News from our members

Mayor Michael Nicholson elected president of Massachusetts Mayors Association

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Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson

Gardner Mayor Michael Nicholson has been unanimously elected as the President of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association.

Mayor Nicholson, who has served as the Mayor of Gardner since 2020, and had served as the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association District 2 Representative, brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record of leadership to his new role.

Mayor Nicholson has been instrumental in bringing significant developments to Gardner, including the Gardner Elementary School project that came in $8 million under budget, the creation of two vacant storefront revitalization districts, an increase of double the amount of grant awards over the last two years, and increased private investment across the city.  Mayor Nicholson’s dedication to improving the City of Gardner and creating lasting partnerships that will lead to increased investments in the future have earned him respect among his peers and widespread recognition across
the state.

As President of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, Mayor Nicholson will lead advocacy efforts around housing, economic development and other issues facing municipalities across the Commonwealth.  In this role, Mayor Nicholson will work with state leaders, industry experts and his colleagues to advocate for the needs of municipalities and to promote efficient, effective and thriving
local government.

“I am honored to have been elected by my peers as the President of the Massachusetts Mayors’ Association,” said Nicholson. “I look forward to continuing a collaboration with my fellow mayors and state leaders as we continue to advocate for the many pressing issues facing municipal government.  Local government plays a significant role in increasing the quality of life for residents throughout the Commonwealth and I look forward to working together to ensure our cities thrive.”

The Massachusetts Mayors’ Association, established in 1945, provides opportunities for mayors to network and share ideas, pursue educational opportunities, meet with state leaders and subject-matter experts, and participate in the advocacy work of the Massachusetts Municipal Association. Its membership is made up of the 48 mayors of the cities of Massachusetts.

Mayor Nicholson was nominated by Mayor Dean Mazarella of Leominster and Mayor Nicole LaChapelle of Easthampton at the association’s annual business meeting held in Boston on January 25, 2025.

Massachusetts Mayors Association Meeting

Left to right Front row: Jeannette McCarthy of Waltham, Ruthanne Fuller of Newton, Outgoing MMaA President Nicole LaChapelle of Easthampton, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, MMaA President Michael Nicholson of Gardner, Breanna Lungo-Koehn of Medford, Katjana Ballentine of Somerville Middle Row: Kassandra Gove of Amesburty, Gine-Louise Sciarra of Northampton, Virginia Desorgher of Greenfield, J. Christian Dumais of Marlborough, Dominick Pangallo of Salem, Patrick Keefe of Revere, Melinda Barrett of Haverhill, Michael McCabe of Westfield, Jared Nicholson of Lynn, Dean Mazarella of Leominster Back Row: Paul Coogan of Fall River, Robert Sullivan of Brockton, John Vieau of Chicopee, Carlo De Maria of Everett, Gary Christiansen of Malden, Joshua Garcia of Holyoke, Charles Sisitsky of Framingham, Samantha Squalia of Fitchbug, Greg Verga of Gloucester, Peter Marchetti of Pittsfield, Michael Concannon of Woburn *Note other mayors attended the association’s annual meeting but were unable to attend when the picture was being taken.

Rep. Scarsdale Announces UMass Memorial’s Commitment to Operate a Satellite Emergency Facility (SEF) in the Nashoba Valley Region

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Agreement is the product of months of advocacy and partnership between stakeholders and state leaders, will provide a sustainable solution to lack of Satellite Emergency Facility (SEF) services in the region

State Representative Margaret Scarsdale (D – Pepperell) is pleased to announce that the search for a healthcare provider to operate a Satellite Emergency Facility (SEF) in the Nashoba Valley Region has come to a successful conclusion.

“Today’s announcement that UMass Memorial will be the new operator of a Satellite Emergency Facility (SEF) in our region is welcome and critical news for our region,” said Scarsdale. “I made a promise to my constituents when Nashoba Valley Medical Center closed that I would not stop fighting until access to this essential care was restored. Our region has struggled mightily to access emergency medical services and access to routine healthcare since the collapse of Nashoba Valley Medical Center at the end of August and today, our advocacy, and the stakeholders we helped bring to the table, has opened a new path forward for restored healthcare access in our region. I am grateful to UMass Memorial for their commitment and partnership and eager to work with them to achieve that shared goal.”

From the onset of this crisis, caused by Steward Healthcare’s summer 2024 collapse, Representative Scarsdale served as the primary liaison between state leaders, local first responders and healthcare providers, and constituents throughout the region. She was instrumental in the formation of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center Working Group and co-chairs the Emergency, Outpatient, and Healthcare Services (EOHS) Sub-Committee with Ayer Town Manager Robert Pontbriand.

“Since the closure of the Nashoba Valley Medical Center, we have been diligently focused on rebuilding access to healthcare in the Nashoba Valley Region”, said Robert Pontbriand, Town Manager of Ayer and co-Chair of the Governor’s Nashoba Valley Working Group. “The announcement that UMass Memorial Health will establish a freestanding emergency department is a significant step toward stabilizing our local health care landscape and a critical step in our ongoing commitment to strengthening health care in the Nashoba Valley.”

EOHS was tasked with investigating, analyzing, and proposing viable options which will: a) sustainably address the lack of critical services in the Nashoba Valley region, including emergency, outpatient, and related healthcare services; and b) explore and report on potential funding sources to responsibly and equitably establish those needed services for the communities in North Central Massachusetts, which were left in a healthcare desert after Steward disastrous management and disruptive closure. Representative Scarsdale and EOHS will continue to work with UMass Memorial directly to address these concerns.

“Today’s news does not mean our work is over,” said Scarsdale. “The members of EOHS – which include area Fire Chiefs, the Massachusetts Nurses Association, physicians affected by the closure, Congresswoman Trahan’s office, and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services – remain committed to supporting this transition, including continued investigation of, and recommendations for, services and infrastructure. We look forward to partnering with UMass Memorial on their next steps.”

“I have never doubted the restoration of critical services for this region,” said Scarsdale. “There has been a steadfast commitment to restoring care in this region from Governor Healey and members of her team, who understood the dangers of the healthcare desert that Steward created, and have been attentive, supportive, and responsive to this region’s crisis, and from members of EOHS, who have been in daily communication throughout the past six months. Today marks the beginning of a new path forward for healthcare access in the Nashoba Valley and for our communities to have access to the care they deserve.”

Board Connection Event

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Are you interested in serving on a non-profit board or committee and making a difference in your community?

This event provides a unique chance to:

  • Meet non-profits looking for board members and committee participants.
  • Explore how you can use your skills to serve the community.

Event Details:

  • Date: February 25, 2025
  • Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
  • Location: Devens Common Center, 31 Andrews Pkwy, Devens
  • Cost: FREE to attend
Register Here

The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Announces 2025 Activation Fund Grant Opportunity

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The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts announced the opening of its 2025 Activation Fund grant opportunity, which provides capacity-building support for organizations working to address the community-identified health needs of Central Massachusetts residents and workers.

With grants typically ranging between $60,000 and $125,000, the Activation Fund supports discrete, one-year projects in Central Massachusetts aimed at helping organizations advance to their next level of capacity and effectiveness that can be sustained over time.  The deadline for submission of a brief concept paper to express interest is Feb. 28.  Organizations invited to apply will be notified in April so that they can submit full applications; final funding decisions will be made in late June so that projects can launch in July.

“Through the Activation Fund, we seek to offer grants that enable organizations to seize strategic opportunities for growth, address emerging challenges, purchase equipment, or improve facilities, thereby facilitating activities and outcomes beyond the status quo” said Dr. Amie Shei, President and CEO of the Foundation.  “Over the past 25 years, nearly $12 million in Activation Fund grants has been awarded to 117 unique organizations with positive and lasting ripple effects on health throughout the region.”

Those interested in applying for an Activation Fund grant should visit the Foundation website at www.thfcm.org to access information on the application guidelines and register for a virtual information session to learn about the geographic focus and other eligibility requirements, types of support considered, and examples of previous grants.

Examples of 2024 grant recipients include Growing Places, which received a $110,000 grant for development of a customized IT solution to enhance efficiency and expand its capacity to serve local food consumers, buyers and small farmers in North Central Massachusetts, and Quinsigamond Community College, which received a $125,000 grant to replace outdated dental chairs and equipment stations at its Worcester-based dental clinic that prioritizes underserved patients.

Joseph Silva promoted to President at Fidelity Bank

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Joseph Silva promoted to President at Fidelity BankSilva previously served as Bank’s Chief Lending Officer

Fidelity Bank announced it has promoted Joseph Silva to President from his current role as the Bank’s Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer. As President, Silva will be responsible for driving the growth and success of Fidelity Bank across all markets and oversee all client services while also driving the Bank’s community engagement and philanthropic efforts.

“Joe embodies our LifeDesign Banking brand promise in a way that few others have,” said Ed Manzi, Jr., chairman and CEO, Fidelity Bank. “He is a true advocate for our clients, our communities, and our colleagues, and his ability to lead with care, collaboration, and competence makes him the perfect candidate to take on this role at this moment in Fidelity Bank’s journey.”

The promotion comes following the retirement of Christopher W. McCarthy last year. Silva began working at Fidelity Bank in May 2021 as Senior Vice President, Chief Commercial Banking Officer, and was promoted to Executive Vice President, Chief Lending Officer in 2022.

Since 2022, Silva has led the commercial, mortgage, and consumer lending business and had an important role in strategic development, including the ongoing integration of the mutual holding company with Cape Cod 5. He also has executive leadership responsibility for the Exchange Authority, a Section 1031 qualified intermediary wholly owned subsidiary of Fidelity Bank. Silva has also consistently engaged within the community, volunteering of his time and attending events to support clients and colleagues alike. Prior to Fidelity Bank, he worked at Pawtucket Credit Union and Bank Rhode Island in various lending roles.

“Fidelity Bank is known for its unwavering commitment to delivering on our LifeDesign promise—providing care, clarity, and confidence to our clients, colleagues, and communities,” said Silva. “As President, I am dedicated to advancing this promise across every aspect of our business and empowering our colleagues as we continue to grow and serve with purpose.”

A resident of Uxbridge, Mass., Silva received a bachelor’s degree in Interpersonal Communications from the University of Rhode Island and is also a graduate of the Bank Leadership Program from the Darden School at the University of Virginia.

A search is underway for the position of Chief Commercial Banking Officer to oversee all commercial lending.

Governor Healey Signs Legislation Renaming Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to ‘MassAbility’

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Governor Healey Signs Legislation Renaming Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to ‘MassAbility’

Governor Maura Healey signed legislation that renames the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission to MassAbility. Governor Healey filed this bill last year to reflect the administration’s goal of expanding the agency’s reach and ushering in a new, more inclusive model for disability career services and independent living. The legislation also removes outdated terms from the general laws like “handicap,” “handicapped,” and “retarded,” replacing them with “barrier,” “person with a disability,” and person with an “intellectual disability.”

“Words matter. This legislation ensures that the names and terms we use accurately reflect the strength and capabilities of the disability community, supports our goal of helping the people we serve achieve autonomy and independence, and breaks down stigma,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I’m grateful to our partners in the Legislature for advancing this legislation, and to the members of the disability community and our team at MassAbility and the Executive Office of Health and Human Services who advocated to make this a reality in Massachusetts”

“MassAbility exemplifies a sense of community and belonging,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By updating these laws, we are putting outdated terms aside while honoring the disability community’s tenacity. MassAbility today provides services that break down barriers, cultivate diversity and empower people to thrive in their workplaces and their communities.”

The new name directly resulted from feedback from the disability community and was selected following significant research, focus groups, surveys, and conversations with the community, businesses, providers, and advocacy organizations.

“The new name MassAbility and language changes reflect both the state and agency’s commitment to inclusivity, because we know that words matter,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “MassAbility represents pride and self-determination. It’s about rights and equal access. It’s about building a future and being fully present and counted in the world.”

The name directly resulted from feedback from the disability community and was selected following significant research, focus groups, surveys, and conversations with the community, businesses, providers, and advocacy organizations.

“This historic legislation represents the state’s commitment to propelling the disability movement forward,” said MassAbility Commissioner Toni Wolf. “Language has the power to shape people and culture, tackle stigmas, biases, and stereotypes. For too long, the words we’ve used have not reflected the strengths, resilience, and determination of the disability community. This legislation changes that. We are changing life in Massachusetts for the better, making it more equitable, accessible, and inclusive for people with disabilities.”

“MassAbility signals the intentionality of the Healey-Driscoll Administration for driving a more inclusive workforce, workplace, and work opportunities for individuals with all capabilities,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “Massachusetts is dedicated to fostering an equitable workforce system, and the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development looks forward to building on shared strategies to achieve this in collaboration with MassAbility.”

“Every person has the right to live an independent and meaningful life regardless of ability, with the same access to work, housing, and services that every resident deserves,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “With the Governor’s signature, we change this name to one which reflects the strong work of MassAbility to deliver that access to every individual who works with them, and we remove archaic laws — an important step towards becoming a more equitable Commonwealth. I am deeply grateful to the Governor for her signature, my colleagues for their support, Speaker Mariano, and our partners in the House.”

“This legislation is our latest effort to ensure that our state laws do not use antiquated words that carry negative connotations, words that also serve as a reminder of past injustices,” said Speaker of the House Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I would like to thank Governor Healey for filing the bill originally, as well as all my colleagues in the House and our partners in the Senate for working to pass this important legislation.”

Working alongside the disability community, MassAbility provides services that break down barriers, cultivate diversity, and empower people to thrive in their workplaces and their communities.

To learn more, visit mass.gov/MassAbility.

Statements of Support

Colleen Holmes, President and CEO, Viability Inc.:
“The name change to MassAbility is cause for celebration by anyone who has had to bear the indignity of being labeled by their circumstance, condition, or diagnosis. “MassAbility” is more than just a new terminology. It signals a willingness to continue to evolve towards ensuring space and opportunities for individuals who may access services to be seen for who they are, heard as someone possessing the knowledge of walking in their own shoes, and counted in full.”

Kristen McCosh, City of Boston Disability Commissioner:
“The Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission has been a valued partner in advancing employment opportunities for people with disabilities in the City of Boston. We are excited to carry this work forward with ‘MassAbility,’ the agency’s new name which focuses on strength and respect for workers with disabilities.”

Unstoppable Tracy Schmitt, International Association of Top Professionals #1 Inspirational Speaker, Disability Hall of Famer:
“Expressing my wholehearted support for your administration’s recent legislation to rename the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) to ‘MassAbility.’ This proposed change is not just a mere adjustment of terminology, but a profound step towards reflecting a more inclusive, respectful, and empowering perspective on disability. As someone who was born a 4-way amputee and who has dedicated much of my life to advocating for individuals with disabilities, I understand deeply the power of language in shaping perceptions and experiences.”

Meg Coffin, CEO, Center for Living & Working:
“The Center for Living & Working congratulates you on new name MassAbility. We look forward to continuing our partnership in ensuring those living with disabilities in Massachusetts are provided the same opportunities, supports, and services that have been offered for years. Your name reflects what our work is all about affording everyone the ability to achieve their goals.”

Destiny Maxam, Disability Inclusion Team Leader:
“To me, the name change reflects my voice being heard. For so long, things were being done about us without us. And now through multiple ways my voice is not only being heard, but listened to and acted upon. The name change reflects this, we may be disabled but have so many abilities especially when we put our voices together.”

George Farrington, Disability Inclusion Team Leader:
The new name says it all. I’m a brain tumor and brain injury survivor, and I belong to the New Start Brain Injury Community Center, which is a program that falls under the vast umbrella of MassAbility. Thanks to New Start, I realized that I still had the ability to live a meaningful life and the ability to still chase my dreams. One of which is furthering awareness and helping better the lives of people with disabilities. This name change puts the emphasis more on people with disabilities actual abilities, which is a sign that the state is ready and willing to do the same thing now and for generations to come.”

Kristen Flynn, Family Inclusion Ambassador:
“The name change to MassAbility is the public facing representation of the commitment of this agency to continue to ask questions and challenge the norms in support of all people with disabilities. It has been an exciting time to be part of the progressive effort that MassAbility is making as Massachusetts continues to be a leader in disability advocacy and inclusion.”

Aimee Rodrigues, Family Inclusion Ambassador:
“As the disability community continues to break down barriers toward an equitable future, it is only fitting we rid the stigma and support independence and self-determination with a powerful name change. MassAbility encompasses our commitment to leading the way for a more inclusive and accessible life for all.”

Gillan Wang, Family Inclusion Ambassador:
“The name MassAbility celebrates all that each person brings to the table; we are, all of us, differently abled, but together we are at our strongest. This name change signifies an awareness that words matter, and it reflects the genuine commitment of this agency to support individuals and families and empower all of us to live our best lives.”

Briana Berthiaume, Disability Inclusion Leader:
“The name change from MRC to MassAbility shifts the focus from a faceless bureaucracy to a participant-oriented organization. Everyone who receives services is unique, and MassAbility honors the individual and what they can bring to the world with the right support.”

Jeffrey Snyder, Disability Inclusion Leader:
“The evolution of disability support is never ending and we must do whatever it takes to support the disability community at large whether it’s in education, employment or everyday life. As a Disability Inclusion Leader, I feel that the next step in the evolution from MRC to MassAbility can give hope and confidence to the individuals and families we serve.”

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From Ramen to Riches – Main Street Bank Partners with Lunenburg Skate Park Project to Empower Local College Students with Financial Education

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Pictured, left to right: Jamie Conaghan (Main Street Bank), Chris Roy (Lunenburg Skate Park Project), Griffin Caiozzo (Lunenburg Skate Park Project), Bill Keyles (Main Street Bank), Aidan Moore (Lunenburg Skate Park Project) & Allison Migrants (Main Street Bank)

Main Street Bank, a pillar of financial stability in the
community, proudly teamed up with the Lunenburg Skate Park Project to host an interactive financial education session for local college students. This exciting initiative, held at the Lunenburg Public Library, brought together the community’s youth to learn essential life skills in budgeting, money management, and understanding credit scores—all in a setting that promotes connection and creativity.

The event, which took place on December 30th, aimed to address a critical need among young adults: financial literacy. With college students juggling tuition, living expenses, and often their first steps into the world of credit, Main Street Bank recognized the importance of equipping them with the knowledge and tools to build a secure financial future.

“We’re thrilled to collaborate with the Lunenburg Skate Park Project to support our local students,” said Jamie Conaghan, SVP Marketing and Digital at Main Street Bank. “Financial literacy is a cornerstone of personal success, and empowering young adults with these skills today lays the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow.” The session was anything but a typical classroom experience. Students participated in hands-on workshops and engaging discussions led by Main Street Bank’s expert financial advisors. Topics ranged from setting realistic budgets and saving for short-term goals to understanding how credit scores impact future opportunities like renting an apartment or securing a loan. Attendees also had the chance to ask questions about their personal financial concerns, making the session both practical and relevant.

College students receive a hands-on learning experience, focused on budgeting, credit, and savings for the future, held at Lunenburg Public Library.

“This partnership with Main Street Bank is a perfect example of how we can combine community engagement with meaningful education,” said Anthony Caiozzo, President of the Lunenburg Skate Park Project. “We’re proud to see our project used to inspire and empower the next generation.”

The event concluded with a lively networking session, where students connected with bank representatives and community leaders over refreshments. Eachparticipant left with a financial literacy toolkit provided by Main Street Bank, ensuring that the lessons learned extend beyond the day.

Main Street Bank’s collaboration with the Lunenburg Skate Park Project underscores its commitment to the community’s well-being and future success. Together, they’ve shown how financial education can be both impactful and fun, proving that learning to budget doesn’t have to be a grind.

For more information about Main Street Bank’s financial education initiatives, visit www.bankmainstreet.com or contact Jamie Conaghan at 508-460-4166 or .

For more information about the Lunenburg Skate Park Project or to get involved, visitwww.lunenburgskatepark.org. Together, we can build a brighter, more inclusive future for our community!

All One Credit Union Honoring 70 Years in Business

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Pictured Left to Right: Barbara Mahoney, President & CEO, All One Credit Union; Brandon Robbins, Executive Director, Ginny’s Helping Hand; and Kelli Rooney, Senior Vice President, Community Engagement and Marketing, All One Credit Union.

All One Credit Union (formerly known as Leominster Credit Union) is honoring our 70 Years in Business by organizing 70 Acts of Kindness within the diverse communities we serve. We kicked off the celebration on Giving Tuesday, December 3, 2024, which is a movement that inspires people all over the world to give back, collaborate and celebrate generosity. Our 70 Acts of Kindness initiative will conclude before the holidays. Among the Acts were delivering pastries to local senior centers, care packages and cookies to police stations, supplies and food to animal shelters, making donations to Leominster High School for a student club and Longsjo Middle School for their Washington, DC trip and much more!

As part of the 70 Acts of Kindness, we wanted to make one large gift within the community that would make an impact on those in need this holiday season. This gift of $10,000 was a donation to Ginny’s Helping Hand and Food Pantry in Leominster to assist in their holiday program, ensuring that individuals and families in need experience the joy and warmth of the season.

“Our commitment to our community is very important to us at All One Credit Union. We are dedicated in helping to make a difference in people’s lives and Ginnys is a wonderful community partner whose mission is to provide essential resources and support to individuals and families in need, helping to foster a stronger, more compassionate community,” stated Barbara Mahoney, President & CEO, All One Credit Union.

“We are honored to be among the many worthy organizations recognized by All One Credit Union’s 70 Acts of Kindness initiative to celebrate their 70th Anniversary,” said Brandon L. Robbins, Executive Director, Ginny’s Helping Hand. “This generous donation came at a critical time for Ginny’s as those experiencing food insecurity is at an historic high. This donation will enable us to serve 500 individuals and families with all the holiday essentials and the opportunity to thrive.

We are thankful for our members and the community partnerships we have developed over the years. We hope to continue to build on our strong history, trust, and commitment to our communities for the next 70 years.

Youth Pickleball Open Play

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Looking for a fun, active way to spend your winter break? Come for open play with a coach—a great opportunity to learn the exciting game of pickleball while enjoying the holiday season! Whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to improve your skills, this is the perfect chance to get involved, stay active, and enjoy with family and friends.

Event Details:

Youth Pickleball Open Play
Thursday, December 26 – Friday, December 27
Monday, December 30 – Tuesday, December 31
Ages 10 – 24 | Ages 14 -18
$10 per Person (Balls and Paddles provided)
471 Lancaster Street | Leominster, MA

Learn More

Gardner Community Action Committee Signs Lease with city of Gardner at Waterford Community Center

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The City of Gardner and the Gardner Community Action Committee (“CAC”) recently entered intoa lease agreement to relocate the CAC to the new Waterford Community Center. The CAC has been a staple of support for families who are facing financial challenges in the Greater Gardner area. This move reflects a new chapter for the CAC, providing almost three times more space for their services than they have at their current location. The City is proud to help strengthen the resources needed to provide crucial services to the community.

“I am really excited to see the CAC move in as the first tenant of our new community center,” said Gardner Mayor Mike Nicholson. “The work they provide to our residents in need is invaluable, and I’m excited to see their programs and services be able to grow and expand as a result of this partnership.”

The vision for the Waterford Community Center is to be a hub of collaboration and support for any citizen who may be seeking services. With upgraded facilities and more space expand programs, the hope is to create a welcoming environment targeted at addressing the critical issues present in the Greater Gardner area.

In 2022, the City of Gardner opened the newly constructed Gardner Elementary School, leaving the former Waterford Street School property vacant. Later that year, Mayor Nicholson announced the City’s plan to convert the former school into a new non-profit community center to be able to allow the City’s social service organizations to work in a more collaborative space in order to grow and expand their programs together. The Gardner CAC is the first tenant to move in and begin to outfit the space to house their new expanded food pantry, clothing closet, and food preparation areas.

Pictured: Mayor Nicholson, CAC Executive Director Julie Meehan, State Representative Jon Zlotnik, City Council President Elizabeth Kazinskas, Members of the Gardner City Council, and Members of the Gardner CAC Board of Directors celebrate the signing of the new lease and the expanded programming to take place at the new location.

“The Gardner CAC is excited about the opportunity to relocate to the former Waterford Street School. This move will allow us to significantly expand our capacity, strengthen partnerships, increase volunteerism, and offer a wider range of programs to better serve our community. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact this new space will have on our organization and the individuals we serve!” said Julie Meehan Executive Director of the CAC.

The CAC is a non-profit organization that offers a variety of different services to those in the community who are striving to overcome economic barriers. Some of the resources available at the CAC include a backpack program for students, access to personal care items, new or gently used clothing such as winter coats and blankets, fresh produce and canned goods, and Holiday toy distribution.

From the period of July 1, 2024, through December 6, 2024, the CAC provided services to 4,450 individuals in 1,824 households. The demand for their services has seen over a 64% increase in the last two years.

“The Gardner CAC’s move to 62 Waterford Street continues the building’s transformation and begins its revitalization.  A new physical space is also a new opportunity for the CAC to grow and thrive.  I could not be happier for Julie Meehan, her team, and all those in our community who benefit so significantly from their important work.  A very proud day for Gardner.” said Elizabeth Kazinskas City Council President.

The CAC was founded in 1970 when a group of concerned citizens came together with the hopes to curb hunger in the Gardner area. Over the years their mission has grown stronger as they work diligently to promote self-sufficiency to low-income families along with improving the quality of life for the community.

“The Gardner CAC is a vital partner in our efforts to provide the services our residents need to get through their daily lives,” concluded Mayor Mike Nicholson. “Their outreach to our underrepresented and disadvantaged populations makes permanent differences in people’s lives each and every day. I’m very proudwe were able to partner with them on this project and I look forward to seeing how their expanded services provided through this space allow them to make an even greater impact for years to come.”

The selfless work and services provided by the CAC are made possible through donations. If you are looking to make a donation their wish list is located here: https://gardner-cac.org/wish-list/ or a monetary donation could be made on their website. Any donations are appreciated and can be dropped off at the Gardner CAC 294 Pleasant Street, Gardner, MA.