As head of the 132-year-old Boys & Girls Club of Worcester,
Liz Hamilton not only helps steer the city’s youth in positive directions, but helps provide support for their parents, too.
This was especially the case during the coronavirus pandemic, during which the club opted to not only stay open and help provide emergency childcare for first responders and hospital workers, but later expand its hours to support more parents going back to work.
The first woman to lead the organization, Hamilton oversees a $3.5-million budget, 92% of which is funded by donations and grants. At her 100-employee nonprofit, she has placed an emphasis on elevating the voices of women and people of color, especially on her executive team. Hamilton’s choices and work life influences not only the region’s children, but their families and those who support the club.
What do you think the future holds for Central Mass.? “Now that we have ways to combat COVID, I am certain that the partnerships and the habit of working together will remain in place, creating a vibrant network of opportunity for everyone … Even when everything goes back to normal, it can’t be business as usual. We must fight the good fight and ensure that all of our community members have a place at the table.”
TV chef: “I started a “no cook” cooking show for kids because I remember what it was like to be home alone after school.”
