Pictured from Right to Left: Charles LoPiano, Asst. Executive Director, Sheila Doiron, Bay State Gas Director of Communications and Community Relations, Philip F. Laverriere, Sr. Executive Director / CEO, Ruth Tarbox Asst. Director of Planning and Program Development

The Greater Lawrence Community Action Council, Inc. (GLCAC, Inc.) recently received a grant of $20,000 from the Bay State Gas (NiSource Charitable Foundation) Supporting Those in Need Program.   The Foundation’s mission is to help create strong and sustainable communities where Bay State Gas employees and customers live.  The Foundation seeks opportunities to provide funding and encourage volunteer support for non-profit organizations in a variety of areas including: Community Vitality and Development, Environmental and Energy Sustainability, Learning and Science Education, and Public Safety and Human Services.  

This funding will support GLCAC, Inc.’s Housing and Homelessness Prevention Program which provides information, advocacy, referrals, case management, mediation and limited financial assistance to individuals that are homeless or who would become homeless but for this assistance.  The Bay State Gas funds target pending eviction for non payment of utility arrearages.  The program serves families and individuals from the GLCAC, Inc. service area which includes the communities of Andover, North Andover, Lawrence and Methuen MA.

GLCAC, Inc. was founded in 1965 as part of the federal “war on poverty” and is the officially designated anti-poverty agency for Greater Lawrence.