At their annual meeting on Wednesday, June 18, the organization previously known as Acton-Boxborough United Way announced a new name for the organization: Acton-Boxborough Community Compass — a name to capture the heart of their work and the direction they’re heading.
According to organization leadership, the move away from the United Way name reflects current giving realities. Workplace giving is on the decline. Plus, many assumed that some money came from the national United Way, which was never the case. Funding was always local.
More than forty years ago, Acton-Boxborough United Way (ABUW) started out as Acton-Boxborough Community Chest. Originally, the organization made grants to local nonprofits. However, in recent years ABUW has added direct support for those in need in our community, such as supporting residents of Acton’s Emergency Shelter.
The most visible accomplishment of ABUW has been the AB Resource Center. Located in the AB Regional School District Administration Building, the Resource Center provides essential items for those who are new to or in need in our community. The essentials include everything from gently-used clothing that is suitable for our climate, to information about where to find things in Acton and Boxborough.
At the annual meeting, board members and officers highlighted the accomplishments of the past year, which included granting $100,000 to 24 local non-profits. Over the year, the AB Resource Center:
- Welcomed 1,106 visitors, distributing over 20,000 essential items, including 700+ winter coats.
- Launched daily English language learning.
- Engaged high school students in workforce development programs with meaningful volunteer experience.
- Developed impactful initiatives such as the Prom Pop-Up, Birthday Closet, and Holiday Gift Drive.
- Supported families transitioning from emergency housing and those impacted by recent immigration enforcement actions.
AB Community Compass leaders are excited about the broadening direction of community service signaled by the name change. Executive Director Katie Neville said, “As a trusted local organization for the past 44 years, Acton-Boxborough Community Compass is uniquely positioned to connect neighbors with what they need. Some need a winter coat or emergency financial support; others are looking for an opportunity to make a tangible local impact. We do our work with compassion and enduring love for this community.”
After announcing new and retiring AB Community Compass board members, co-chair Carol Buysse announced that Liz Johnson would be joining her as co-chair of the board, replacing the retiring Ed Keohan.
Awards were the final presentation of the evening. The AB Community Compass Volunteer of the Year award went to Trish Kwaltler, and the Mike Tobia Award for Community Leadership went to Alissa Nicol. Both of these women played a significant role when Acton’s emergency shelter first opened. Trish hosted conversation groups and afforded other support for the Resource Center. Besides being a member of Acton’s Select Board, Alissa has been a member of several other Town committees, plus she co-chairs monthly community circles in Town.
At the conclusion of the meeting, attendees celebrated those who had made the past year’s accomplishments possible, with a round of sparkling cider toasts.
David Martin is a member of Acton’s Select Board.