PENTA hosts gathering to help illuminate YWCA Worcester renovation plans

On Monday, October 29, the YWCA Central Massachusetts visited PENTA Communications, Inc. to speak with members of the Westborough community regarding the restoration of its facility at One Salem Square, in Worcester’s Downtown Urban Revitalization Plan. The event was held at The PENTA Building on 208 Turnpike Road.

This event was one in a series of outreach visits following the Worcester YWCA’s capital campaign launch in June, which is the first in 30 years with the goal to restore its building. So far, the YWCA has raised more than four million dollars toward a total project goal of $7.5 million.

The YWCA Central Massachusetts will invest charitable donations toward providing safe spaces for women in crisis, access to cutting-edge equipment for an early education and care classroom, and to help develop programs and services to empower women and girls.

The renovations will integrate the facility into the rapidly developing Worcester landscape, ensuring it remains an accessible community resource. The enhanced facility will have a prominent street presence with updated lighting, signage, landscaping, and a shared playground with the Worcester Public Library.

Site modifications will include building upgrades like zoned heating and air conditioning, code compliant systems, and updates to fulfill life safety and accessibility requirements. Donations will also benefit the YWCA’s Domestic Violence Services to meet growing demand, while increasing security and providing dedicated private counseling spaces.

Other updates include classroom space to accommodate Girls CHOICE, a long-term mentoring program to support and inspire at-risk middle school and high school girls, and the Young Parent Program designed to break the cycle of poverty by empowering teens to complete their education and explore career opportunities.

The capacity for Transitional Housing will increase by four rooms, and make laundry services and communal spaces more reachable and welcoming.

”We were delighted to host this intimate gathering for the YWCA to help build awareness for its meaningful campaign to renovate its building, making it a much better place for so many women and children in our Central Massachusetts community. The master plan for the building and progress to date is very impressive, and we look forward to seeing it all come together for the betterment of all it serves,” said Deborah Penta, CEO of PENTA Communications, Inc.

To make a donation to the YWCA Central Massachusetts LIVE Campaign, visit http://ywcacmlive.org/campaign/ywca-central-mass-live-campaign/.