WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.
Worcester, MA – May 16, 2025 – The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), in partnership with Springfield WORKS and a statewide coalition of organizations, proudly announces the launch of the Bridge to Prosperity Pilot, a groundbreaking initiative designed to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent working families from achieving long-term economic stability.
At the heart of the pilot is the “cliff effect,” a phenomenon where even modest increases in income can trigger sudden losses in public benefits, often leaving families worse off financially despite earning more. Bridge to Prosperity aims to change that reality by offering a practical and empowering solution.
In February 2025, WCAC enrolled six Worcester-area participants into the pilot, which serves an initial cohort of 18 participants across Massachusetts. Each participant receives monthly bridge payments to help stabilize their household finances while they pursue career advancement opportunities. At the conclusion of the two-year pilot, participants will also receive a $10,000 asset-building payment, helping them take a significant step toward lasting financial independence. Plans are underway to expand the pilot in the Worcester and South County areas, aiming to serve an additional 27 in the fall.
WCAC is proud to provide participants with individualized financial empowerment coaching and career guidance throughout the program, ensuring that each individual has the tools and support needed to achieve their goals. “This pilot is about more than just addressing income gaps,” said Marybeth Campbell, WCAC CEO. “It’s about investing in people, building opportunity, and creating systems that work for working families, not against them.”
The pilot, which is an extension of WCAC’s Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot, is being independently evaluated by the Center for Social Policy at UMass Boston, which will analyze outcomes and recommend policy solutions to mitigate the cliff effect statewide.
“We are thrilled to be partnering with Worcester Community Action Council on this groundbreaking pilot, and supporting working families in the Worcester area,” said Kristen Joyce, Director of Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Pilot at Springfield WORKS. “Through the Bridge to Prosperity pilot program, we are testing a real solution to the cliff effect, which we know is a challenge not only for individual workers trying to advance, but also for businesses wanting to retain talent and meet their workforce needs. We look forward to continuing our work together this year as we seek to expand and serve up to 100 participants across the state.”
Efforts are already underway to expand the pilot to serve up to 100 participants across Massachusetts, with a focus on reaching workers in sectors most affected by the cliff effect. WCAC calls on employers, funders, and legislative partners to join the movement:
Together, we can build a bridge to prosperity, one that ensures hard work truly pays off.
For more information or to get involved, please contact Kristen Joyce, Director of Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Pilot, by phone at 413.775.1365, or by email at .
WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.
Nestled in the heart of Southern Worcester County, the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) has been a base of support for families across the region. A standout event, the Annual Community Baby Shower, hosted by WCAC’s Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County and in partnership with the Southern Worcester County Parent Support Network, has become a cornerstone for expectant and new parents in the community.
As we anticipate this year’s gathering on Wednesday, May 14th, at the Southbridge Community Center, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the profound impact this event has had over the years.
A Day of Celebration and Connection
The Community Baby Shower isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of life, new beginnings, and community. Each year, attendees are treated to an afternoon filled with activities designed to foster connections and provide essential resources. From meeting and mingling with other parents to connecting with local family service providers, the event is a crucial platform for building support networks that last.
“WCAC’s Community Baby Shower is an amalgamation between a resource fair and a baby shower where families of all backgrounds can find and access resources available in their communities,” said Camille Diaz, WCAC’s Director of Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County. “We have been hosting this event for eighteen years in the Southbridge community in hopes to connect and support expectant mothers and their families with services they might need or do not know yet they will need. It is a free event for all who attend filled with raffle prizes and a Baby Boutique where lightly used or new clothing items are up for grabs. The atmosphere of the event is welcoming and fosters a sense of unity; you’re in a community where many families face similar challenges or experience the same needs as you have.”
A Look Ahead: Join Us This Year
Looking forward to this year’s event, WCAC is excited to continue the tradition of supporting families with an array of resources and fun activities. Expectant and new parents can explore our pop-up Baby Boutique, participate in raffles, and most importantly, become part of a community that cares deeply about their well-being and success.
Spaces are limited, and interest is high, reflecting the value our community places on this event. To ensure a spot at this year’s celebration, please RSVP by contacting Camille Diaz at .
A Call to Action for Support
As we prepare for this year’s baby shower, WCAC invites the community to get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating items for the Baby Boutique, or simply spreading the word, your support makes a real difference in the lives of families in Southern Worcester County.
Join us in making this event a beacon of hope and support for new and expectant parents. Together, we can celebrate new life and empower parents with the tools they need to thrive in their new roles.
This year’s Community Baby Shower promises to be a memorable day full of joy, support, and community spirit. We look forward to welcoming you to the Southbridge Community Center for a day that promises to enrich lives and strengthen the bonds within our community. Join us as we celebrate life and extend a helping hand to the newest members of our community.
EVENT DETAILS
April 2, 2025
To our valued clients, partners, and the greater Central Massachusetts community:
In light of recent news regarding federal workforce reductions and the closure of regional offices impacting Head Start and the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), we want to provide reassurance and clarity.
At WCAC, it is business as usual.
Our Head Start classrooms remain open, our energy assistance programs are fully operational, and our commitment to serving our community remains as strong as ever. While the federal landscape may be shifting, WCAC continues to deliver the essential services our neighbors rely on every day.
We understand that headlines can cause uncertainty, especially for families depending on programs like Head Start and HEAP. Please rest assured: there is currently no disruption to the services you receive through WCAC. Our team is in close communication with our state and national partners, and we are actively monitoring these daily developments to ensure that any changes at the federal level are communicated clearly to our community as we weigh the impact on our programs locally.
Founded in 1965 as part of the War on Poverty, WCAC has navigated change for six decades—and we will continue to do so with transparency, resilience, and a deep commitment to the people we serve.
We are here for you. We are with you. And we will continue to advocate, adapt, and deliver on our mission: Helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships, and advocacy.
If you have questions or concerns, we welcome you to contact our office directly.
The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is honored to welcome Kim Janey as the featured speaker at our 2025 Resiliency Awards. A distinguished leader whose journey embodies the very essence of resilience and progress, Ms. Janey serves as the President and CEO of Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath), an organization renowned for its groundbreaking approach to eradicating poverty through direct services, advocacy, and research.
Ms. Janey’s story is one of historic achievement and profound commitment to community upliftment. She made history as Boston’s first woman and first Black mayor, steering the city with visionary leadership through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure was marked by a focused agenda on recovery, renewal, and addressing systemic inequities—a testament to her dedication to justice and equality.
Under her guidance, Boston re-opened its economy and schools by prioritizing health, wellness, and equity. She spearheaded initiatives to support small businesses, expanded protections for renters and homeowners, and launched fare-free public transport, all while leading Boston to become one of America’s most vaccinated cities.
Before her mayoral role, Ms. Janey led the most diverse City Council in Boston’s history, where she was instrumental in authoring groundbreaking legislation. Her deep roots in public service extend over 30 years, including significant contributions to Massachusetts Advocates for Children, where she advocated for systemic reforms in Boston Public Schools to increase equity and access.
Today, as the leader of EMPath, Kim Janey continues to champion economic mobility with innovative strategies like Mobility Mentoring, the coach-based model that WCAC has proudly adopted. This approach aligns with our mission to facilitate transformative change in the lives of those we serve across Central Massachusetts.
Join Us for a Morning of Inspiration
We invite you to join us for this special morning event, where Kim Janey will engage in a dynamic conversation with WCAC’s CEO, Marybeth Campbell, and Ronald Waddell, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Legendary Legacies. This live taping of the Ripple Effect Podcast will not only highlight Ms. Janey’s transformative impact but also delve into how her methods have influenced our community work.
Support Our Mission
As we gather to celebrate resilience and dedication at the 2025 Resiliency Awards, we also extend an invitation for sponsorship. Supporting this event offers a unique opportunity to align with our values of empowerment and community support, ensuring that the WCAC can continue to make a meaningful impact.
➡️ CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS | ➡️CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR THE 2025 RESILIENCY AWARDS
Your generosity helps us continue the vital work of breaking the cycle of poverty and building a resilient community. Join us in celebrating and supporting the change-makers among us at the Resiliency Awards.
EVENT DETAILS
Worcester, MA — February 21, 2025 — The Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC), Central Massachusetts’ federally designated anti-poverty agency, is pleased to announce the appointment of Kristen Lemire as the new Chair of its Board of Directors. Kristen, who currently serves as the Director of Customer Enablement Products at National Grid, succeeds Dr. Karen Walker, who served with distinction.
Kristen Lemire brings extensive experience in leadership and community service to WCAC, along with a strong commitment to the organization’s mission of helping individuals and families move towards economic self-sufficiency. “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,” said Kristen. “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 meaningful impact, and build a more resilient, thriving community.”
Marybeth Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of WCAC, expressed her enthusiasm for Kristen’s appointment, stating, “Kristen’s leadership comes at a crucial time as we continue to address the heightened needs of our community exacerbated by recent economic challenges. Her vision for collaboration and innovation aligns perfectly with WCAC’s strategic goals. We are excited to see how her guidance will enhance our efforts to provide essential services and create new pathways for the people we serve.”
WCAC also extends its deepest gratitude to Dr. Karen Walker for her years of dedicated service as Board Chair. Her leadership has been instrumental in steering the agency through significant growth and setting a strong foundation for future success.
Under the new leadership of Kristen Lemire, WCAC is poised to strengthen its impact across Central Massachusetts, enhancing programs that address the immediate needs of the community while also providing long-term solutions for economic stability and independence.
For more information on WCAC’s Board of Directors, please visit our website at wcac.net.
Worcester, MA – February 12, 2025 – Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is proud to announce it has been awarded a $200,000 grant from the United Way of Central Massachusetts, funded by the National Grid Foundation. This generous grant will enable WCAC to provide critical, fuel-neutral utility assistance to households experiencing financial hardship within the United Way of Central Massachusetts service area. The funding will be used between January and July 2025 to help meet the basic needs of local residents while connecting them to long-term, stabilizing resources.
“This funding could not come at a more crucial time for the families and individuals we serve,” said WCAC CEO Marybeth Campbell. “Winter months bring significant challenges for those struggling to make ends meet. This partnership with the United Way of Central Massachusetts and the National Grid Foundation allows us to not only address immediate utility needs but also provide a pathway toward lasting economic stability through wraparound services. Together, we are fostering resilience and empowering our neighbors to thrive.”
The grant will support the following activities:
“We extend our appreciation to the National Grid Foundation and the United Way of Central Massachusetts for their commitment to addressing energy insecurity,” Campbell added. “This partnership exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating meaningful change for our community.”
“We are grateful for our relationship with the National Grid Foundation. Their enormous support will provide substantial and immediate relief to thousands of residents in Central Massachusetts,” said Tim Garvin, President & CEO of United Way of Central Massachusetts.
For more information, please contact David Ginisi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, at 508-754-1176 ext. 126.
Worcester, MA — February 5, 2025 — The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Ruth Pellegrino as its new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With over two decades of experience in nonprofit financial management, Ruth brings a wealth of expertise and strategic leadership to WCAC as it continues its mission of helping individuals and families achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Prior to joining WCAC, Ruth served as Chief Financial Officer at Tri-Valley, Inc., where she managed a $34 million budget, implemented new accounting systems, and strengthened financial oversight. She previously held leadership roles at Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester, where she was responsible for financial reporting, budgeting, and audits. Throughout her career, Ruth has been recognized for her ability to enhance financial efficiency and sustainability in nonprofit organizations.
“We are thrilled to welcome Ruth Pellegrino to the WCAC leadership team,” said Marybeth Campbell, WCAC Chief Executive Officer. “Her deep expertise in nonprofit financial management, commitment to operational excellence, and passion for community service make her the ideal leader to oversee our financial strategy. As WCAC continues to expand critical services across Central Massachusetts, Ruth’s leadership will ensure we remain fiscally strong and sustainable.”
A graduate of Assumption College with a BS in Business Admin & Accounting, Ruth is a highly regarded finance professional with expertise in budgeting, grant management, and financial reporting. She has also been actively involved in community service, including serving as Treasurer for Audio Journal and as a longtime Wish Grantor for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
WCAC continues to strengthen its team and services to support families in Worcester and surrounding communities. The addition of Ruth Pellegrino as CFO marks an important step in ensuring the agency remains financially sound as it works toward its vision of economic self-sufficiency for all.
“I am honored to join WCAC and contribute to its mission of breaking the cycle of poverty,” said Ruth. “Financial stewardship is crucial in ensuring that vital community programs remain accessible and impactful. I look forward to working with the incredible team at WCAC to strengthen the organization’s financial health and long-term sustainability.”
For more information, please contact David Ginisi, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, at 508-754-1176 ext. 126.
WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, February 10, 2025 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.
