On Friday, April 10, human services workers and advocates from across the South of Boston region gathered at the DoubleTree in Rockland, MA for the South of Boston Caring Force Rally, calling for increased wages for the human services workforce in Massachusetts.
The event drew supporters from provider organizations across the region, united around a shared message: that the workers who support individuals with disabilities and families in need deserve fair, competitive compensation.
Speakers
The rally was emceed by Chris White, President and CEO of Road to Responsibility, who opened the morning by welcoming legislators in attendance, including Senator Dylan Fernandes, Representative Joan Meschino, Senator Patrick O’Connor, plus aides from Representatives Michelle Badger and Kathy LaNatra.
Kate Nelson, Lead DSP, Case Manager, and Human Rights Officer at The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod, spoke about the financial strain of working in the field — balancing rising costs, family needs, and stagnant wages. She called on legislators to pass the livable wage and loan repayment bills, stating “we work in the Human Services field to make sure everyone has a meaningful day, but here is my question to our legislators: is there a way to make sure we can afford to feed our families, maintain our homes, and live comfortably?”
JR Foley, a program participant at New England Village, spoke about the importance of his direct care staff and the impact that low wages and staffing shortages have on the people they support.
Celia Walsh, also a program participant at New England Village, spoke in support of her house staff and called for the passage of a livable wage so workers no longer have to hold multiple jobs to make ends meet.
Deborah Price, Assistant Manager at BAMSI’s ACCS program, described the breadth of responsibilities carried by direct support workers and urged legislators to support the livable wage bill, citing worker retention and quality of life for those served.
Kurt Morss, a BAMSI program participant and member of BAMSI’s Person Served Advisory Board, spoke about the role his staff play in his daily life and independence, and advocated for better wages to keep dedicated workers in the field.
The program closed with a legislative panel featuring Senator Dylan Fernandes, Representative Joan Meschino, and Senator Patrick O’Connor, who responded to questions from rally organizers about Chapter 257 funding and their commitment to the human services workforce.
Sponsors
The rally was made possible by the support of seven regional organizations: BAMSI, Justice Resource Institute, New England Village, REACH Inc., Road to Responsibility, Seven Hills Foundation, and The Arc of Plymouth and Upper Cape Cod.
In the News
Boston 25 covered the rally! Read their story here.
What’s Next
The Caring Force’s next regional rally takes place on May 1 in Westport for the South Coast Rally. The 14th Annual State House Rally & Lobby Day follows on May 13 at the Massachusetts State House.
For more information, contact Isabella A. Lee at isabella@providers.org or 508.598.9966.
Photo Gallery
Photos from the South of Boston Caring Force Rally, April 10, 2025, DoubleTree Rockland, MA.
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