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.