About the Gardner CAC
In September of 1970, a group of 7 concerned citizens rallied together to create the first Community Action Committee in Gardner. Through the past 38 years, the Gardner CAC has remained focused on its mission and vision to promote self-sufficiency for low-income individuals and families. The Gardner CAC has grown from a small food pantry offering nutritious groceries once every three months to 10 distinct programs with the food pantry now offering service on a monthly basis. Services are provided without discrimination in a way that fosters self-reliance and improves the quality of life.
The Gardner CAC serves the needs of the low-income individuals in the Greater Gardner community (Ashburnham, Westminster, Templeton, Hubbardston, Otter River and Baldwinville). A single mother, a two parent household, or an elderly individual living on a fixed income are all susceptible to the effects of poverty. On site, the CAC has a full food pantry, access to donated clothing and children’s literature, Medical Transportation, advocacy, Holiday Program sign-ups, Food Stamp applications, Bonnie Brae applications, information and referral service (NWC Help Connection). Off-site, we host a free weekly congregate meal open to the public.
The Gardner CAC is funded primarily through the generous contributions of local businesses, organizations, churches and the general public.
Jeffrey Ashworth, former president of the Gardner Rotary Club is quick to say “We know that by supporting the CAC, people in our community that are in need will get the assistance and support they need.” Many hands have assisted the Gardner CAC in achieving its goal of empowering individuals towards self-sufficiency.
Gardner CAC Receives Awards
Left to Right
Joseph Gardner
President
Worcester County Food Bank Board of Directors
Patricia A. Jandris
Former Executive Director
Gardner CAC
Jean G. McMurray
Executive Director
Worcester County Food Bank
Worcester County Food Bank
"2005 Harvester Award"
“In recognition of your partnership with the Worcester County Food Bank
to help
feed hungry people today while working to create hunger-free communities tomorrow”
February 27, 2006
Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
"Managing for Excellence Award"
“The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts proudly presents
this award to the Gardner Community Action Committee ”
Mission and Vision Statement
The mission statement of the Gardner Community Action Committee is to promote self-sufficiency for low-income individuals and families. This is accomplished by identifying needs, providing essential services, eliminating barriers, and advocating for the rights of the under-served. These services are provided without discrimination, and in a way that fosters self-reliance and improves the quality of life. By this statement, the Agency seeks to alleviate the causes and effects of poverty.
Board of Directors
President - Jennifer Dymek
Vice President -Atty. Scott Graves
Treasurer - Elaine Fluet
Clerk - Diane Lafortune
State Representative - Robert Rice
Mayor Mark Hawke - City of Gardner
Normand Bettez
Brian Bourgeois
Susan Conner-Hobby
Joshuia Cormier, City Cuuncilor
Mooneen M. Corley
Father Andre Dargis
Jeffrey Goguen
Joseph Lashua
Colleen LaPerriere
William Lavoie
Janice LeClair
Donna Mackenzie
Kathleen McDermott
Darlene Morrilly
Debra Wehmeyer
Affiliations
United Way of NCM
United Way of Central MA
City of Gardner
Worcester County Food Bank
Project Bread
Knowlton Foundation
Montachusett Regional Transit Authority
Montachusett Opportunity Council
Salvation Army
Community Social Clubs
Local Churches
General Public
Anonymous Grants
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