The Caring Force was proud to support the the MetroWest Human Services Advocacy Coalition’s 22nd Annual Legislative Breakfast on May 8 in Framingham and Providers of Central Massachusetts’ 35th Annual Legislative Breakfast on May 28 in Worcester.
The MetroWest Human Services Advocacy Coalition (MWHSAC) event, which was held at Nevins Hall in Framingham’s Memorial Building, was convened by local agencies and initiatives including Advocates, Behavioral Health Partners of MetroWest, Jewish Family Service of Metrowest, Justice Resource Institute, South Middlesex Opportunity Council, The Caring Force, and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network. Approximately 200 guests attended this year’s event, which celebrated the partnership between the coalition and the legislative delegation of MetroWest.
Charlie Sisitsky, Mayor of the City of Framingham, kicked off this year’s event with welcome remarks, while Phillip Gonzalez, President/CEO of MetroWest Health Foundation served as program emcee, and Marcia Sharpe shared her story as a lived experience speaker.
The event concluded with a panel of local legislators who spoke about their legislative priorities, particularly as they relate to human services. Panelists included Representative Dan Sena (37th Middlesex), Representative Kate Donaghue (19th Worcester), Representative Priscila Sousa (6th Middlesex), Representative Danielle Gregoire (4th Middlesex), Representative Jack Lewis (7th Middlesex), Representative Jeffrey Roy (10th Norfolk), Representative David Linsky (5th Middlesex) and Senate President Karen Spilka (Middlesex and Norfolk).
The Central Massachusetts breakfast was hosted by The Arc’s Center of Hope Foundation and supported by Advocates, CENTRO, Justice Resource Institute, Kennedy-Donovan Center, LUK, Inc., Open Sky Community Services, Providers’ Council, Seven Hills Foundation, The Arc of Massachusetts, The Caring Force, Thrive Support & Advocacy, and Venture Community Services.
Central Massachusetts agencies, alongside regional legislators, honored dedicated workers within their organizations with awards and listened to a keynote from Congressman Jim McGovern.
Legislators who supported the award distribution included Rep. John Marsi (6th Worcester), Rep. James O’Day (14th Worcester) and Sen. Robyn Kennedy (1st Worcester).
Each event gathered close to 250 participants.
