2024 Power 100: Julie Bowditch
Photo | Courtesy of CASA Project Worcester County
Julie Bowditch, executive director of CASA Project Worcester County
More Information
An average of 2,000 children live in foster care across Worcester County on any given day, and Julie Bowditch leverages connections to help those kids on their path to permanent homes as executive director of CASA Project Worcester County.
The largest of seven CASA programs across the state, the organization recruits and trains more than 200 volunteers to advocate for foster kids in the court system. Last year, 338 children were helped by the organization. The nonprofit had revenue of $1.1 million in 2022, according to its Internal Revenue Service filing, although since Bowditch took over leadership of the organization, state funding increased 30% last year with help from local lawmakers.
Fundraising, in addition to state money, is vital to the CASA Project. Bowditch’s knack for networking pays off there. Before joining CASA in 2022, Bowditch was deeply ingrained in the Worcester community as a volunteer on several boards and projects – including as a CASA board member.
“Building, leveraging, and maintaining relationships has limitless potential,” Bowditch said.
That community support was evident in September when CASA’s Champions for Children raised a record $110,000 for the organization, a large influx of funding for a nonprofit from a single event.
Her prowess for fundraising and community engagement extends beyond CASA. Bowditch is a member of the steering community for the largest fundraiser in Central Massachusetts, the UMass Memorial Hope and Healing Celebration, which typically raises $2+ million. In December, she helped launch the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester’s Festival of Trees event. Bowditch serves on the board for Women in Development of Central Massachusetts, a corporator and grant reviewer for Greater Worcester Community Foundation; and co-chairs the development committee for Habitat for Humanity Metrowest/Greater Worcester.
WBJ Web Partners
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments