PACE Celebrates 20 Years of Service to Greater New Bedford
In November 2002, PACE (People Acting in Community Endeavors) celebrated its 20th year of service to the Greater New Bedford Area as a Community Action Agency (CAA), at the same time our Nation marked the 38th anniversary of the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act. The legislation was established to provide economic opportunity for all Americans. President Lyndon Johnson signed the legislation in 1964 in response to his Administration's declaration of the War on Poverty.
PACE, a private, non-profit agency is one of 25 CAA's in the Commonwealth and one of 1,122 in the United States.
PACE was incorporated in November 1982 in response to unmet needs in the Greater New Bedford Area. The purpose of the incorporation was to mobilize and utilize both public and private resources to effect the improvement of the economic and social quality of life for low- income residents of the Greater New Bedford area.
A twenty-five member board of directors was established in 1982 as a result of a number of meetings held in the community for the purpose of forming a new Agency.
The new organization of limited funds and staff in 1982 grew within five years into a multi-million dollar agency and today boasts a staff of over 200 employees and $40 million in funding.
Since its inception, PACE has acquired a reputation of responding to community needs, providing high quality programs for low-income people, developing innovative strategies for empowering poor people, and working cooperatively with both the non-profit and for-profit communities.
PACE has provided a leadership role in the Greater New Bedford Area through its expansion of existing programs and its innovative approach to alleviating the effects of poverty by adding new programs and initiatives to increase the status and economic self-sufficiency of low-income residents.
Familiar programs that the community can rely on include: Fuel Assistance, Head Start, Child Care Referral, Voucher Day Care, Community Partnerships for Children, the Family Center, Health Access, Americorps/YouthBuild, Housing Services, SERVE, New Bedford AIDS Consortium/Client Advocacy Program, and the Emergency Food Bank. PACE is also a proud sponsor of the Dental Sealant Clinic at Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.
By increasing awareness among low-income people, public officials, media, and the general public about the causes and impact of poverty on the lives of the low-income population, PACE attempts to motivate and engage the community in programs and strategies to help eliminate poverty. One method the agency has used to increase public awareness has been to create the PACE Monthly Show. This cable TV program has been produced by PACE for the past 15 years and is viewed weekly on local cable TV stations throughout the PACE service area.
According to PACE Executive Director Bruce Morell, "Through the work of a committed volunteer board of directors and a dedicated and compassionate staff, PACE tries to stay true to its mission of attracting resources to respond to the needs of the poor and work to help families and individuals become self-sufficient. As a result of our work not only do the low-income members of our community benefit, the community as a whole benefits. As an agency, PACE provides employment to over 200 individuals and has pumped millions of dollars into the local economy through its purchase of goods and services. We at PACE make every attempt to live up to our name, People Acting in Community Endeavors."
The agency assists over 40,000 people per year. Due to recent economic declines, PACE finds itself with less staff to assist the growing number of low-to-middle income persons seeking assistance.
Mr. Morell continued, "The recent housing crisis has virtually eliminated the gains in affordable housing that we had fought so hard for in the 80's. Lack of housing due to the unprecedented rent increases in our area coupled with layoffs has hit our community very hard. The result is homelessness."
For the past few years, PACE has seen an increase in working families who now seek assistance from PACE Programs. Childcare, food, rental, and heating costs have increased in an area of the state where the average wage has not increased as rapidly as the cost of living. Not all companies offer health insurance and prescription coverage to their employees. Elderly persons who live on a fixed income and many working families are just about keeping their heads above water and many continue to live in poverty 38 years after the legislation to end poverty was enacted.
Mr. Morell added, "I am proud of the work we do and the tireless efforts of our volunteer board of directors. Their commitment is admirable. Our staff of over 200 is to be commended for the diligent and caring way they approach their job each and every day. It is not easy work, but it is rewarding to know that you have helped a person who had no hope when they walked through our front door." For more information, call the PACE Inc. office at 508-999-9920.
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