25 Years of Helping Mature Workers Get Back to

Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston
Celebrates
25 Years of Helping Mature
Workers Get Back to Work
Dear Friends of Operation A.B.L.E.,
This year is a defining moment for Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc. Not only are we celebrating
our 25th year of serving mature workers 45 and older, we are growing at a faster rate than at any point in
our history.
Founded as Careers for Later Years, the organization had two divisions: the Executive Service Corps enlisted
retired senior executives to help non-profits address challenging operational issues; the other division was
called Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc., and was launched to counter the effects of “downsizing,”
and became THE place for mature workers to secure job search assistance and training.
A.B.L.E. continues that role today in a far more challenging environment, where returning to work requires
entirely new job search skills for positions that may not have existed when mature workers were previously in
the job market.
Last year, Operation A.B.L.E. graduated a record-setting 160 students from its training programs: Operation
EmployABLE, a 19-week computer and office skills training program; Operation Service!, a six-week
customer service program and Operation Banking Job$, a 10-week entry-level banking and computer skills
training program. In addition, through the U.S. Department of Labor’s creative Senior Community Service
Employment Program, which provides on-the-job training at non-profit organizations, we helped more than
300 severely economically-disadvantaged seniors from Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcester
counties to find work.
We have taken on another role in recent years as well. Operation A.B.L.E. has led public sector efforts,
working with state officials to promote workforce development initiatives that focus specifically on this
population. As a result, we were able to get $500,000 earmarked for older worker retraining in the FY04
economic stimulus package and $1 million in the FY07 economic stimulus package.
We want to extend a special thank you to all who have helped to make Operation A.B.L.E. the organization
it is today, from our founder, Ezra Merrill, and our three founding incorporators, Caleb Loring, Jr., General
George S. Patton III and James L. Sullivan, and all the illustrious Board members and staff who have
followed in their footsteps. To our employer and community partners and the hundreds of volunteers that
we have had the good fortune to work with, thank you for everything that you have done for A.B.L.E. and
our candidates. Finally, we are so grateful to all of our funders and donors who have made it financially
possible for us to continue our important work.
We have accomplished a great deal, but much remains to be done. The needs are great. The resources are
diminishing. Yet, we cannot fail our mature workers who must go back to work. The Board and staff at
Operation A.B.L.E. are as committed as ever to retraining, empowering and employing mature workers in
today’s workplace. We welcome your continued support.
In celebration,
Paul J. Murphy
Paul J. Murphy, Esq.
President, Board of Directors
Joan Cirillo
Executive Director
Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston,Inc.
The mission of Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc. is to provide employment and training
opportunities to mature workers 45 and older from economically, racially and occupationally diverse
backgrounds. A.B.L.E. is equally committed to serving Massachusetts employers by providing wellqualified candidates to meet their employment needs and training employees so they can be as
productive as possible at their jobs.
Products and Services for the Mature Job Seeker
n Student Inez Pacheco in Operation Service!
n Job
Search Resources including a Resource Room with computer stations and fast internet
connections for writing resumes and cover letters and online search. Job listings and job fair
announcements are posted as well.
Individual coaching and counseling sessions are available for modest fees, as well as individualized
computer skills training.
n Training
Options include Operation EmployABLE, a 16-week computer, office skills and job
search training program for mature job seekers who have little or no knowledge of computers.
Operation Service! is a shorter 6-week class that is available for mature job seekers who need a quick
review of the Microsoft software applications, but also need intensive job search assistance. Both of
these programs are fee based but there are several tuition options.
n The
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is available for
low-income mature job seekers 55 and older who live in Essex, Middlesex, Suffolk and Worcester
counties and meet the income guidelines. This creative Department of Labor program allows the job
seeker to earn a stipend while conducting community service at a non-profit or government agency
and learning how to search for a job. The ultimate goal is to find unsubsidized work.
n Operation Service! Program Manager Tee Provost
and Student Kenrick Haywood
Resources for Massachusetts Employers
n Providing
well-qualified mature candidates to meet employers’ needs. Operation
A.B.L.E. can help you meet your recruitment needs with well-trained students from A.B.L.E.’s
classes, as well as from our Job Fairs for Mature Workers or ABLE SHOWCASES. Shortly, A.B.L.E.
will be able to post resumes online for employers to review and employers will be able to post
job openings.
n Providing
individual and group outplacement services to mature workers who have
been downsized from companies. Operation A.B.L.E. works with the individual until the candidate
finds a new employment opportunity.
n Outstanding Worker Awardee Anita Thomas from Blue Cross
Blue Shield of MA at Celebrating Experience Breakfast
n Providing
training to employees in such areas as: recruiting, retaining and retraining the
mature worker, assisting employees to retire right and providing workplace training in basic skills,
customer service, computer skills training and supervisory training. Operation A.B.L.E. can also
provide onsite case management assistance and career counseling to employees.
n Providing
ABLE Temps services to companies. Individuals can be put on A.B.L.E.’s
payroll while you “try someone out” at your company.
n Providing
an opportunity to celebrate your outstanding workers 50 or older at
A.B.L.E.’s Celebrating Experience Breakfast. Companies can nominate as many outstanding workers
as they wish, depending on their level of sponsorship. Awardees’ contributions are read aloud by
the Emcee, receive an Outstanding Worker Award, corsage or boutonnière and A.B.L.E. sends their
picture and announcement to their community newspaper.
n Job seekers and Employers at ABLE Job Fair
Remembering Founder
Ezra Merrill and his wife Eve...
Memorial Tribute Read at May 23, 1985 Board Meeting
Our founder and our leader
ended his shining pilgrimage
from time to eternity on March
9, 1985. We record our grief at
the loss of his earthly presence,
his counsel, his inspiration, as
well as our renewed dedication
to his high purpose.
His well-trained legal mind
found early challenge and
career opportunity in the milk
industry. Characteristically, he
learned that essential service
business on milk route and
dairy farm, and from maturing
experience in the field and in the
office rose to the position of Chief Executive at H.P. Hood, Inc. He then
bore heavy management responsibilities in a tempestuous era when his
company and his industry faced unprecedented regulatory intervention
by government, economic upheaval, fierce new forms of competition and
a plethora of litigation. Through it all, he maintained
a quiet equanimity, a clear vision, a tranquil mind and
unswerving integrity.
In the midst of the most exacting business demands, he looked
compassionately at the social needs of the larger community. He was not
merely the formulator of constructive programs dedicated to meeting
those needs; he was a day to day participant in their execution. He would
and did supply a home environment for youth bereft of home life during
the most demanding years of his business career. In his own retirement he
rebelled at the arbitrary imposition by social custom or corporate practice
of idleness and presumed senescence upon vital women and men in their
later years. For him, there was no time for rest in reaching out to help
others. In all this, he was sustained by a deep religious faith and trust in
his Maker, accompanied by
an unchanging quest to make
God’s work on earth a man’s
duty. There was truly nothing
human which was not
his concern.
His life was a process of
sharing—sharing the beauty of
the New England countryside
with neighbors and friends,
gathering the local townspeople
for the colorful barn dance
on his premises, planning the
family reunions which brought
together his much-loved family
members from near and far.
In his life came the special benediction of the love of a wife who
understood and shared his goals, sacrificed to make their realization
possible, made more joyous their accomplishment and brought
strength and comfort in those inevitable periods when progress to
high achievement must have seemed slow and difficult. Her smile, her
discernment, her unflagging devotion, her cultural interests, were a
blessing which he deeply appreciated in the strenuous years of his very
intense activity; and her love was both a protection and a solace to him in
the last months of his life when illness struck suddenly. To her we extend
the sympathy of his colleagues and comrades in the pioneering work of
his own unforgettable “later years” and the assurance of our own resolve
to view him ever as our unseen leader urging us on.
Presented by Edward B. Hanify, Esq.
Ropes & Gray
Operation A.B.L.E. Board of Directors and Incorporator
“In the midst of the most exacting business demands,
he looked compassionately
at the social needs of the larger community.”
n Training Director Martha Papas
helping a student in 1991
Angels
I leave here with such memories
Of an unforgettable place
You have no idea what you have done for me
As I leave from your embrace.
You taught me how to believe in myself
When times were really rough
You put things into perspective for me
So I could go on, and not give up.
n Instructor Betsy LaMond and student Judy McManus
You picked me up and brushed me off
And put me on a path.
We shared some tears, and calmed some fears
And shared a lot of laughs.
I admired all your patience
Your caring, concerning, way
You really do God’s work here
I saw it every day!
Your gift you give to others
Should come back to you tenfold.
The work that I have seen here
Will no longer be untold.
n Program Managers Enery Martinez and Deborah Lipton assisting job seekers at ABLE Job Fair
So I leave here with my memories
I leave here feeling blessed
For I have always believed in angels
Now I know, they do exist!
Theresa Nania
Operation EmployABLE Student
Class of May, 2006
n Program Manager Susan Jepson and Outstanding Worker Award Recipient Judith Guzik
“
Participant Quotes
“At first I was a bit nervous. It had been a long time since I was in school. What if I can’t
do it? Well, did I surprise myself. Not only did I learn about computer skills, I enjoyed
every single minute of it. Also, I have some new friends who I feel will last a lifetime…
Thank you so much for a wonderful experience. I will never forget any of you.”
Linda M. Milliken, Operation EmployABLE graduate
n Student Misako Uda in Operation EmployABLE
“Thank you for all that you have done to make Operation A.B.L.E. the wonderful
program that it is today. It truly made a difference in my life. It gave me the support,
skills, social interaction, and self-confidence that I needed to move ahead with my job
search. Every member of the staff that I worked with contributed in their own way to
making this experience so positive and worthwhile. I am very grateful that I had the
opportunity to participate in your program.
Betty Flynn, Operation Service graduate
“Operation A.B.L.E. is a wonderful program. It surely gives anyone who has been out
of the workplace for some time the help and confidence to try again. It’s even more
necessary for those who have never worked outside the home! Thanks to the whole staff
for keeping Operation A.B.L.E. running so smoothly.”
Flora Gay, SCSEP participant
“Thank you so much for allowing me to participate in the Operation A.B.L.E. Senior
Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP). It gave me a tremendous emotional
lift and rejuvenated my job search. It has been a difficult year, but participating in the
program gave me hope these past 4 ½ months. I start my new job in October.”
Martin Doo, SCSEP Participant
n Student William Tutterman in Operation EmployABLE
“Operation A.B.L.E. has made a huge difference in my
perspective on work and life in general.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity.”
Bob O’Malley, Operation EmployABLE graduate
“I am thrilled to have my new job. I am working in a stimulating environment and am
earning a good wage. It was Operation A.B.L.E. that made this opportunity possible for
me…..I arrived at A.B.L.E. positively computer-phobic. Now, six months later, I spend
all day at my computer, working with ease and self-confidence.”
Andy Thurnauer, SCSEP participant and Operation EmployABLE graduate
“
“Operation A.B.L.E. helped me get back on my feet emotionally and financially after
the devastating loss of a loved one. It is my transit to the challenges of the computerized
world. But most of all, it helped put rainbow colors back into my days and make them
beautiful again.”
Paz Mendoza, SCSEP participant and Operation
EmployABLE graduate
n Graduates Maida Bailey and Billy Fitzgerald thanking
Senior Training Specialist Bill Nadler
n Edie Evans, Susan Lavelley and Lisa Ryan from John Hancock Financial Services supporting ABLE’s Celebrating Experience Breakfast
n Operations Manager Joe Stanton at Philips Lifeline who
hosted two classes on site
“I have always valued the work that Operation A.B.L.E.
does to offer new opportunities to older workers.”
Joani Gilman, Staffing Manager, Tufts-New England Medical Center
“
Employer Quotes
“As competition for qualified candidates increases in this economy, it is naive and selfdestructive for companies to target only one segment of the population. Operation ABLE
has touched many directly whether it’s through its relationship with companies within
the Boston area, or taking on the role of mentoring and developing a generation which
has so much potential to add value to organizations in and around Boston!”
Jay Babbitt, Director of Human Resources,
InterContinental Boston
n Cheryl Saunders from Harvard Vanguard Medical
Associates talking to job seekers at ABLE’s Job Fair
“I have always valued the work that Operation A.B.L.E. does to offer new opportunities
to older workers. As a baby boomer and a staffing manager in a healthcare environment,
I know that our workforce needs more mature workers with strong technical skills.
We value the maturity and experience to be able to work effectively with physicians,
patients and family members in a business environment. We are delighted to partner with
Operation A.B.L.E.”
Joani Gilman, Staffing Manager, Tufts-New England Medical Center
“
“We at Tufts Health Plan value our relationship with Operation A.B.L.E. We have
participated in various Operation A.B.L.E. employment forums, found a number of high
quality candidates, and a few have joined our organization. Operation A.B.L.E. is an
excellent source of talent.”
Tia D. Purnell, Manager, Staffing and Recruitment Strategy,
Tufts Health Plan
“Operation A.B.L.E. continues to fulfill so many critical needs of mature workers in
Massachusetts. The dedicated staff, excellent training program curriculum, unique
employment events, and extensive corporate network make Operation A.B.L.E. a
valuable resource for both employers and mature job seekers.”
Carole McDonough, Senior Vice President,
Human Resources, Citizens Bank
n Julie Leonard from Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
at ABLE’s Job Fair
Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc.
Accomp
n Incorporators James L. Sullivan
and Caleb Loring, Jr. with
Executive Director
Anne Francis Cavanaugh
1982
Ezra Merrill founded Careers for Later Years with three incorporators: Caleb Loring, Jr.,
George S. Patton III and James L. Sullivan
Ezra’s vision was “toward improved occupational options for elders.”
Created two divisions: 1) Executive Service Corps and 2) Operation A.B.L.E.
1985
90 companies participated in roundtable meetings at John Hancock to discuss how to
recruit and retain older employees
1987
1988
1990
113 companies signed pledges to hire older workers as part of Impact 2000
A.B.L.E. began conducting direct service to applicants
Name officially changed from Careers for Later Years to
Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc.
1991
A.B.L.E. Training Center was launched and became the first
IBM funded computer center for seniors in the country
A.B.L.E. created an Employer Advisory Committee
1994
A.B.L.E. was lead organization planning the Region I Older Worker
Conference sponsored by the Department of Labor
n Board member Harry Ellis Dickson
providing ABLE guests with a private concert
n Incorporator George S. Patton, III and
Founder’s wife Eve Merrill
plishments
n Original Board Members James L. Sullivan, Caleb Loring, Jr., Anne Francis
Cavanuagh and Frank Zeo with Executive Director Robin Battista
n Operation A.B.L.E. Board Presidents (left to right) Arthur E. Banks, John A. MacFarland, James C. Curvey,
Jeanne Benoit and D. Richard Tufenkjian
n Honorary Chairman Caleb Loring Jr. and Past A.B.L.E.
President Neal F. Finnegan
1998
A.B.L.E. introduced the ABLE SHOWCASE, providing professional candidates
an opportunity to present their credentials to a room full of employers
2000
A.B.L.E. was selected to serve on Statewide Workforce
Investment Board by Gubernatorial appointment
A.B.L.E. participated in Commonwealth of MA
Blue Ribbon Commission on older workers
A.B.L.E. was selected as 1 of 50 non-profit organizations in
Massachusetts for Catalogue for Philanthropy
2003
A.B.L.E. became 1 of 13 organizations in the country selected
by the Department of Labor to conduct the
Senior Community Service Employment Program
2004
A.B.L.E. worked with state legislators to secure
$500,000 in first-ever older worker retraining
funds as part of the Governor’s Economic
Stimulus Package
n Past A.B.L.E. President James C. Curvey accepting
the first Starfish Thrower Award for his outstanding
service to the community
Operation A.B.L.E. has
Presidents of A.B.L.E.’s Board of Directors
n Neal F. Finnegan
1982-1984
1984-1985
1985-1986
1986-1989
1989-1992
1992-1996
1996-1999
1999-2002
2002-2006
2006-Present
James L. Sullivan
John S. North
Neal F. Finnegan
James C. Curvey
D. Richard Tufenkjian
Robert F. Gregorio
Arthur E. Banks
John A. MacFarland
Jeanne Benoit
Paul J. Murphy
n Arthur E, Banks, Paul J. Murphy and
current Board Secretary Ann Anderson
n James C. Curvey
n Jeanne Benoit
n D. Richard Tufenkjian
n John A. MacFarland
had Many Able Leaders
Executive Directors of Operation A.B.L.E.
1982-1983
1983
1983-1984
1984-1986
1986-1992
1992-2000
2000-Present Ezra Merrill
Anne Francis Cavanaugh
Marjorie Cotton
J. R. Hipple
Robin Battista
Ruth Ann Moriarty
Joan G. Cirillo
n Founder and first Executive Director Ezra Merrill
n Joan Cirillo
n Anne Francis Cavanugh
n Ruth Anne Moriarty
n Robin Battista
2006
Highlights
n Graduated
the largest number of students (160) from
ABLE’s training programs in ABLE history!
n Served
nearly 300 severely economically-disadvantaged
participants 55 and older in five counties (Essex,
Middlesex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Worcester) through
the Department of Labor’s Senior Community Service
Employment Program. Provided 132,700 community
service hours by SCSEP participants at over 75 nonprofit and government organizations.
n Worked
with state legislators to sponsor an older worker
retraining bill for $1 million.
n Successfully
piloted a new six-week customer service and
screen navigation program called Operation Service! with
140 mature workers participating.
n Hosted
ABLE’s Celebrating Experience Breakfast where 16
companies recognized 16 outstanding mature workers
for their significant contributions to their companies.
n Serve
on three local Workforce Investment Boards
(South Coastal, Metro North and Metro Southwest)
as well as the Executive and Full Statewide Workforce
Investment Board.
n Partnered
with the Center on Aging and Work at Boston
College on a mature worker focus group project.
n Authored
many job help columns for job seekers
including the Job Doc column for the Sunday Boston
Globe and the Executive Service Corp’s Non-Profit
Career Advice Library.
n Featured
the state.
n Hosted
a Job Fair for Mature
Workers with 25 employers
and 500 mature job seekers
attending.
n Bestowed
ABLE’s Annual Starfish
Thrower Award on Peter Meade,
Executive Vice President of
Corporate Affairs at Blue Cross
Blue Shield of MA at
our successful 2007 Gala.
in at least 14 publications this year all across
Celebrating 25 Years of Helping
Mature Workers Get Back to Work!
n Timothy Conant is now working at
Harvard University
n Arthur E. Banks and Maida Bailey who is now working at
Tufts-New England Medical Center
n Carolyn Jarvis is now working at DentaQuest Ventures, Inc.
n Cheryl MacKenzie is now working for the
City of Provincetown
n Musaji Kapadia is now working at
Securitas Security Services
n Yemane Kifle is now working at Partners Healthcare Systems, Inc.
A.B.L.E Thanks Our Generous Funders & Contributors
Government Funders
Federal:
U.S. Department of Labor
Local:
Boston Connects, Inc.
Commonwealth Corporation
Economic Development & Industrial
Corporation of Boston/Office of Jobs and
Community Services
Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission
Metro South/West Employment and Training
Administration
Neighborhood Jobs Trust
South Coastal Career Development
Administration
Major Donors
$25,000+
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
State Street Foundation
Benefactors
$10,000-$24,999
AARP Massachusetts
Bank of America Perpetual Trust for Charitable
Trust
Fidelity Investments
Caleb Loring, Jr.
The Clowes Fund
TJX Foundation, Inc.
Distinguished Donors
$5,000-$9,999
A. C. Ratshesky Foundation
Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation
Wayne and Jacqui Budd
Bushrod Campbell
& Adah Hall Charity Fund
Citizens Bank
Citizens Financial Group
Clover Capital & Consulting LLP
Jack and Eileen Connors Jr.
Frederick E. Weber Charities Corporation
Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc.
Partners Healthcare System, Inc.
Payton Construction Company
Rasky Baerlein
Strategic Communications Inc.
Mary Gilligan
Suydam/Equity Office Properties
Turner Construction Company
Supporters
$2,500-$4,999
A.C.P. Cleaning, Inc.
Arbella Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Capital Crossing Bank
DentaQuest Ventures, Inc.
Dewey Square Group
Finnegan, Underwood, Ryan & Tierney Law
Firm
First State Management Group, Inc.
Harvard Management Company, Inc.
James Michael Connolly Associates, Inc.
John Hancock Financial Services
Jones Lang LaSalle
Lifeline Systems, Inc.
Fran Lipson & Associates
Menard, Murphy & Walsh LLP
Morgan Brown & Joy LLP
New Directions, Inc.
Paint Systems of New England LLC
Rice Consulting
Robert White Associates, Inc.
Structure Tone, Inc.
The Boston Foundation
The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory
Unicco Service Company
Weber Shandwick Worldwide
Contributors
$1,000-$2,499
Associated Industries
of Massachusetts, Inc.
Linda and David Austin
Jeanne Benoit
Kenneth Brown
Capital Paper Recycling, Inc.
Margaret and Paul Chisholm
Colette Phillips Communications, Inc.
CVS/pharmacy, Inc.
Eastern Bank
Fiduciary Trust Company
Janice Forster
Hebert and Betty Jane Hess
J & M Brown Company Inc.
M & M Associates
Paul Revere Transportation, LLC
Shaughnessy & Ahearn
The Greater Boston
Chamber of Commerce
The MENTOR Network
The Seaport Companies
Tidemark Consulting Solutions
David C. Weinstein
Advocates
$500-$999
Arnold Worldwide LLC
Deborah Banda
Arthur and Janet Banks
Denterlein Worldwide
Elaine Construction Company
Foley Hoag LLP
Fresenius Medical Care
Renee Gilson/Lee Hecht Harrison
Goulston & Storrs
Jack Hartnett/Rossignal Corporation
Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates
Chris Jedry
Hubie Jones
Kearney Donovan & McGee PC
Lahey Clinic
McDermott Will & Emery
Morrissey & Company, Inc.
O’Neill & Associates, LLC
Opinion Dynamics Corporation
John Sasso
Securitas Security Services, USA, Inc.
Servus
Simmons College
Lisa Cirillo Smith
Robert Taube and Sharon Mc Carrell
Maureen and Andrew Thurnauer
D. Richard and Joan Tufenkjian
Tufts-New England Medical Center
George and Renee Uveges
WCVB TV, Channel 5
Willmott & Associates
Patrons
$250-$499
Patricia and John Baillieul
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Foulkes
George and Margaret Gray
Harvey and Helene Greenberg
Paul LaCamera/Boston University
Mary Marshall
Massachusetts Eye & Ear Infirmary
Joseph Perkins
Tremont Credit Union
Gail Weber
Clark & Sheila Willmott
Winchester Hospital
Friends
Under $249
Barbara Altman
A. W. Chesterton Company
Baystate Health System, Inc.
J. Mark Beamis and Gabrielle Sullivan
Benchmark Assisted Living LLC
Gary Blongiewicz
James Brett
Philippe and Mary Jane Bricout
Charles and Maria Burnham
Kathryn Cade
Barbara Casey
City Mission
Diane Cline
Nancy Concannon
Joan Delott
n Operation
Sanford and Stephanie Dishman
Michael and Katherine Dukakis
Martha Edson
Lynne Gaines
D. S. Gallagher
Kathleen Gallery
Judith S. Garelick
Carol Gonzalez
Harbor One Credit Union
Health & Social Services Consortium
Hertz and Eleanor Henkoff
Ruth L. Hertz
Elizabeth Hurley
Joslin Diabetes Center
Marjorie Kamp
George and Myrsini Karkazis
William Kennedy
Paula LaPalma
Mary and Stephen Lenhardt
John and Elaine Lenotte
Linda Lerner
Jay Levin and Katherine Burnes
Ruven and Gail Liebhaber
Carole McDonough
Marlene Mikell
Robert Miller and Clare Cox
Ruth Ann Moriarty
Kay Murphy
Toby Nathan MD
Joseph Nawrocki
Joseph and Margaret Newhouse
Jamie Nicholson
Northeastern University
Operation A.B.L.E. Staff
Page After Page Inc.
Barbara Parton
Lee Pledger
Kathleen Rodman
Peter Rollins
Kenneth Rossano
Jonathan Sawyer and Helen Markey
Gail E. Shew
A.B.L.E. helps families such as Paz Mendoza’s to achieve
financial independence through retraining and job placement.
Thank You to the Community-Based and Government
Agencies in The A.b.l.e. Network
The following agencies provide support, on-the-job training, and resources to Operation A.B.L.E.
and our participants. We are very grateful for their support.
AARP Massachusetts
Aids Action Committee, Boston
American Red Cross, Worcester
American Textile History Museum, Lowell
Arlington Council on Aging
Belmont Council on Aging
Boomerang’s, Jamaica Plain
Boston Cares
Boston Career Link
Boston Elder INFO
Boys and Girls Club of Greater Lowell
Boys and Girls Club of Salem
Braintree Council on Aging
Bread N Jam, Cambridge
Brookline Senior Center/Council on Aging
Brookview House, Boston
Caleb Foundation Chestnut Square, Lowell
Cambridge Employment Center
Career Center of Lowell
Career Center of North Central MA
Career Place, Woburn
Career Source, Cambridge and Everett
Carroll Center for the Blind, Newton
Casa Myrna Vasquez, Boston
Central MA. Agency on Aging
Central MA Workforce Investment Board
Centro Las Americas, Worcester
Centro Latino de Chelsea
Charles River Museum of Industry, Waltham
Charles River Public Interest Center, Waltham
Chelsea Council on Elder Affairs
Chelsea District Court
Chelsea Human Services Collaborative
Chelsea Public Library
Chelsea Soldiers Home
Chelsea- Revere-Winthrop Elder Services
City of Haverhill, Mayor’s Office
City of Revere, Mayor’s Office
Commonwealth Corporation
Communities United, Inc., Newton
n State
Director of AARP Massachusetts
Deborah Banda and Executive Director Joan Cirillo
Community Action, Inc., Amesbury
Danvers Historical Society
Department of Mental Retardation, Wapole,
Worcester Department of Transitional Assistance
Dress for Success, Boston
Emmaus House, Haverhill
Employment and Training Resources, Marlborough,
Newton, Norwood
Ethiopian Community Mutual Assistance Association, Cambridge
Everett Council on Aging
Executive Office of Elder Affairs
Executive Service Corps. of New England, Boston
Fenway Community Development Corp.
First Church Unitarian Universalist, Leominster
Fitchburg Senior Center/Council on Aging
Fitchburg Spanish Council
Friends of Hudson Senior Center, Inc.
Friends of Millbury Seniors, Inc.
Fuller House, Stoneham
Generations, Inc., Boston
Great Wall, Malden
Greater Gardner CDC
Greater Lowell Workforce Investment Board
Haitian Coalition, Somerville
Haitian American Public Health Initiative, Boston
Hallmark Health, Medford
Haverhill Community Action TV
HESSCO Elder Services, Norwood, Sharon,
Walpole, Westwood
Hopkinton Council on Aging
Hudson Town Hall
Housing Families, Inc., Revere
International Institute of Boston
Jack Satter House, Revere
Jewish Vocational Service, Boston
Job Net, Boston
Joslin Diabetes Center, Boston
Kit Clark Senior Services, Boston
Lahey Clinic, Burlington
Lowell Association for the Blind
Lowell Community Health Center
Lowell Council on Aging
Lowell Fire Department
Lowell Housing Authority
Lower Merrimack Workforce Investment Board
Lynn Community Health Center
Malden Adult Social Day Care
Malden Council on Aging
Malden Housing Authority
Margaret Fuller Neighborhood House, Cambridge
Massachusetts General Hospital/Revere Clinic
Massachusetts Veterans, Inc., Worcester
Melrose Council on Aging
Merrimack Valley Food Bank, Lowell
Metro North Regional Employment Board
Metro South/West Regional Employment Board
Middleton Council on Aging
Mission City Society
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Fitchburg, Westminster
Morgan Memorial Goodwill Industries, Boston
Multi-Service Center, Leominster
Mystic Valley Elder Services, Malden
National Alliance for Democracy, Cambridge
National Park Service of Lowell
National Plastics Museum, Leominster
New Beginnings, Lowell
New England Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Boston
North Brookfield Council on Aging
North Central Career Centers, Gardner and Leominster
North Central MA Workforce Investment Board
Northeastern University, Boston
North Shore Career Center, Gloucester, Lynn, Salem
North Shore Elder Services, Danvers
North Shore Medical Center, Salem
North Shore Workforce Investment Board
Office of Boston City Councilor Sam Yoon
One Lowell Coalition
Pathfinders Safe Haven, Lowell
Pepperell Council on Aging
Pepperell Housing Authority
Quincy Career Center
Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc.
Quincy Crisis Center
Quinsigammond Community Center, Worcester
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic, Cambridge
Refugee Immigrant Assistance Center, Boston
Resource Partnership, Inc., Natick
Revere Housing Authority
Rosie’s Place
Ruth’s House, Haverhill
Salem Council on Aging
Salem Cyberspace
Salem Department of Recreation & Community Service
Salem Mission
Salvation Army, Chelsea
Shelter, Inc., Cambridge
Social Security Administration, Chelsea, Gardner, Lowell
Solutions@ Work, Cambridge
Somerville YMCA
South Coastal Workforce Investment Board
Suffolk University Legal Services, Chelsea
Spanish American Center, Inc., Leominster
Springwell, Watertown
Tailored for Success, Malden
Temple Israel, Brookline
The Boston Private Industry Council
The Work Place, Boston
Three Pyramids, Fitchburg
Town of Norwood
Town of Spencer
Triangle, Inc., Malden
Tri-City Mental Health Center, Lowell
United Teen Equality Center, Lowell
Valleyworks Career Center, Haverhill and Lawrence
Waltham Community Development Corp.
WATCH, Waltham
West Boylston Council on Aging
West Brookfield Senior Center
Westwood Council on Aging
Wilmington Community Television
Wilmington Department of Elderly Services
Workforce Central, Milford, Southbridge, Worcester
Zeitgeist Gallery, Cambridge
Thanks To Our
Wonderful Volunteers!
Juanita Allen
Rene Augustin
Randy Aylsworth
Margrit Babikyan
Jay Babbitt
Jana Barna
Abby Berkelhammer
Wayne Budd
Linda Burke
Kathy Burnes
Sheryl Byrne
Gary Carpenter
Courtney Concannon
Sherri Cox
Lisa Creighton
Suzanne Culver
Christina DaPrato
Caroline Dougherty
Janet Duncan
Jerry Edmond
Edie Evans
Dan Fahey
Mary Fajardo
Donna Falk
Kathy Felgran
Andrea Feraco
Jan Forster
Kathy Gallery
Laura George
Digna Gerena
Melissa Martel Getz
Joani Gilman
Demonda Giokas-Slifer
Paul Graham
George Gray
Patricia Griffin-Carty
Marguerite Haverty
Kenrick Haywood
Jose Hernandez
Jeff Hickey
Christie Jacobs
Michael Kane
Greg Kelleter
Kevin Kennedy
Cecile J. Klavens
Ralph LaBelle
Elizabeth LaFavre
Florence Lefebvre
Darrell LeMar
Julie Leonard
Linda Lerner
Doreen Lindsay
Priscilla Lopes
Ruth Mackiewicz
Jaclyn Matarazzo
Jane McHale
Erin McMahon
Elenie Menounus
Mary Kay Milley
Kristin Minchello
Denise Montgomery
Elizabeth Moses
Jeff Moss
Marlene Mullendore
Darren Mury
Larry O’Kelly
Wes Page
Laura Pattison
Phil Poulios
Patricia Richardson
Susan Riggs
Bea Riley
Angela Rizzolo
Shirley Roderick
Paul Rodhe
Cheryl Saunders
Greg Schmidt
Charlie Schoonover
Claudia Schutz
Dena Simons
Joe Stanton
Kristina Strati
Brenda Stuckey-Thompson
Judith Syron
Joe Tagliaferri
Keith Timmerman
Jennifer Turner
Ann Walsh
Stephanie West
Pat White
Helen Witherspoon
Susan Zall
n Operation A.B.L.E. staff members Enery Martinez, Tom MacFarland, Kevin Gouveia, Deborah Lipton
and Susan Jepson
Board of Directors
Founder – Ezra Merrill (1909 - 1985)
Honorary Chairman
Stanley Whitfield Burrows
Fidelity Investments, Retired
Michael Clarkson
Caleb Loring, Jr.
President
Paul J. Murphy
Menard, Murphy & Walsh LLP
Vice President
Jeff Cook
Fidelity Investments
Treasurer
George Uveges
The Tallwood Group
Global Sage Group, LLC
Morgan, Brown & Joy, LLP
Fay Donohue
DentaQuest Ventures, Inc.
Janice M. Forster
Boston Federal Savings Bank, Retired
Harvey Greenberg
Nehoiden Partners
Fran Lipson
Secretary
Fran Lipson & Associates
Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA
Citizens Bank of MA
Ann S. Anderson
Carole McDonough
Robert D. Miller
Board of Directors
Tidemark Consulting Solutions
Linda B. Austin
Suzanne Moot
The PFE Group
M & M Associates
Jeanne Benoit*
Ruth Ann Moriarty
The Charles Stark Draper Laboratory
Patricia Baillieul
New Directions, Inc.
Robert T. Banaski
Capital Crossing Bank
Deborah Banda
AARP Massachusetts
Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater
Boston, Inc., Retired
D. Richard Tufenkjian*
Sweetheart Plastics, Retired
Executive Director
Joan Cirillo
* Past President
Operation A.B.L.E. Staff
Lonzie Brown – SCSEP IT Technician
Sidney Chambers – SCSEP Employment Specialist
Joan Cirillo – Executive Director
Steve Crosby – SCSEP Classroom Aide
Steve Dykes – Public Relations Associate
John Eckert – Director of Finance
Magda Feijoo – SCSEP Assistant
Kevin Gouveia – Accounting Manager
Paul Graham – Business Development Officer
Maureen Griffith – SCSEP Receptionist
Polly Harold – SCSEP Program Manager
Susan Jepson – SCSEP Area Supervisor
Deborah Lipton – SCSEP Area Supervisor
Enery Martinez – Operation Employable program manager
Anne Mathieu – SCSEP Employment Specialist
Caryl McDonnell – SCSEP Employment Specialist
Tom McFarland – Communications Manager
Irene Murphy – SCSEP Employment Specialist
William Nadler – Sr. Training Specialist
Tee Provost – Operation Service! Program Manager
Sandy Rubins – SCSEP Payroll Clerk
Nancy Sandman – Grant Associate
Margaret Swanson – SCSEP Receptionist
Jack Wolfe – SCSEP Employment Specialist
Calvin Young – SCSEP program manager
Operation A.B.L.E. of Greater Boston, Inc.
131 Tremont Street
Suite 301
Boston, MA 02111-1336
T: 617.542.4180
F: 617.542.4187
ABLE@operationable.net
www.operationABLE.net