The Caring Force is honored to announce Mary Gregorio as our TCF July 2025 Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree. Gregorio has worked at Bay Cove Human Services for 50 years—since the very beginning!
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
When I was an undergraduate at Boston College in the early 1970s, I was part of a group which visited patients at the old Boston State Hospital, many of whom had been there for decades. I was struck by the travel posters for London and Paris on the walls, which clearly did not accurately portray their current reality.
Soon after, I began a workstudy job at Center Club, the first psychiatric rehabilitation program in New England, which was developed in the era of de-institutionalization—I’m still here 50 years later supporting our club members in living full lives in the community.
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization?
There’s no such thing! We often joke about “organized chaos.” There’s something about spontaneity. The day is driven by needs. We certainly have scheduled meetings and activities, but the magic comes from what happens in individual moments and interaction. It’s the power of relationships.
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
In 1985, we hosted an international psychiatric rehabilitation conference in Boston, and, as was custom, the local agency sponsored a reception. At that time, Bay Cove was housed in a gym. We prepared the food and one of our members played the piano. However, since the event was the same night the gym held wrestling classes for women, (taught by local favorite, Killer Kowalski), they became our special entertainment that evening alongside the referee and announcer!
4. This question is from our June Workforce Hero, Danila Pierre: What impact do you hope to make in human services?
It’s pretty simple: to create a place where each person feels part of something larger.
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
What have you personally learned about yourself while working in your current job?
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