The Folks who Make it all Work

The operation of the Community Day Center is under the direction of a seven-member corporate board. The board meets monthly for programmatic and financial oversight. The Center is incorporated in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Members serve for three-year terms, and the annual meeting date is in March.

Rep. Tom Stanley, Mayor Jeanette McCarthy, Prince, Former Dir. Elliott Hipp, Anne Pitaro and Sen. Susan Fargo

During 2003 – 2005, the board has been composed of a majority of members whose incomes are below the poverty level. This provision filled the requirement for two-year start-up funding from the Presbyterian Committee on Self-Development of People. One of the directors in this category is David Taylor, the formerly homeless resident who first brought the need for afternoon shelter to the community’s attention. Two other directors in this category – Richard Orifice and Peter Coletti – first came into the Center after its opening, and have been regular guests. Richard has also volunteered his expertise in computer systems to create and maintain a network for the Center with used, donated equipment.

Other board members bring considerable professional and community knowledge to the board. The Rev. Jean Southard, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Waltham which houses the Center, serves as board president. Her many connections to the Waltham community include involvement with the religious community and with the state legislative delegation. Lynn Barenberg, a social worker with the Boston College Legal Assistance Bureau in Waltham, is vice-president of the board and brings important ties to the legal and social work communities.

Erica Schwarz is a community organizer for WATCH (Waltham Alliance to Create Housing), a community development corporation which works with land use and affordable housing issues, and which has been a strong supporter of the Center from its inception.

The board is committed to filling future vacancies with new directors who bring even stronger connections to the business and civic sectors in Waltham and surrounding towns. The board nominating committee is actively seeking a roster of community leaders to fill these vacancies as they arise.

ROB MARK Day Center's Director

STAFF

Staff functions at the Day Center is performed by Rob Mark, who had been executive director since the Center reopened on November 1st 2005. His duties were comprehensive, including daily operation of the Center, counseling and referral for guests, support for volunteers, administrative and financial oversight, and support for the board of directors. Currently the Community Day Center is seeking volunteers to fill this gap left behind because of insufficient funds. These tasks will be shared by other volunteers and board members on scheduled for that day.

VOLUNTEERS

The Day Center enjoys the support of a variety of volunteers, some regularly, and many on an ad hoc basis. Regular volunteers include those who schedule time to be at the Center, visiting with guests and assisting with tasks such as resume preparation and computer operation. Volunteers come anywhere from three times each week to once a month, and many are Spanish-speaking. Both Bentley College and Brandeis University have facilitated participation by undergraduate students. During the school year there are volunteers at the Center most weekday afternoons. Guests of the Center volunteer for many tasks as well, including maintenance chores around the Center and preparation of bulk mailings for fundraising and community outreach.

During the course of a year, there are also 20 – 30 volunteers who assist with specific projects, such as bringing refreshments or holiday meals, soliciting donations of warm clothing for distribution to guests in the winter months, and donating professional time for tasks such as bookkeeping and preparation of publicity materials.

Board member Erica Schwarz provides a vital link between the Center and "WATCH"

Board member David G. Taylor was honored at the Grand Opening as the person who first dreamed of a Day Center in Waltham.

Board member Lynn Barenberg with colleague Paul Tremblay from Boston College Legal Assistance Bureau.