PACE Kicks Off 40th Year of Service to New Bedford Community with Celebration

In recognition of the organization’s founding date of May 3,1982, People Acting in Community Endeavors (PACE) Executive Director Pam Kuechler kicked off the agency’s 40th year with a celebration across eight PACE program sites throughout the city on May 3, 2022.

The celebration started with PACE’s two Head Start childcare centers, at 32 Madison Street and 247 Smith Street, respectively, where staff gathered and unveiled a custom-made PACE picnic table to mark the occasion.

The tour continued at the agency’s newly acquired food pantry, which is under development, before stopping at PACE YouthBuild at 89 Merrimac Street. YouthBuild members and program staff unveiled a custom-made PACE sign and celebrated with the agency’s administrative leadership.

Ms. Kuechler and the administrative staff gathered for a luncheon with employees from multiple programs at the agency’s main office at 166 William Street, followed by fun games including trivia covering PACE’s history of serving the community.

In the afternoon, the team continued on to the PACE Housing Opportunity Center at 308 Cottage Street, where staff greeted the delegation with confetti and 40th anniversary themed treats. PACE’s Child Care Works program unveiled an interactive walk through the history of the program and agency at their site, 127 South Second Street, before the day concluded with PACE’s Fuel Assistance Program at 261 Union Street. At this last stop, the Fuel Assistance team gathered with longtime employees Fran Stubbs and Lorraine Khazan, the first employee hired by PACE in 1982.

Reflecting on the day, Executive Director Pam Kuechler summarized, “PACE’s many dedicated staff members have been committed to providing excellent services to Greater New Bedford residents since 1982, and celebrating this important milestone of 40 years is a celebration of their immense contributions to their community. Together, we have helped hundreds of thousands of people access educational and economic opportunities alongside services to meet their basic needs.”

At each stop throughout the day, PACE livestreamed celebrations and announcements on its social media pages.

Ms. Kuechler invited members of the community to join in the celebration, stating, “The celebration is just beginning. We will be highlighting the strength and history of PACE’s programs throughout our 40th year, and invite you to follow along on social media, by reaching out to learn more or to volunteer, and by joining us at the 40th anniversary gala planned for May of next year.”

For more information, follow PACE on Facebook at www.facebook.com/pacenewbedford or visit the agency’s website at www.paceinfo.org.
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About PACE, Inc.

PACE, Inc. delivers innovative and effective services to members of the Greater New Bedford Community in their pursuit of brighter futures. PACE programs include: Child Care Works, YouthBuild – New Bedford, Head Start, Housing Opportunity Center, Fuel Assistance, Lead Program, Clemente Course, Tax Preparation, Health Access and Food Bank.