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Board Hero
 Michael Keegan: WCAC's Quiet Hero
Every now and then, an individual quietly steps forward with a “roll-up-the sleeve” approach and helps out in the neighborhood, business, or a local organization. We want to introduce you to one of Worcester Community Action Council’s Board of Directors—a Quiet Hero—who has gone beyond the call of duty to offer guidance, financial expertise, and support to the agency over the past year. It is an honor to thank and recognize the selfless work of Michael (Mike) Keegan.
Because of his long-standing commitment to WCAC, Mike has been a WCAC Board Member several times! Beginning in 1992, he served for 10 years. He was then voted back to the board at the Annual Meeting in December 2004. Currently serving as the Board Treasurer, he has been the chair of the Finance Committee, as well as a member of the Fundraising and Executive Committees and an honorary member of the 40th Anniversary Committee. read more
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| Staff Heroes
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Linda Booker
“Not a day goes by that I don’t think what a good feeling it is to do something for someone who is less fortunate than I am,” said Linda Booker, assistant director of Fuel Assistance. Linda Booker joined Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. in 1982 as a Fuel Intake Worker where she processed fuel assistance applications and participated in fuel outreach to community organizations, senior centers, and town halls. Linda’s work at WCAC fit her lifestyle at that time; fuel was a seasonal program and having the summers off allowed her to stay at home with her three young daughters. As much as she enjoyed the work schedule, she quickly became immersed in and passionate about the direct line work itself. Seven years ago, she was promoted to Assistant Director of Fuel and now oversees 15 staff. “Helping people with heating problems is so gratifying. When people are up against the wall with no hope and you give them something so small, they are so very appreciative. Each day is challenging, and you never know whose life you are going to touch.” Whether it is driving a client without transportation home at the end of the day, or discussing several assistance options with a client who may be clinically depressed about his income or heating, Linda sees herself as a problem solver—looking for solutions to often catastrophic situations in people’s different lives. “I love my job. I am honored that I can help people, and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.” |
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Tayla Cusson
Tayla Cusson is 17 years old. Two years ago, she was encouraged by her Assistant South High School Principal to enter the Alternative 9th-Grade Project—a collaboration between the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. and the Worcester Public Schools. Tayla needed additional school credits and enrolled in the internship program at WCAC where she completed coursework via computers and greeted customers at the front desk. Tayla blossomed into a friendly, courteous young woman. Her smile and cooperative attitude were noticed by many staff, and she was soon asked to work directly with the Energy Efficiency division to help with general office responsibilities including filing and photocopying. Tayla then enrolled in the 2006 citywide Summer Jobs for Youth program and continued her internship at WCAC. Because of her outstanding performance, excellent work ethic, and positive energy, last fall the agency hired Tayla to work after school. She has since expanded her skills—one of which was to overcome her fear of making phone calls to vendors. She credits her co-workers—especially Tina Bradford and Cherie Gonyou—with helping her grow professionally. “I’m glad I work here. I didn’t have to find a job--the job found me, and I’ve been luckier than some of the other kids my age who haven’t been able to find interesting jobs.” Tayla’s goal is to become a pediatric nurse. Her younger brother has cystic fibrosis and often needs hospital care. When she visits him in the hospital, she is impressed with the set up of the children’s wing, as well as the friendliness of all the nurses. Although Tayla knows that nursing involves a lot of administrative tasks, she wants to “work more with children than with paper.” |
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