," Lynn Cheney, United Way vice president of communications, said. "Our community must act quickly, effectively, and together when crisis strikes." Both e Mustard Seed and El Buen Samaritano reported noticeable spikes in first-time visitors immediately aer the SNAP delay, adding operational strain. A network built on volunteer power The Mustard Seed operates entire- ly with volunteers. Kane credits the organization's sustainability to its core team of about 10 regular volun- teers along with dozens more from local schools, parishes, and business groups. "I could never do this without them," he said. "Their energy and commitment keep us going." El Buen Samaritano relies on sim- ilar contributions from their volun- teers. "Our volunteers have already surpassed 1,000 for the year, and it's not even the end of the year yet. The demand is real, and we are grateful for every opportunity to serve," Gonzalez said. Despite the constant demand, Kane said donations often arrive at crucial moments, including food drives from churches like St. Francis Episcopal Church in Holden and St. Mark's Church in Sutton, and support from businesses such as Vibra Healthcare. The community response during the SNAP reductions was particularly striking, with residents dropping off boxes of cereal, peanut butter, pasta, and staples. "There are times when I worry we won't have enough, and then suddenly we'll get a donation or a new volun- teer," Kane said. "It always seems to come together." Nonprofits' most pressing concerns When asked about their most pressing concerns related to the current political climate, 66% of 572 nonprofit leaders across the U.S. survey cited concerns about funding levels. Concern Percent answered Decrease in or uncertainty about funding levels 66% Changing priorities of funders 54% Well-being and safety of our staff or those organization is trying to help 40% Increased demand for services 25% Backlash or opposition to organization's mission 24% Legal concerns about nonprofits or related to the people/issues affected by our work 24% Other financial concerns (e.g. rising costs) 15% Other non-financial concerns 3% No pressing concerns related to current political climate 2% Source: The Center for Effective Philanthropy March 2025 survey Community moments that inspire hope Gonzalez reflects on personal stories: A single mother of three teenage boys came in aer covering rent, car insur- ance, hygiene supplies, and sports fees, asking how she is going to feed her boys. Due to efforts by the community, the family le with food and an easement of their anxiety. "It reminded us why our doors are always open: to serve families in need, provide support, and bring a little hope in challenging times," Gonzalez said. "Moments like these are a powerful reminder of the impact community support can have." Even with the pressure, Kane remains optimistic. e relationships built through the pantry and meal program sustain the work. He recalled celebrat- ing the birth of a baby in a Central African refugee family, an example of the connections forged through the organization. "A colleague of mine likes to say, 'We're the little pantry that could,'" he said. "Sometimes we look at the numbers – 206 families served in just two and a Clients of El Buen Samaritano wait in line for a number allowing them to pick what food they want to take home. PHOTOS | MATT WRIGHT half hours – and wonder how we did it." Kane oen handles intake himself, drawing on his ability to speak English, Spanish, and French to help guests communicate their needs. Some former clients have returned as volunteers, creating what he described as a full-cir- cle moment rooted in gratitude and community. W

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