The Caring Force is honored to announce Mark Raines as our TCF September 2025 Workforce Hero Spotlight honoree. Raines is a youth development manager at More Than Words.
1. Tell us about your background. How did you decide to pursue a career in human services?
I began my career studying civil engineering with a minor in psychology at Geneva College, originally thinking I’d pursue architecture due to my love for art and design. But after moving to Boston in 2000, my aunt encouraged me to explore the human services field. I landed my first job at the Judge Rotenberg Center, which opened the door to working with youth in the Department of Mental Health system.
In 2004, I joined The Home, supporting over 30 children in residential care for nearly six years. There, I built strong collaborative and leadership skills while navigating systems like the Department of Children and Families, Boston Public Schools, and the courts to support youth through trauma-informed care and family reunification.
After a brief shift to real estate from 2010 to 2016, my aunt encouraged me to pursue new opportunities—this time at More Than Words. She said it aligned with my personality and passion for helping others. She was right.
Working in this space has been deeply fulfilling. I’ve come to see how human services not only transform lives but also strengthen communities. My aunt’s guidance and the memories I’ve made along the way continue to inspire my work—and will carry me through to retirement.
2. What does a typical day look like for you at your organization?
At More Than Words’ Boston location, my workday begins at 9 AM ideally and typically includes one or two check-ins with youth, supporting their goals around education, employment, and self-efficacy. I collaborate with them to address challenges and bring in key support—whether it’s teachers, employers, or family members—to build a strong, lasting network.
Throughout the day, I set aside time to connect with external partners and resources to coordinate care and follow up on progress. Midday is often reserved for team meetings, professional development, and system updates to ensure everyone is aligned and informed, especially in complex cases that require collaborative problem-solving.
From 2 PM to 6 PM, I focus on additional youth check-ins, performance meetings, systems updates, and administrative tasks like reviewing calendars and planning for the week or month ahead. Each day is structured to ensure our young people move forward with the tools and support they need for long-term success.
3. What is your favorite professional memory?
One of my favorite memories was taking a group of kids to a special Red Sox event at Lansdowne, once in 2004 and again in 2007. We got to walk the field and watch a practice session up close. I’ll never forget meeting Manny Ramirez and Big Papi (David Ortiz)—even got to shake hands! I wish I’d snagged a photo or autograph for my man cave, but it wasn’t about me… Although I like to think it was just a little.
4. This question is from our August Workforce Hero, Sabrina Stiles: This question is to explore your problem-solving skills. If there is a 747 airplane, and it is filled with marbles, how would you get all the marbles off the plane?
Thank you for this unique—though slightly puzzling—question. I started thinking about it realistically, where I am not allowed to fly the plane. In that scenario, I’d look for the lowest point inside the aircraft to set up a slide or maybe even a vacuum system to gather the marbles efficiently.
But in the fictional novel I’m writing, I take a more imaginative approach: I open every cabin door and emergency exit mid-flight, then perform carefully angled barrel rolls over a massive, deflated hot air balloon—or perhaps a parachute—with a hole in the center. The marbles pour out, spiral down, and collect neatly in one spot. It’s wild, but it works—at least in fiction!
5. Do you have a question for the next person we spotlight?
What are your top three holidays, and if you had the opportunity to celebrate each one in a different country (excluding the one you currently reside in), which countries would you choose and why? Please share your reasoning based on cultural significance, local traditions, or personal interest.
Thank you so much to Mark and all of our wonderful human service workers across the Commonwealth who bring joy, positivity and passion to work every day! We are so thankful for you and your efforts to make Massachusetts a better place.
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