Penta named to board of Worcester Community Action Council, Inc.

WORCESTER _ Deborah Penta, CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc. was recently named to the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) board of directors. WCAC is the locally designated community action agency for the Economic Opportunity Act. WCAC is one of 25 action agencies in Massachusetts, and provides services in Worcester and throughout Southern Worcester County.

The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (EOA) was the main focus of the “War on Poverty,” which in turn was a major thrust of the agenda of the Lyndon Johnson administration. The EOA established over a thousand Community Action Agencies (CAA’s) at the local level and implemented social service programs and initiatives, with the WCAC being one of them. The cornerstones of WCAC are education, employment and training, energy assistance and family support.

“We are so pleased to welcome Deborah Penta, president of PENTA Communications, Inc. to the Worcester Community Action Council Board of Directors. The WCAC Board enthusiastically endorsed Deborah, whose impressive track record includes marketing, public relations, fund development, and event planning. She is a wonderful addition to our talented group of board leaders,” said WCAC Chairman of the Board Jack Foley.

One of the unique facts of WCAC is its tripartite board of directors. There are representative from three sectors: low-income (constituents, neighborhoods, groups), private (business, organizations) and public (elected/appointed officials).

Some of the programs at WCAC include fuel assistance, food stamps, GED preparation, Head Start, Mediation, Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County, Cityworks, Partners for Children, Community Connections, Energy Conservation Programs and Individual Development.

“Deborah’s experience, generous contribution of her time and talent, coupled with her passionate commitment to serving the community are exactly the personal and professional qualities the agency needs. WCAC staff and volunteers are really excited to advance our “Action” agenda with Deborah’s guidance and support,” said WCAC Executive Director Jill Dagilis.

Yearly, over 15,000 people are serviced in Central Massachusetts through WCAC. The council’s mission is to: “to stimulate change in the fundamental causes of poverty and encourage self-sufficiency through services, partnership, and advocacy.”

“Business leaders can make a tremendous difference by supporting the Worcester Community Action Council. It is my hope that the agency will become better known and that this greater awareness will create positive change by finding a way to help the agency serve the needs of so many people right here in our communities,” Penta said.

For more information on WCAC call (508) 754-1176.