BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced the second round of grants under the Department of Energy Resources’ Low-Income Services Solar Program (LISSP). Grants totaling $394,643 will help two nonprofit organizations — Springfield Partners for Community Action and Cape Cod-based Cape Abilities — install rooftop solar systems that will reduce each organization’s electricity costs by 70% to 100%, resulting in more resources for the nonprofits’ critical work.

LISSP helps nonprofit organizations reduce operating costs and strengthen community resilience by providing funding for solar and energy storage systems. Grants are available to nonprofit organizations that provide critical community services and support environmental justice (EJ) communities across Massachusetts.

“Cape Abilities and Springfield Partners provide much-needed services in their communities, and we’re thrilled to help them add solar to their rooftops, which will cut their energy costs and ensure our most vulnerable residents can access the benefits of clean energy,” Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony said. “These solar systems will allow more of the organizations’ precious financial resources to serve those in need, and they will benefit the broader communities with cleaner, healthier air.”

Springfield Partners for Community Action’s mission is to utilize and provide resources that assist people in need to obtain economic stability, ultimately creating a better way of life. It is awarded a grant for $293,633 to install a 100 kW AC rooftop solar system at its main building in Springfield. The system will save Springfield Partners an estimated $9,700 each year in energy costs.

“As the leading weatherization program in Hampden County, Springfield Partners is committed to improving the energy efficiency of our clients’ homes and advancing long-term sustainability in our community. With the support of the Department of Energy Resources, we are excited to now have the opportunity to lead these efforts through the installation of our own solar panel array,” said JC Schnabl, deputy director of Springfield Partners for Community Action. “This installation will enable us to reduce our electricity costs, strengthen our operational capacity, and pass those savings directly on to our clients through expanded and enhanced services.”

This is the second round of grants awarded under LISSP. In January, grants were awarded to Newton Food Pantry, Grow Associates in Randolph, and High Point Treatment Center of Southeastern Mass.

Applications for LISSP are accepted quarterly. The application period for the next round of funding opens on May 12. Nonprofits interested in applying, including nonprofits in municipal light plant territories, can visit www.cetonline.org/programs/low-income-services-solar-program.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action honored Paul Bailey for his 24-year tenure as the organization’s leader at an event on May 3 at the Sheraton in Springfield.

Bailey officially retired on Jan. 31. Under his leadership, Springfield Partners increased revenue and funding by more than $4 million. He oversaw the development and implementation of many new services, including first-time homebuyers and tenant workshops, household budgeting programs, the Multicultural Alzheimer’s Prevention Program, financial literacy education, the Individual Development Account program, veterans’ programs, and Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. During the COVID pandemic, Bailey oversaw the agency’s distribution of more than $185,000 to community members in the form of financial assistance to pay utility bills, rent, mortgage, and food cards.

“I’m proud of the incredible work we have accomplished in my more than two decades as executive director,” Bailey said. “I have seen firsthand the improvements that our agency has made in thousands of people’s lives by providing financial assistance around utility bills and housing, and vital education and tools to help them build equity and achieve economic stability. Springfield Partners recently marked its 60th anniversary as the pioneering anti-poverty organization in Western Massachusetts, emphasizing that its daily efforts remain increasingly essential. I have deep gratitude for our dedicated staff, board of directors, and the city of Springfield for their support and commitment to our continued mission in the fight against poverty.”

Following Bailey’s retirement, Mickey Harris, a board member of more than two decades, took over as executive director of the organization. Harris is a well-respected individual in the Springfield community, having served as an attorney for local residents for more than 30 years. In addition, he has held leadership roles on the boards of several prominent nonprofits in the area, including the YMCA of Greater Springfield, the NAACP Springfield branch, and the Hampden County Bar Assoc.

“Under Mr. Bailey’s leadership, Springfield Partners has evolved and adapted to the ever-changing needs of our community,” Harris said. “We thank him for his support and contributions to the community over the years. I am excited to take on this new role and to give back to my neighbors in Springfield who need — and deserve — the critical support that Springfield Partners provides.”

Prior to Bailey becoming executive director, Harold Langford held the position for more than a decade.

In 2024, Springfield Partners celebrated 60 years of serving more than 7,000 community members each year through its various programs. The organization continues to offer its long-running Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP), which helps residents keep heating and cooling costs down while increasing property values at no cost to tenants or homeowners.

It also provides credit, housing, and eviction counseling services. This year, the organization distributed more than $100,000 in fuel assistance to middle-income households. It hosts bi-monthly veteran luncheons and provides food, clothing, support services, and financial assistance programs to current and former military members.

Over the years, Springfield Partners has won various awards for its service to the community. In 2024, the organization was honored as the New England Clean Energy Council’s Partnership of the Year, alongside the state, for its commitment to WAP. Springfield Partners was also honored by the Springfield Regional Chamber’s Super 60 program in the nonprofit category.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action, an anti-poverty agency, announced the hiring of Ramona Matos as SNAP Outreach and Enrollment coordinator. She will provide outreach services to recruit, enroll, and assist clients in recertifying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Additionally, she will build relationships with external agencies and establish connections within the community to promote Springfield Partners’ services.

“Springfield Partners is incredibly proud to be expanding our SNAP outreach to help even more residents in need in Greater Springfield,” said JC Schnabl, deputy executive director at Springfield Partners. “Ramona’s extensive community connections will enable her to significantly impact those who could benefit from SNAP. She exemplifies the kind of person who is compassionate, eager, and willing to go the extra mile for her neighbors.”

Prior to joining Springfield Partners, Matos was a senior clerk for Springfield Public Schools, providing daily data entry and customer service, while assisting with any school-related issues. Prior to that, she was an outreach worker for the city’s Department of Elder Affairs, offering support and outreach services such as wellness calls and assistance with benefits. She received her associate degree in science from Holyoke Community College.

SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Partners for Community Action announced that the anti-poverty agency is recruiting new board members to fill six vacancies this fall.

The board of directors provides support to the agency in pursuit of its long-standing mission to break the cycle of poverty in vulnerable communities. The membership of Springfield Partners’ board of directors aims to be a vivid representation of the community. As outlined in the bylaws, one-third of the members are elected public officials, one-third are individuals who represent the low-income community, and one-third are members of the business, religious, or education community.

District board members serve two-year terms, and community-sector directors have unlimited terms. All are expected to attend meetings held on the last Thursday of each month. Members actively participate in subcommittees of the board and participate in community events, as well as events sponsored by Springfield Partners.

“Serving on the Springfield Partners board of directors is an opportunity to give back to your community and have a say in how aid is delivered to your neighbors,” said Paul Bailey, executive director of Springfield Partners for Community Action. “Who knows the needs in our community better than the hardworking men and women who are working and living right here? We are proud to serve Springfield-area residents alongside our unique and passionate board of directors, and we look forward to the addition of six new members.”

Springfield Partners currently seeks applications for the following positions:

• Two community-sector director seats (representatives from business, industry, labor, religious, law-enforcement, education, or other major groups);

• District 2 director (Upper Hill, Old Hill, portions of Forest Park);

• District 4 director (Liberty Heights, Metro Center);

• District 5 director (North End Brightwood, Memorial Square); and

• District 6 director (Indian Orchard, East Forest Park, Sixteen Acres).

Prospective directors can contact Tabitha Desplaines, director of Community Services, at (413) 263-6500, ext. 6564, or [email protected] for more information and to obtain an application.

Original applications, résumés, and nomination forms are due by 4 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12, 2024. Elections will be held on Thursday, Nov. 21. To learn more about Springfield Partners for Community Action, visit springfieldpartnersinc.com.