News

 

Quincy, MA - At its 47^th annual meeting on Tuesday, April 24, the Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc.’s (QCAP) Board of Directors celebrated the organization’s successes and honored the achievements of community members who were exemplary in their support of QCAP’s mission. Among the honorees were Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch, Donald P. Uvanitte of Eastern Insurance, and Ed Hohmann, owner of A. Hohmann & Co., Inc. The ceremony was held at the Tirrell Room at the Quincy Lodge of Elks.

 

Among the year’s accomplishments, QCAP opened the new Rosemary & Archie Wahlberg Head Start Early Center in January and completed its 2012-2014 Strategic Plan, a comprehensive community needs assessment conducted every three years to gauge the priorities of our clients and the community, and to shape how QCAP develops its programs to meet those needs. And, last October, QCAP hosted its first fundraiser in decades, raising nearly $100,000 to benefit QCAP programs.

 

“We are very proud of our achievements this past year,” said Beth Ann Strollo, QCAP’s executive director. “We couldn’t have accomplished what we did without the great support and commitment of QCAP’s Board, our hard-working staff, the community, and our elected officials.”

 

The Board recognized Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch with a 2012 Extra Mile Award, given to community members who go above and beyond in their support of QCAP’s mission and its clients. Dedicated to QCAP’s mission of helping disadvantaged residents improve their lives, Mayor Koch is an active leader in responding to the urgent need of low-income residents. Most recently, Mayor Koch supported the organization’s efforts to develop the former St. Joseph’s school into the new Rosemary & Archie Wahlberg Head Start Early Learning Center.

 

“I am honored to receive this award,” Mayor Koch said, “We are more than a city – we are a community. And QCAP is one of the best organizations in our community.”

 

The Board also honored Quincy resident Donald P. Uvanitte, a senior vice president at Eastern Insurance, with an individual Extra Mile Award. A lifelong resident of Quincy, Uvanitte has worked with QCAP to ensure struggling families could get the help they needed. He was instrumental in helping the organization to embark on its Head Start capital campaign four years ago, and stepped up his efforts to secure support for QCAP’s fundraiser last October. Uvanitte is chair of the South Shore Workforce Investment Board, serves on the Quincy Medical Board of Trustees, and is active in many Boards and organizations along the South Shore.

 

“I am honored and humbled to receive the Extra Mile Award,” Uvanitte said. “The programs of Quincy Community Action including Early Childhood Education, Energy Programs and Assistance, Housing Programs, and Adult Education and Workforce Development all speak volumes of the good works this agency does in helping build stronger communities. When businesses can assist struggling families, there is a bond that is solidified that benefits all citizens in our communities and that instills pride and achievement for all.”

 

An organization Extra Mile Award was presented to Ed Hohmann of A. Hohmann & Co., Inc. for providing fuel assistance and heating system repairs and installations to low-income residents. Working with QCAP’s Energy Programs, A. Hohmann & Company repairs and replaces inefficient heating systems, saving clients on their fuel costs and freeing up much-needed income for the basic needs of their household. The company also supports QCAP by donating to the organization’s Emergency Food Center and to its fundraiser.

 

“The work we do with QCAP is very rewarding,” Hohmann said. “We get to see first-hand the impact of QCAP’s work in the community, helping seniors and families stay warm every winter.”

 

In addition, Nancy Dean, Head Start Enrollment Specialist, was presented the Lois Craig Memorial Employee Award, for her exemplary service to QCAP Head Start families and children, and the community. Donna Brennion, Lead Certifier in QCAP’s Energy Program, was honored for twenty years of dedicated service to QCAP’s clients. This year’s meeting was dedicated to Edna Young, Head Start Lead Teacher since 1997, who passed away after a short illness in January 2012.

 

The annual meeting was also marked by the recognition of Kathryn M. Murphy, Esq. of Quincy law firm, Murphy, Hesse, Toomey & Lehane, who retired from the Board after 10 years of service. Among her many contributions, Murphy was instrumental in guiding QCAP through the process of purchasing its 1509 Hancock Street main building and the new Head Start Center.

 

“Kathy Murphy provided us with invaluable guidance over the years,” Strollo said. “She was a truly remarkable board member who gave generously of her time and shared her expertise willingly. She will certainly be missed.” 

 

 

Board officers elected include: President Josephine Shea; Vice President Jean Kenney, Treasurer Tim McAloon, Esq., Assistant Treasurer Janet Crowley, and Secretary Grace Raymondi. Other Board members include: Maureen Ayers, Rev. Sheldon Bennett, Judith Barry, Michael Berry, Paul Connolly, Judith Farmer, Kevin Glennon, Kevin Matta, Barbara Morris, James Murdoch, Linda Perry, Jean Pike, Frank Poon, and Geoffrey Wermuth. New Board member Douglas W. Moseley, representing Weymouth Mayor Susan M. Kay, was inducted at the annual meeting.

 

Notable guests included: Senator John Keenan; Norfolk County Register of Probate Patrick McDermott; Quincy City Councilors Michael McFarland, Kevin Coughlin, Douglas Gutro, Kirsten Hughes, Margaret Laforest, Brian Palmucci; School Committee Woman Barbara Isola; and Joseph Rich representing US Senator Scott Brown.