In fall 2017, ONE Worcester provided event planning services to the LGBT Asylum Taskforce. The organization is the only group of its kind in the United States, providing wraparound services to asylum seekers who face torture or death in their countries of origin due to their sexual orientation. The Taskforce provides housing, clothing, and social support while its guests seek asylum in the United States. During last year's gala, planned in conjunction with ONE Worcester, the organization was able to raise well over $300,000. This year, the group is collaborating again with ONE Worcester in an effort to buy a three-decker home for its guests.In fall 2018, we expanded the gala and shattered previous fundraising records for the Taskforce.
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Abby’s House is the largest provider of affordable housing in Worcester designed to meet the needs of women and children. In 2017 Abby’s House began planning for a significant renovation of their building at 52 High St. in Worcester scheduled for completion in late 2018. Part of the renovation included upgrading the information technology infrastructure for the staff. Abby’s House asked ONE Worcester for help planning and implementing the IT upgrade and help in hiring a long-term IT service provider. ONE Worcester has helped Abby’s House with an IT infrastructure assessment, specification document for an IT provider, an IT white paper for the Abby’s House Board, and ongoing consulting about IT infrastructure installation.
Having used ONE Worcester’s services three times, since ONE Worcester was founded in 2009, Executive Director Donna Blanchard states that “Apple Tree Arts could not have grown and done what it has accomplished in recent years without ONE Worcester’s assistance."The first experience with One Worcester was when a One Worcester volunteer assisted Apple Tree Arts with Board Development. Through these efforts, their organization now has a strong, committed board made up of both parents and community leaders with strong, functioning standing committees. Subsequent projects included development of a technology assessment plan, and then strategic and succession planning.
