FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Awarded $33,864 Grant from United Way of Central Massachusetts to Expand Childcare Services

Worcester, MA – The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is excited to announce a $33,864 grant from the United Way of Central Massachusetts to support the expansion of its Head Start program at the Leicester site, located at 70 Winslow Avenue. This funding will enable the creation of the Head Start Extended Hours program, providing an extra hour of childcare from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM, Monday through Friday, for two classrooms starting in 2025.

The Head Start program will prioritize working families who have expressed challenges with transportation and employment hours beyond 4:00 PM. With 43 children enrolled at the Leicester site for the upcoming school year, this additional hour of childcare will be a critical support for those families who face obstacles in managing work schedules and childcare needs.

“The extended hours program directly addresses the needs of our working families who struggle to balance employment with transportation and childcare responsibilities,” said Kathleen Dow, Director of the Head Start Programs at WCAC. “This grant will allow us to provide much-needed flexibility and support, helping families achieve greater stability in their work and home lives.”

In addition to childcare, WCAC’s Community Resource Navigator will collaborate with Head Start’s Family Advocates to support the wellbeing of parents and families. Family Advocates work with families to provide advocacy, care coordination, and guidance on accessing social services based on family goals. The Community Resource Navigator, part of WCAC’s Resiliency Center, will provide specialized training and assistance to the Family Advocates, ensuring that families have the resources and connections they need to thrive.

The United Way of Central Massachusetts is proud to support the Worcester Community Action Council’s Head Start Extended Hours Program at the Leicester site as part of the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education After School and Out of School Time Subgrant. The review committee found the proposal to be one of the most inventive, comprehensive, and impactful proposals of the funding cycle. “This program will benefit our grant’s youngest learners. Parents will have peace of mind knowing their children are safely learning while they finish their workday, and the teachers can receive an adequate wage for additional hours. This program addresses a direct need for all,” stated Echo Lahey, Special Projects Director at the United Way of Central Massachusetts.

While children participate in the extended care program, parents will have the opportunity to meet with Family Advocates or the Community Resource Navigator to access services that will help them progress toward economic mobility. A Licensed Head Start Administrator will also be on-site to support the staff and families during the extended hours.

For more information on the Head Start Extended Hours program or other WCAC services, please contact David Ginisi at or 508-754-1176 ext. 126.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Welcomes Two New Board Members: Nicholas Lazzaro and Domenica Perrone

Worcester, MA – October 29, 2024 – The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is pleased to announce the addition of Nicholas Lazzaro and Domenica Perrone to its Board of Directors. Both individuals bring a wealth of experience, leadership, and dedication to the WCAC’s mission of helping individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency and fostering community-wide partnerships.

Nicholas Lazzaro is a community leader, business owner, and advocate. A graduate of the College of the Holy Cross (2023), Nicholas is currently pursuing his MBA at Boston College’s Carroll School of Management as a Fellow. In 2019, he founded Nick’s On-Site Detailing Inc. to help finance his college education, a business that has since been recognized as “Best of Business” in 2024. Nicholas is deeply committed to giving back to his community, having established scholarships for aspiring entrepreneurs and educators. He also brings his public service experience, serving as the youngest elected official in Millbury, where he chaired the school committee’s policy sub-committee and later served as a selectman. Nicholas’s commitment to supporting marginalized communities and advancing education aligns closely with WCAC’s values​.

“I am grateful to the nomination committee, board members, and Senator Moore for recommending my candidacy for this position,” said Lazzaro. “I share a dedicated commitment to our communities and their advancement effectively ending the cycle of poverty. My career in public service, private industry, and a Jesuit-centered education will provide a unique perspective to the dialogue and I look forward to working with my colleagues.” 

Domenica Perrone is a community engagement practitioner, youth worker, researcher, and public health advocate. She currently serves as Director of Community Engagement and Outreach for UMass Chan Medical School’s Collaborative in Health Equity. Domenica’s professional journey includes leadership roles at Clark University and the City of Worcester’s Department of Health and Human Services. Her work in health equity and social justice has earned her recognition, including the 2024 Coalition for Healthy Greater Worcester’s Health Equity Award and Worcester Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty. Domenica’s dedication to advocating for social justice and supporting Worcester’s diverse communities makes her a perfect addition to WCAC’s leadership​.

“It is an honor to represent Senator Robyn Kennedy as a new board member for Worcester Community Action Council,” said Perrone. “WCAC’s mission “to help people into economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnership and advocacy” is one I am passionate about. As an Ecuadorian immigrant, public health advocate and community engagement practitioner, I am excited to work with the team at WCAC to advance health equity and community empowerment, trusting those with lived experience and expertise to lead us in this charge with intentionality and commitment to equitable human services. 

WCAC CEO Marybeth Campbell expressed her enthusiasm about the new additions, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas and Domenica to our Board of Directors. Their proven dedication to community service, leadership, and commitment to equity will be invaluable as we continue our work to empower individuals and families in Central Massachusetts. Both Nicholas and Domenica embody the spirit of service that is at the core of WCAC’s mission, and I am excited to see the positive impact they will bring to our organization and the community we serve.”

About Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC):
Founded in 1965 as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty,” WCAC serves as the federally designated community action agency for Central Massachusetts. WCAC provides programs and services to help individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency through partnerships and advocacy, serving the City of Worcester and 45 surrounding communities.

Contact:
David Ginisi
Chief Marketing & Communications Officer
Worcester Community Action Council
508-754-1176 ext. 126

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Partners with Spectrum to Expand Job Training Opportunities

Worcester, MA – September 27, 2024 – The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is excited to announce a transformative partnership with Spectrum through the Spectrum Community Center Assist initiative. This collaboration, backed by a generous $50,000 donation from Spectrum, will significantly bolster WCAC’s Job and Education Center, furthering our mission to provide life-changing opportunities for the residents of Worcester and surrounding communities.

Through this partnership, Spectrum will support the revitalization of our training spaces by unveiling the new Spectrum Technology & Training Workshop at WCAC, ensuring our participants have access to cutting-edge technology and tools essential for skill-building and economic mobility. Spectrum will also provide new laptops and contribute high-speed internet service, ensuring that our community can leverage these resources for both personal and professional development.

WCAC Chief Impact Officer, Charla Hixson, highlights the impact of this initiative:
“This partnership with Spectrum empowers us to deliver more robust and accessible training programs, giving individuals the opportunity to achieve economic self-sufficiency. By improving our facilities and providing new technology, Spectrum is enabling WCAC to help our community take the next step in their personal and professional growth.”

Additionally, this newly revitalized space will be open not only to WCAC program participants but also to all of our community partners and local organizations, offering a shared resource for collaboration, training, and development.

Spectrum’s support goes beyond financial contributions; this long-term relationship will improve the infrastructure of WCAC’s training facilities, benefiting both youth and adults. WCAC’s goal remains clear: to equip our community with the skills needed to thrive in an ever-evolving workforce, and with Spectrum’s help, we’re opening new doors for all residents to access these essential services.

Media Contact:

David Ginisi
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Worcester Community Action Council

(508) 754-1176

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

David Ginisi Appointed as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer at Worcester Community Action Council

Worcester, MA — September 26, 2024 — The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is pleased to announce the hiring of David Ginisi as its new Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. With a wealth of experience in marketing, development, and community relations, David brings a strong track record of leadership and strategic communications to this important role.

David Ginisi, a seasoned marketing professional, has held senior positions at several reputable non-profit organizations, including: The North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, The Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg, Leominster, & Gardner, and most notably Aging Services of North Central Massachusetts, where he played a key role in the rebranding and development of the organization and increasing its visibility across North Central Massachusetts.

“We are thrilled to welcome David to the team as our Chief Marketing and Communications Officer,” said Marybeth Campbell, WCAC CEO. “His passion for community engagement, combined with his extensive experience in strategic marketing, will be instrumental in elevating WCAC’s visibility and deepening our impact across Central Massachusetts. We are confident that David’s leadership will help us further our mission and expand the reach of our critical programs.”

David is a Worcester native and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications Media from Fitchburg State University. He has been recognized for his leadership and commitment to community, earning the recognition of Top 40 Under Forty by the Worcester Business Journal as well as several national and local accolades for his work in communications and digital marketing.

In his new role at WCAC, David will be responsible for leading the organization’s marketing and communication efforts, amplifying WCAC’s mission of helping individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships, and advocacy.

“I am honored to join Worcester Community Action Council and contribute to its longstanding mission of helping individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency,” said Ginisi. “WCAC plays a vital role in empowering communities across Central Massachusetts, and I look forward to working with the team to elevate awareness and expand the reach of our services. Together, we will continue to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.”

Media Contact:

David Ginisi
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Worcester Community Action Council

(508) 754-1176

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Welcomes Patti Ovalles as Director of the Job & Education Center

Worcester, MA – September 25, 2024 – Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is pleased to announce the hiring of Patti Ovalles, MSW, LCSW, as the new Director of the Job & Education Center (JEC). With an extensive background in community advocacy, youth work, and non-profit leadership, Patti brings a wealth of experience and passion to her new role. As Director, she will lead efforts to provide career and educational opportunities to young people, ensuring that they have the support they need to achieve economic self-sufficiency and success.

Patti Ovalles, a native New Yorker and first-generation Dominican-American, has dedicated her career to serving vulnerable populations. Her journey into community service began after graduating from the University of Rhode Island, where she earned a B.A. in Communication Studies. She has since worked with school-aged youth, providing critical services such as employment training, clinical case management, and trauma-informed care. After earning her MSW from Simmons University, Patti held leadership positions in social health services, overseeing programs that address youth employment, basic needs, and services for the unhoused.

“We are thrilled to welcome Patti to the WCAC family,” said Marybeth Campbell, CEO of WCAC. “Her commitment to community advocacy, especially in empowering youth through education and employment, aligns perfectly with our mission. Patti’s extensive experience and dedication will undoubtedly enhance our efforts at the Job & Education Center, as we continue to support young people in overcoming barriers and building brighter futures.”

Patti’s leadership at the Job & Education Center will play a crucial role in expanding WCAC’s programs and partnerships aimed at helping young adults gain the skills and knowledge they need for career advancement.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the WCAC mission and continue my work with youth/young adults,” said Ovalles. “Helping individuals find the best path for themselves helps us all grow as a community and we are all better because of it. As the African proverb “Ubuntu” states “I am a person through other people. My humanity is tied to yours.”

Media Contact:

David Ginisi
Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Worcester Community Action Council

(508) 754-1176

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, September 9, 2024 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.

At its meeting earlier this week, Worcester Community Action Council’s Board of Directors unanimously voted to name President and CEO of YMCA Central Massachusetts David Connell to the Board. Read more here.

WCAC recently hosted our 3rd Annual Resiliency Awards, a celebration of individuals and organizations which have gone above and beyond in supporting the agency’s mission. It was a wonderful way to kick off Community Action Month as well as a continuation of our year-long celebration of the community action network’s 60th anniversary. Read more here.

Each year Worcester Community Action Council’s Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County program hosts a Community Baby Shower. This year’s event, being planned for Wednesday, May 15th from 1- 4p.m. at La Salle Hall, 444 Main Street in Southbridge, will once feature a variety of vendors offering community resources and activities of interest to new or soon-to-be parents, along with raffles and door prizes. Not to be missed is the ever-popular Baby Boutique featuring gently used clothing for infants and toddlers! Admission is FREE and open to all. Read more here.

As we continue our year-long celebration of the community action network’s sixty-year legacy, this month we are focusing on the role community plays in our work. Read more here.