A tribute to Outstanding Board of Directors:

Priscilla Holmesthe essence of Worcester Community Action Council and truly exudes through her words, deeds, and actions, the mission of Community Action Agencies nationwide. Priscilla recently celebrated a 20-year tenure at Worcester Community Action Council with a rich track record that extends well before her service at WCAC and includes extensive work in workforce development, education, and life-skills training for scores of low income residents. Her belief in equal rights, social justice, and respect for all permeates every assignment and role she takes on. Her duties as Deputy Director include assisting the Executive Director in administering the $26 million WCAC anti-poverty agency for Central Massachusetts and South County. In her work at WCAC, Priscilla is known as a consummate professional who consistently demonstrates her keen leadership, decision-making and team building skills--most recently as Director of Programs. She inspires and challenges her staff who describe her as "intelligent, articulate, open-minded, and a really terrific boss."

Mayra Nieves
A WCAC staff member for 10 years, Mayra Nieves is described by co-workers and volunteers as "caring, dedicated, empathetic, and strong." Mayra is the agency's expert on nutrition assistance, an intake specialist for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) program, and a highly-respected Parent Advocate in the Worcester Community Connections Coalition (WCCC) Program. Mayra has helped hundreds of low-income, at-risk and under-served families in Worcester access hard-to-reach community resources.

Mayra is the sole Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program--SNAP (formerly Food Stamps)--worker for WCAC and WCCC and, in 2009, served over 421 families. She was recently promoted to working full-time for WCAC in that capacity. Mayra was noted as being one of the most knowledgeable and skilled food stamp workers in the state by Project Bread in Boston--a former funding source for WCAC's SNAP program. Anne Bureau, Director of WCCC said, "Despite many changes in program demands over the years, she has always maintained her positive attitude, calmness, adaptability, and excellent client-service skills."

Mayra began her involvement with WCAC as a volunteer and before settling into her role current role, Mayra has held various advocacy positions. The ability to come to work everyday and help clients through a crisis or with daily needs continues to motivate Mayra. "I make sure clients get everything they need when they are here. I provide them with resources for housing, advocacy, shelters, food pantries and food stamps. I am very happy to be here." said Mayra.

Mayra conducted extensive community outreach efforts, as well as participated on several committees to improve the lives of Worcester residents. When Lakeside Housing Development residents needed a stronger voice and greater access to community resources, she assisted in the organization of the Lakeside Interagency Task Force. Mayra also coordinated a program called "Paint the Future" in collaboration with Worcester Shines to beautify the Lakeside area by painting murals over graffiti. She is extremely proud that, to this day, there has not been any graffiti over their efforts. She was also a member of the founding committee for the WCCC Parent Center that opened in February 2008.

Staff, Coalition Members, and agency customers sincerely enjoy working with Mayra who always places clients' needs as her number one priority. One Parent Center Volunteer describes Mayra as,"…sensitive to the needs of families. "She makes you feel comfortable — not bad for trying to get services. She even takes the extra step to help you get the other services you need besides food stamps." Mayra is truly one of WCAC’s shining stars!

James Booker is the dedicated, quiet, and easy-going unsung volunteer hero at WCAC. James has been a volunteer in the Fuel Assistance Program, since his retirement from NSTAR in 2007. James began his 33-year career at NSTAR as a meter reader; from there he transitioned to dispatch and finally to the distribution department, from which he retired.  

During this leisure time, James' wife, Linda Booker, WCAC's Assistant Director of Fuel Assistance, had other plans for him. She expressed the need for additional help within the department. After working for over 30 years, it was not in James' nature to be inactive, so he enthusiastically began volunteering 3-4 days per week! James jokes that he sometimes feels like a full-time employee rather than a volunteer, because he is at WCAC so often!
One long-term staff member describes James as"…the best volunteer I have ever worked with. He is here every day. He is terrific man and is very conscientious about his work."
James is always willing to take on any assignment that will assist the fuel staff and the department. From stuffing envelopes with benefit notifications to opening thousands of pieces of fuel mail, James is hard-working and thoughtful in his efforts. He is never afraid to ask questions and never minds when his "office" or assignments change. He is flexible, pleasant, and always eager to help.