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“Our No. 1 priority is finding listeners so that there are as many people listening to us who can benefit from the radio shows,” director Vince Lombardi said. He said there are about 5,000 legally blind people in Central Massachusetts, and that the nonprofit Audio Journal reaches about 3,500 of them.
“If we can relieve pain differently, and get people away from opioids by understanding how other pain pathways can be impeded, that would make a huge difference in people’s lives.”
After starting the Worcester chapter of the Minnesota-based nonprofit earlier this year, one Forest Grove middle-schooler has donated more than 168 backpacks filled with school supplies and celebrated two birthdays since April.
Mary Ellen Wessell saw opportunity in a simple question, teamed up with a few trusted board members and created Santa’s Big League, CSC’s first initiative, to give gifts and bring cheer to teenage children who fell through the cracks. Children’s Smile Coalition has only grown from there — and more is on the way.
“He is loud and brash. His hair is long and unruly, and he wears a giant mustache that looks like a battering ram. … When he gets angry, and that is often, he looks like someone you want to avoid. Detractors call him a loudmouth, a bully and much worse.” In the first of a new series, Ray Mariano profiles Billy Breault, the Marshal of Main South.
David Byun noticed that he and his fellow students at Holy Name were too quick to throw away usable school supplies — pens, notebooks and other items less fortunate kids would be happy to have. So he started an organization a couple of years ago, and it’s grown way beyond Worcester.
Trevor Huntley was born with severe disabilities, but that did not stop him from dreaming about — and at last achieving — the rank of Eagle Scout. Worcester’s Troop 37 accepted him years ago, and adapted requirements so that he could participate as fully, and as fully challenged, as possible. Trevor’s example shows what can happen when we offer support instead of walls.
The growing program on Temple Street has been filling a need for 12 years, and it does so with a care and respect for every person it serves that sets it apart. Sloane M. Perron talks with director Billy Riley and some of his regulars.
Eve James was so impressed by the impact the summer arts program has had on her children that she became a volunteer herself. “I feel as though my family has become part of their family.” She said the “excellent teachers” make Main Idea what it is. With the help of Eve and her son Isiah, a dedicated group of volunteers continues to buck the odds and make their vision flourish. Sloane Perron shines a light on this worthy endeavor.
“We want to be engaged with the community,” says Martha Gach, the conservation coordinator. “We recognize that there is no way the paid staff can do everything that we need to do here, and we also recognize that people want to be involved.” Alex Khan straightens his tie and digs in for an in-depth look at where Worcester and nature and good people collide.
“Members were doing well psychologically, but physically couldn’t work more than two hours,” said Kevin Bradley, club director. “We asked, ‘Is there something we can do to help?’” What started as a fitness program at Assumption College blossomed into Team Genesis, which will mark its 10-year anniversary of running the Falmouth Road Race Aug. 21. What started with but 14 runners has become a 42-person brigade, raising money and awareness for a segment of the population often left behind.