In 2024, The Caring Force held rallies across six Massachusetts regions, bringing advocacy directly into communities for the first time. This initiative was inspired by conversations with The Caring Force captains and ambassadors during annual planning.
These rallies united advocates, human services workers, and legislators statewide to celebrate the essential role of the human services sector and underscore the urgent need for continued funding. Each regional rally drew around 200 attendees, with the State House rally attracting 500, ultimately engaging over 1,500 supporters in this powerful statewide advocacy effort. Here’s a closer look at each rally’s impact:
North of Boston Rally (March 22, 2024): Held in Peabody and hosted by Bridgewell, Centerboard, Incompass Human Services, JRI, Key Program, NFI Massachusetts, Northeast Arc, Plummer Youth Promise, Vinfen, and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network, the event opened with an energizing performance by TriTown Rock Band, an inclusive music group of local students. Speakers included human services workers Geraldine Neistorowich and Rosalee Sanchez. Representatives Dan Cahill, Manny Cruz, Jerald Parisella, Tom Walsh, and Senators Joan Lovely and Bruce Tarr attended to support the rally’s call for livable wages and a student loan repayment program. Click here to read more!
South of Boston Rally (April 12, 2024): Held in Taunton, this rally was hosted by Road to Responsibility, BAMSI, New England Village, and The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod. Keynote speaker Senator Patrick O’Connor praised workers for their dedication to Massachusetts’ vulnerable populations. BAMSI residential counselor Deborah Price and program participant Steven Saunders shared personal experiences, highlighting challenges such as low wages and high staff turnover. A panel of human services workers and program participants discussed their commitment to the sector, with attendees lining up to share their stories, creating a memorable day. Click here to read more!
MetroWest Rally (May 10, 2024): In partnership with the MetroWest Human Services Advocacy Coalition, including SMOC, Advocates, JRI, and Wayside, this rally featured Senate President Karen Spilka, who highlighted the importance of human services workers and advocated for funding the Chapter 257 Reserve at $390 million for FY ’25. Representatives Priscila Sousa, Jack Patrick Lewis, David Linsky, and Kate Donaghue echoed the need for more support for the human services sector. Click here to read more!
12th Annual Caring Force Rally at the State House (May 22, 2024): This Boston rally united nearly 500 advocates, including speakers included Kingsley Brown of TILL, Inc., Heather O’Connor of Advocates, Inc., and Scott and Nancy McCullough, parents of a BAMSI program participant. Legislative champions Senator Joan Lovely and Representative Mindy Domb were honored with the Caring Bear Award. Senate President Karen Spilka also joined to discuss the Senate’s commitment to increase funding for human services. The Caring Force members met with their legislators to discuss the sector’s needs and seek support for our livable wage and student loan repayment bills. Click here to read more!
Western MA Rally (September 17, 2024): Held at Westfield State University and hosted by 18 Degrees, BFAIR, Gándara Center, MHA, and Viability, this rally highlighted personal stories from Neredia Pagan, Jose Rivera-Suarez, and Alberto Santiago, demonstrating the transformative impact of human services on their lives. Key speakers, including Senator John Velis and Representative Carlos González, reaffirmed their commitment to improving wages and resources for the sector. Click here to read more!
Central MA Rally (October 11, 2024): The year’s final rally at Clark University in Worcester was hosted by Advocates, Inc., AIDS Project Worcester, Center for Living and Working, CENTRO, Community Resources for Justice, Justice Resource Institute, Key Program, Inc., Open Sky Community Services, Pathways for Change, Pernet Family Health Services, Seven Hills Foundation, and Venture Community Services. Eric Stout of Advocates, Inc., and Nancy Garr-Colzie, served by the Center for Living and Working, shared impactful stories of the sector’s importance. Senator Michael Moore pledged legislative support for wages, loan repayment, and resources. The event concluded with a Q&A, where Representatives Natalie Higgins, Joe McKenna, John Marsi, David Laboeuf, and Donnie Berthiaume emphasized self-care and their commitment to supporting worker well-being. Click here to read more!
Across all six rallies, the strength of The Caring Force was undeniable, with a unified demand for livable wages, student loan repayment programs, and robust legislative support for human services workers. Personal stories underscored the sector’s vital role in our communities, showcasing the power of collective action in driving meaningful change.
Let’s carry this momentum into 2025 and continue advocating for the future of human services!
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