The Providers’ Council held its 44th Annual Convention & Expo: Everyone Counts. on Oct. 7th in Boston, drawing nearly 1,200 people together to celebrate the human services workforce.
Everyone from Executive Office of Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders to keynote speaker Spencer West to Gov. Charlie Baker acknowledged that each day, human services workers are making sure that Everyone Counts. and has the chance to redefine their own possible.
“You share the common basic thread of having the passion and desire to make the world a better place,” said Sec. Sudders. “And when you get up each day you have the chance to make the impossible possible.”
West, an author, activist and motivational speaker, delivered an inspiring keynote address whether he meant to or not.
“Keep doing what you do because we need you. We need you now more than ever,” said West, an amputee who lost both legs as a child. “That’s the reason I told you all these things. I didn’t want to be an inspiration. I want you to see that we can create value in everything we do.”
The Council also honored 11 individuals and organizations with Awards of Excellence for their contributions to and support of the human services sector. The prestigious Peer Provider Awards, which recognize innovation and leadership, went to four members who were nominated by other members. The 2019 recipients were NFI Massachusetts; Parenting Journey; Thrive Support and Advocacy; and Western Massachusetts Training Consortium. Community Resources for Justice President and CEO John Larivee was honored with the Chair’s Award by Board Chair Bill Sprague. And convention attendees voted Doc Wayne Youth Services the winner of the 8th Annual Broadcast Your Love of Human Services Photo Contest. Runners-up were The Key Program and Vinfen.
The day also featured 36 workshops and more than 75 exhibitors. The Council is especially grateful to longtime Diamond Sponsors USI Insurance Services and Citizens Bank, and Platinum Sponsor Justice Resource Institute.
Back to All News