News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Worcester Community Action Council Launches “Bridge to Prosperity” Pilot to Combat Cliff Effect and Advance Economic Mobility 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…

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…

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…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Worcester Community Action Council Announces New Board Chair, Kristen Lemire 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…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Worcester Community Action Council Awarded $200,000 Grant to Provide Utility Assistance to Families in Need 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…

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Worcester Community Action Council Welcomes Ruth Pellegrino as New Chief Financial Officer 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…

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.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Worcester Community Action Council Receives $10,000 Grant for Resiliency Center from Spectrum Health Systems Worcester, MA — January 28, 2025 — The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is pleased to announce that its Resiliency Center has been awarded a $10,000 grant from Spectrum Health Systems, Inc. This generous grant is part of Spectrum’s Community Impact Committee initiative, which supports community-based organizations providing critical services to individuals and families across Massachusetts. The WCAC Resiliency Center is dedicated to addressing community needs through programs and support services that help individuals and families overcome challenges, build resilience, and achieve economic self-sufficiency. The grant will enhance the center’s ability to…