News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Welcomes Giselle Rivera-Flores as Chief External Affairs Officer

Worcester, MA – Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) today announced the hire of the new Chief External Affairs Officer, Giselle Rivera-Flores. In this newly created executive role, Rivera-Flores will lead WCAC’s external positioning, community engagement strategy, legislative advocacy, and regional thought leadership – reporting directly and working alongside to President and CEO, Marybeth Campbell.

The creation of the CEAO role reflects WCAC’s strategic direction: positioning the organization as a regional force for economic mobility and community-driven policy change. Rivera-Flores will oversee external communications, community partnerships, research and advocacy initiatives – while working to amplify constituent voices in the rooms where decisions are made, alongside her team.

“We are excited to add Giselle to our team at WCAC. Her wealth of experience and, most importantly, her connection to the Central Massachusetts community will add immense value, strength, and voice to our work.”   – Marybeth Campbell, Chief Executive Officer, Worcester Community Action Council 

 “WCAC has built a real connection in this community with trusted relationships, deep roots, and a track record that most organizations spend decades trying to earn. What drew me to this role is the organization’s bold vision for the future and its commitment to backing that vision with action. My first priority is to listen, learn, and understand what makes this organization work from the inside out, and then take that story to every table in the region where decisions about the region’s future are being made.” – Giselle Rivera-Flores, Chief External Affairs Officer, Worcester Community Action Council

Rivera-Flores brings over 15 years of experience in communications to the role, with deep ties to the Central Massachusetts community. She is the previous Director of Communications for Senator Robyn Kennedy and carries a Master’s Degree in Organizational Psychology.

About Worcester Community Action Council

Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is a nonprofit community action council agency serving Worcester County, Massachusetts. For over 50 years, WCAC has worked to reduce poverty and expand economic opportunity through direct services, advocacy, and community engagement. Learn more at wcac.net.

For more information, please contact Giselle Rivera-Flores, Chief External Affairs Officer, at 508.762.9800.

This edition of WCAC in Action is packed with exciting updates from across our programs! WCAC’s HEAP program certified nearly 12,000 households for fuel assistance, delivering approximately $9 million in energy benefits this season. Our Head Start program expanded its STEAM curriculum, inspiring young learners and engaging families along the way. Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County is broadening its reach to support first-time parents of all ages, and our YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program is gearing up for another season of connecting young adults with meaningful employment opportunities. Plus, learn how WCAC’s Energy Program may be able to help make your home more energy efficient and affordable. Read more here.

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, June 8th, 2026 at 5PM at the Southbridge Head Start center. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for more information.

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, April 13th, 2026 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, March 9th, 2026 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Welcomes Echo Louissaint-Collins to Board of Directors

Worcester, MA – Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is pleased to announce the appointment of Echo Louissaint-Collins to its Board of Directors. A dedicated community advocate and longtime supporter of WCAC’s mission, Louissaint-Collins brings valuable lived experience, leadership, and a deep commitment to advancing economic opportunity across Central Massachusetts.

Echo Louissaint-Collins is a community-centered nonprofit leader and human services professional dedicated to advancing equity and strengthening youth and community voice in Worcester. She serves as an HR Generalist and Internship Coordinator at Seven Hills Foundation. Additionally, Louissaint-Collins is the Founder and Executive Director of 508 C.H.E.E.R.S., a youth leadership and community service organization recognized for its impact in food security, youth employment, and civic engagement. An active civic collaborator serving on multiple boards and advisory committees, she has been honored with the United Way Women’s Initiative Lois B. Green Leadership Award and recognized as a Worcester Magazine Hometown Hero.

“It is truly an honor to serve on the WCAC board,” said Louissaint-Collins. “This agency has long been a pillar in our community, and both personally and professionally I have seen the impact of its work. Giving back to an organization that has supported so many families, including those I serve through 508 C.H.E.E.R.S., feels deeply meaningful. I believe when we invest in our community, we strengthen it for everyone. I am excited to contribute my voice, lived experience, and commitment to service as we continue to aim toward dismantling poverty by building pathways of opportunity, stability, and hope for Worcester.”

WCAC Board Chair Kristen Lemire also welcomed Louissaint-Collins to the organization’s leadership. “I am looking forward to welcoming Echo to the board,” said Lemire. “She brings enthusiasm, energy, and a unique voice, along with a strong connection to the diverse community that we serve.”

WCAC CEO Marybeth Campbell expressed her enthusiasm about the appointment, stating, “We are thrilled to welcome Echo to the WCAC board for a three-year term. Having been a longstanding partner, client, and passionate advocate for WCAC, Echo brings a unique and invaluable perspective to our work. In her new role as a board member, she will infuse our efforts with fresh energy and a strong community voice, helping to guide and strengthen the agency’s strategic direction.”

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.

For more information, please contact Cheyenne Courtney, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, at 508-754-1176 ext. 126.

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, February 9, 2026 at 5PM in person at 18 Chestnut Street, Walnut Wing Conference Room (basement level). Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Recognizes Cornerstone Bank’s $25,000 Contribution to Support Winter Heating Assistance

Worcester, MA – December 31, 2025 – Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) is grateful to announce a $25,000 contribution from Cornerstone Bank to support the WCAC Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), helping ensure families across Central Massachusetts have access to critical heating assistance during the winter season. 

Cornerstone Bank has been a valued partner of WCAC for many years, consistently supporting programs that address urgent community needs. Their continued investment reflects a shared commitment to strengthening local communities and supporting individuals and families facing financial hardship. 

As the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Central and South-Central Massachusetts, WCAC provides essential services that help households remain stable during times of crisis. With energy costs remaining high, support for HEAP is more important than ever, allowing WCAC to assist families who may otherwise be forced to choose between heating their homes and meeting other basic needs. 

“We are incredibly grateful to Cornerstone Bank for their ongoing partnership and generous support,” said Marybeth Campbell, Chief Executive Officer of WCAC. “Their long-term commitment to WCAC and the people we serve makes a meaningful difference every year. This contribution will help keep families warm and safe during the most challenging months of the winter.” 

For more information, please contact Cheyenne Courtney, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, at 508-754-1176 ext. 126.