Working for Worcester

Working for Worcester is a student inspired and organized 501(c)3 social initiative that brings together college students, local businesses, non-profits, neighborhood groups, community and faith-based organizations, government agencies, and major corporations to promote stronger community wellness through creating recreation infrastructure and facilities at Worcester’s schools, parks, community centers, sports fields, and other valuable family and youth-oriented spaces.  April 12, 2014 marked the 2nd year that hundreds of local volunteers came together to work on 20 community projects throughout Worcester.  The projects ranged from turning a storage cellar into a multipurpose fitness and dance studio from scratch, building playgrounds and renovating classrooms in the Worcester Public Schools. Worcester YouthBuild is proud to have helped make 2014 Working for Worcester a very successful event!
Pictured above are Mike Quigley, TRA-Worcester YouthBuild Director, with Judy Fask (right), Worcester Public Schools Transition Rehab Specialist.

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The day began with a large rally at Holy Cross College outside the Hogan Center. Students picked up their T-shirts, had breakfast that was provided by Panera Bread and took pictures with the Red Sox World Series Trophies.  After enjoying the morning festivities, the students made their way to the Fanning Building to start their work.

In the photo at right are (from left to right) Nathan Stowell, WYB Case Manager, Robert Kuszewski, Transition Program/WYB student, and Francis DeAngelo, WYB Instructor.

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When WYB arrived at the Fanning Building, we were divided into groups of painters, cutters, and a third group was in charge of making the new shelving unit for the teacher’s room.  This was a day-long process. 
Worcester YB student Deshawn Ivory (in photo at left) expressed the sentiments of his fellow classmates, when he said, “It was a pleasure to improve my community. I really love YouthBuild, and I am always looking to give back because of the opportunities the program provides for me.  Also, I know that we have students from the Transition Program in YouthBuild with me and they are two great guys, and good friends of mine. Today was a great day, I hope to come back as a YB alumni next year and help out again.” 

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WYB students Deshawn Ivory (left) and Marcus Diaz are pictured at right cutting the metal shelving units.



A special shout-out and thanks to our good friends from YouthBuild USA, Kate White and Christina McPike, who came from Boston and stayed all day long helping to paint, build shelving units, and establish great relationships with the students and staff at Worcester YouthBuild!

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