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June 22, 2008 - Foster parents recruited: DSS seeking folks to help area youths - By Kelly Glista TELEGRAM & GAZETTE CORRESPONDENT
Among those honored Thursday at the Youth Excellence Awards ceremony were members of the Borelli famiy: from left, Martha, Chris, 16, Carolyn, 11, and Edward. (T&G Staff Photos / STEVE LANAVA) |
WORCESTER — On what is considered a "very quiet" day at the state Department of Social Services office in the city there are still two teenage boys sitting quietly in the lobby, simply because they have nowhere else to go.
On a busy day the DSS may have a lobby full of youngsters of all ages talking, laughing and crying while employees scramble to place each one. Some will be placed for adoption or into foster care homes, but many will be sent to a volunteer emergency hot-line house for the night. The next day those in the latter category will return to their place on a bench in the lobby.
The problem is a lack of foster care and adoptive families in the Worcester area. According to a date profile prepared by DSS, Worcester's East and West offices were only able to place about 21 percent of the children in their caseload, leaving more than 2,500 youngsters without placement at the end of 2007. In DSS's entire Central Region, only about 1,300 youths were placed out of some out 6,500 in the system.
The city offices are actively trying to increase community awareness about the dire need for foster care homes in Worcester County. The DSS Foster Home Recruitment Task Force is working with organizations such as the Worcester Community Action Council and the Boys and Girls Club of Central Massachusetts to distribute information fliers throughout the city. Some 12,000 fliers already have been distributed to the Worcester Public Schools and another 5,000 are being passed out with deliveries made by Domino's Pizza. The task force also has distributed information packets available at three local restaurants and bookmarks available at the public library.
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May 22, 2008 - Keynote talk: We’re not there yet
Action heroes awardees honored - By Mark Melady TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
WORCESTER— While Massachusetts has been among the country’s leaders in advancing public education in recent years, S. Paul Reville, secretary of education designate and chairman of the state Board of Elementary and Secondary Education, said last night the state has fallen far short of the goals it set for itself in the early 1990s.
“We are nowhere near achieving the aspirations … the goals of education reform,” Mr. Reville told those gathered last night for the Worcester Community Action Council’s action hero award event at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences on Foster Street.
Mr. Reville, who lives in Worcester, said a new “differentiated education delivery system” that focuses on student-teacher content is needed to move the state toward the ultimate goal of preparing students to be “successful in jobs, successful in civic society and to be lifelong learners.”
He noted that Massachusetts test scores are among the nation’s highest and the state has the lowest dropout rate in the country. “We deserve a pat on the back for that achievement,” Mr. Reville said, “but not for too long. Socioeconomic status is still the greatest predictor of education success. We have a whole variety of achievement gaps and our gaps are as large, if not larger, than in other states.” |
 S. Paul Reville, secretary of education designate and chairman of the state Board of Education, gets help with his corsage last night, prior to giving the keynote address at the Worcester Community Action Council’s action hero award celebration. (T&G Staff/TOM RETTIG) |
The gaps are greatest among minorities and the poor, Mr. Reville said.
The first step is getting the nation’s “best and brightest” into the teaching ranks, he said.
“We’re losing 50 percent of the teachers in Boston every three years,” Mr. Reville said. “That tells us (teaching) is not an attractive profession.”
The public education system of six-hour days, 180-day school seasons and 13 years from kindergarten to high school senior — created in the early 20th century to educate a factory work force — no longer serves the needs of today’s school population, he said.
“It’s not fit for the demands of the 21st century,” he said. “One hundred years ago, they were satisfied with a graduation rate in single digits. Now we insist on 100 percent graduation rates, high test scores in seven core subjects, global awareness and cultural competence. We want students to work well in groups and to make persuasive arguments.”
Poor children must receive the same kind of education attention that middle class and wealthy parents give their children, Mr. Reville said — strong pre-schooling, a rich variety of after-school programs and summer school for catch-up.
“We can’t keep putting some students 300 yards from the finish line and others 50 yards away from the finish line and expect them to get there at the same time,” he said.
Winners of the WCAC action hero awards for 2008 are: UniBank, Whitinsville, Ken Redding president and CEO; Granite Press Inc., Westboro, William Donahue, vice president/general manager; Deborah Penta, vice chairman of the WCAC board and founder and CEO of Penta Communications and the Female Leadership Institute Council; University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care, John G. O’Brien, CEO; Shelley Feinstein (posthumously); National Grid, Anthony Pini, vice president property services, and Barbara Hassan, senior vice president and WCAC board member.
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May 16, 2008 - WORCESTER GETS READY TO QUIT SMOKING WITH FREE NICOTINE PATCHES
Public Health Promotion Launched at City Hall with an Array of Partners
On May 6th, outside of City Hall, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and the City of Worcester announced an exciting health initiative to help people in Worcester quit smoking. Ready, Set, Quit Worcester is a program that encourages adults who live, work, or study in Worcester to quit smoking by offering them a free two-week supply of nicotine patches through 1-800-Try-To-STOP (1-800-879-8678). Ready, Set, Quit is designed to motivate people who smoke to make a meaningful attempt to quit.
The program will be widely promoted through the City of Worcester’s business community, UMass Memorial, health centers, community groups, and voluntary agencies. Ready, Set, Quit will run from May 6th – June 30th, 2008.
Ready, Set, Quit aims to educate people who smoke about the use and effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), including the nicotine patch. The program will use multiple strategies to share the facts about NRT and to dispel myths about its use. Included with each free nicotine patch kit sent to participants will be simplified English and Spanish instructions for using the patch. Tens of thousands of flyers and posters will be distributed throughout the area through community partners.
Cigarette smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death in Massachusetts. Worcester was chosen for this pilot program because of the high smoking rate among residents – which is 29% higher than the statewide rate
Other data show:
- An estimated 30,870 smokers live in Worcester (23.4% of adults 18+ years old).
- The smoking rate among middle-aged adults in Worcester is 35% higher than for the state (24.9% in Worcester compared to 18.5% statewide).
- The rate of lung cancer mortality in Worcester is 10% higher than the state average.
JudyAnn Bigby, Secretary of Health and Human Services said, “This is a truly exciting and valuable opportunity for Worcester residents and employees. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable disease and death in the Commonwealth and we urge everyone in Worcester who smokes to make an attempt to quit. The Patrick-Murray Administration is committed to ending the suffering caused by tobacco use, and this program is an example of that commitment.”
Use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as the nicotine patch, has been shown to double smokers’ chances of quitting. Using coaching services such as Massachusetts’ toll-free Quitline (800-Try-to-STOP) also doubles quit rates. However, research shows lower acceptance of these resources among some cultural and linguistic groups. In response, Ready, Set, Quit Worcester will offer culturally-specific materials and media to help smokers access both the Quitline and appropriate medications.
Worcester City Manager Mike O’Brien said, “The City of Worcester has one of the highest smoking rates in the Commonwealth. The overwhelming medical evidence suggests that tobacco products are damaging to individuals' health. As a City, we are committed to achieving a healthy, vibrant community, and we believe the Ready, Set, Quit program will provide City residents with the support services they need to make a successful attempt to quit smoking."
John O’Brien, President and CEO of UMass Memorial said, “BothUMass Memorial and UMass Medical School are proud to join the Department of Public Health to bring the Ready, Set, Quit program to the community. As a leading provider of health care services in the city, it is our responsibility to ensure the health of not only our patients, but the community as a whole. We’re gearing up to go tobacco-free on our University, Memorial, Hahneman, and Medical School campuses on May 27th and the timing of this program couldn’t be better. Through our partnership with the City and a variety of community organizations, we’re committed to making RSQ a success.”
Spectrum CEO Chuck Faris said, “As one of the largest employers and key community partners in Worcester, Spectrum is committed to the well-being of our clients and staff. Tobacco takes a terrible toll on our community and the ‘Ready, Set, Quit’ campaign is a terrific benefit for everyone who wants to stop smoking.”
Jack Foley, Chairman of the Worcester Community Action Council said, “"The WCAC is pleased to partner with our community and the state on this worthwhile campaign to help the people that our agency serves understand the importance of the Ready, Set, Quit program. Families and individuals are hurt every day by the financial and health-related issues associated with smoking. WCAC is committed to bringing awareness and access to this innovative program to all of the individuals and the families served by our organization."
Anyone living, working, or studying in Worcester who wishes to take advantage of the Ready, Set, Quit program should call 1-800-Try-To-STOP (1-800-879-8678), a toll-free telephone quitline that provides free support, self-help materials, and referrals to smokers. Spanish speakers can contact 1-800-8-DÉJALO (1-800-833-5256). After a brief evaluation to determine eligibility, they will be sent their free two-week supply of nicotine patches by mail.
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May 16, 2008 - Jobs for youths worth a million
State ups ante for summer - By Jacqueline Reis TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
WORCESTER — Teenagers looking for summer jobs will benefit from additional state money this year, Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Murray announced yesterday morning at Worcester Technical High School.
Mr. Murray, a Worcester native, recalled how important one of his summer jobs turned out to be. While a student at St. John’s High School, he landed a summer job in the mailroom of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, which is where he met people who became lifelong friends, such as S. Paul Reville, the incoming state secretary of education.
“I can tell you, in a very tangible way, it makes a difference,” Mr. Murray said.
The governor’s administration has awarded the city $613,081 to fund youth jobs this summer. That includes $533,081 in YouthWorks funding to hire youth from low-income families (about $153,000 more than last year) and an $80,000 grant from the state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security. Combined with money from St. Vincent Hospital, UMass Memorial Health Care and the Workforce Investment Act, the city has more than $1 million for youth jobs. The city is receiving about $153,000 more in YouthWorks funding this year than last.
Last year, YouthWorks funded 3,200 jobs statewide. This year, the funding is up $1.2 million from last year to $5.6 million, Mr. Murray said.
Students from North High School and Worcester Technical High School attended yesterday’s press conference, and Health and Human Services Secretary JudyAnn Bigby said the biggest predictors of health are education and the kind of job someone has and how much money they earn. “These are two things you can do something about,” she said.
Summer jobs programs are an extended form of learning, said Worcester Superintendent James A. Caradonio, whose own summer jobs included being a cave guide, a school custodian and a carpenter’s helper. “We are united to show you, our young people, that we adults really care about you,” he said.
The school system has a program through which students can earn academic credit for their summer job.
More than 2,000 low-income students in Worcester are eligible for summer job assistance, said Jill C. Dagilis, executive director of the Worcester Community Action Council.
Two of those who benefited last year, high school seniors Audrey Ampiah, 17, and Shivonne C. Hyde, 17, continued their jobs through the school year, they said yesterday. Audrey, who will attend Worcester State College, said UMass Memorial has offered her a position if she wants to return, and Shivonne plans to keep working two jobs, including the summer job she found as an office assistant, while studying accounting at Assumption College.
Young people ages 16 to 21 who are looking for a summer job can call the Worcester Community Action Council at (508) 754-1176 or the city’s Human Resources Department at (508) 799-1031.
Contact Jacqueline Reis at jreis@telegram.com.
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May 13, 2008 - Dagilis and Penta appear on the Hank Stolz Show
On Tuesday, May 13, at 3 p.m. Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) Executive Director Jill Dagilis and WCAC Board Vice Chairperson and CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc. appeared on the WCRN's the Hank Stolz Show (830 AM) to discuss the second Annual Action Hero Awards, scheduled for next Wednesday evening, May 21, 2008 at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, located on Foster Street in Worcester. This event celebrates community leaders and individuals who have helped the Agency accomplish its mission in the past year. Listen Now
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March 6, 2008 - NCAF Legislative Conference
 Jill Dagilis, WCAC Executive Director; Judi Fitzmaurice, Self-Help Fuel Assistance Manager; Loretta Kemp, Tri-CAP Deputy Director; Donna McGrath, WCAC Organizational Development Administrator; and Joe Diamond, MASSCAP Executive Director on Capitol Hill for the 2008 National Community Action Council (NCAF) Annual Legislative Conference March 4-7, 2008.
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January 10, 2008 - WCAC hosts 2nd Annual Legislative Breakfast
WCAC hosted a Fiscal Year 09 Legislative Breakfast to brief district Representatives and Senators on the agency’s state-funded programs. Legislators had an opportunity to meet several WCAC Board members and program directors as they reviewed programs and services supported by state funds.
Those attending included (standing left to right):
Jake Sanders, Legislative Aide to Representative Robert P. Spellane; Senator Edward M. Augustus, Jr.; Representative James J. O’Day; Michael Mobilio, Board Member representing Representative Vincent A. Pedone; Stephanie Kozlowskz, Legislative Aide to Representative Paul Frost; James Kersten, Legislative Aide to Representative Vincent A. Pedone; Barbara Haller, Worcester City Councilor and Board Member; Jack Foley, Board Chairperson
Seated left to right:
Winifred Octave, Board Member; Jean Perkins, Board Member representing Senator Harriette L. Chandler; Senator Harriette L. Chandler; Representative Anne M. Gobi;
Mandy Johnson, Legislative Aide to Representative Geraldo Alicea
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 December 18, 2007 - Energy Bucks Showcases Weatherization of Spencer Home
Local Utilities and Community Action Programs Partner to Help Families Facing Winter Cold
Elected Officials Join Effort to Make Home More Energy Efficient
Spencer, MA—December 18, 2007— As part of the Energy Bucks initiative, National Grid, NSTAR, Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC), and local leaders came together in Spencer to weatherize a home and promote energy efficiency. The event took place at on December 18, at the home of Donna and Michael Nairn, 96 Mechanic St.
Elected officials Secretary Ian Bowles, Representatives Geraldo Alicia and Ann Gobi, Spencer Selectman Anthony Bove, Jr., along with Laura McNaughton, of National Grid, David MacLellan of NStar, homeowner Michael Nairn, and Bob Frigon of Housewarmers rolled up their sleeves to assist weatherization experts as they caulked, weather-striped, and blew insulation into the attic and walls of the apartment.
The Nairns are working parents with four children. They have applied for the Heating Assistance Program in previous seasons and have already received fuel assistance and an oil delivery in addition to today’s weatherization. This season, based on their income, they will receive a $590 benefit from fuel assistance through WCAC and the weatherization will help them save at least 20 percent on energy costs in addition to their existing benefits.
“High energy costs are going to make this winter terribly difficult for low-income and working families and for the elderly trying to heat their homes,” said Jill C. Dagilis, WCAC executive director. “The frigid weather is upon us, but help is available to keep families warm this winter.”
Energy Bucks is an integrated campaign combining grassroots outreach, community-based activities and advertising to build awareness of the fuel assistance, discount rates and energy efficiency services available to income-eligible families. Typically, a family of four can qualify for heating assistance and weatherization if their income is less than $3441 per month, and for energy efficiency services if their income is less than $4,337 a month, saving up to 30% on their energy costs.
“There are many low-income and working residents who need help getting through the winter,” said Laura McNaughton, manager of residential energy efficiency services, National Grid. “We take great pride in the Energy Bucks program and we’re eager to spread awareness that resources are available.”
“Many people go without help simply because they don’t know about all the great programs available to them,” said David MacLellan, residential program manager of energy efficiency department, NSTAR. “The Energy Bucks campaign provides us with an additional outlet for showing customers how to be more energy efficient and also save significantly on their bills with our discount rates.”
More than 800,000 Massachusetts households are eligible for some level of energy assistance. The gas and electric utilities offer discount rates and energy efficiency services to income eligible customers. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD) provides fuel assistance with federal funds accessed through local CAPS that also assist with performing energy efficiency services.
Energy Bucks is sponsored by National Grid; NSTAR Electric & Gas; Unitil; Western Massachusetts Electric Company; Bay State Gas, KeySpan Energy Delivery, Berkshire Gas and the Cape Light Compact, an energy efficiency organization; the Low-Income Energy Affordability Network (LEAN); and Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP).
For information on applying contact: WCAC in Worcester at (508) 754-1176 to find out more about Energy Bucks or to contact other Community Action Programs, visit www.energybucks.com or call 1-866-LESS-COST.
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