Press Release: RCAP Solutions Partners with Orange EDIC to Provide Economic Development Assessment & Strategy

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RCAP Solutions Partners with Orange EDIC to Provide Economic Development Assessment & Strategy

Contact for RCAP Solutions: Maegen McCaffrey, RCAP Solutions, Inc., Phone: 978-630-6714; Email: mmccaffrey@rcapsolutions.org

Worcester, MA – RCAP Solutions is pleased to announce a partnership with the Orange Economic Development Industrial Corporation (OEDIC) to explore local capacity, support the small business community, and promote sustainable economic development.

OEDIC is the economic development agency charged with leading commercial and industrial development initiatives for the Town of Orange, MA. The project is managed by Elyse Oliver, RCAP Solutions’ Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellow.

By partnering with OEDIC, Ms. Oliver aims to advance its Economic Development Plan by piloting the newly developed Rural Infrastructure Strengths Evaluation (RISE). This resource will assess the town’s assets and community members’ priorities for economic development. Insights from RISE can form a strength-based local economic development strategy and aid in decision-making and future implementation.

In Orange, RISE activities include demographic and economic data analysis, community surveying, interviewing municipal staff, and participatory asset mapping to identify development opportunities aligned with community priorities. At the conclusion of the project, OEDIC will gain an actionable equitable development strategy for growing community assets and economic, commercial, and industrial goals; and acquire tools to enhance their capacity to manage complex development projects, identify viable funding sources, and obtain resources for future public engagement opportunities.

RISE supports equitable development, which provides benefits to all, with a particular focus on residents, community-based organizations, small businesses, and other local entities that have had limited access to economic opportunity. To do so, RISE takes into consideration a broad range of community assets in its assessment, from physical assets like buildings, parks, and rivers to intangible assets like local traditions, social relationships, skills, and mental wellness.

“The Orange EDIC looks forward to collaborating with Elyse and RCAP Solutions,” stated Mikael Pyrtel, OEDIC Executive Director. “The combined approach through community engagement, rural ecosystem analysis, and infrastructure assessment can feed into economic development planning and are all critical elements to help shift the narrative in rural communities over the long term. We can also use feedback from Elyse’s experience to recruit future talent and potentially develop a fellowship program.”

RISE in Orange is one of several pilots that RCAP Solutions will lead over the next 2.5 years in communities in Massachusetts, Maine, and Vermont. RISE is part of RCAP Solutions’ wider efforts to tackle challenges faced by small rural communities concerning infrastructure development and economic sustainability. Through RISE, RCAP Solutions aims to change the narrative of rural areas as disadvantaged by identifying opportunities to grow existing local capacity, foster thriving small businesses, and promote community-led economic development. RISE highlights the link between economic development and the urgent needs in communities of all sizes, including workforce development, entrepreneurial ecosystem building, housing, childcare, climate resiliency, broadband, and access to capital.

“RCAP Solutions has successfully diagnosed challenges and supported locally driven solutions for rural water and wastewater systems for decades,” said Sarah Buck, RCAP Solutions’ New Project Director. “With the RISE’s asset-based process, we can do so more holistically across all areas of community development need in the future so rural communities across the Northeast and US Caribbean can truly thrive. We are so grateful for Orange to be the first rural community willing to partner with us on this exciting pilot.”

For more information on how communities in Franklin County can bring RISE to their community, please contact Elyse Oliver at eoliver@rcapsolutions.org.

For more information about the national Economic Recovery Corps Fellowship – the initiative that makes this partnership possible – please visit: www.economicrecoverycorps.org.

About RCAP Solutions: RCAP Solutions is the go-to resource of sustained success for communities throughout the northeastern part of the U.S. and the Caribbean. Established in 1969 (as Rural Housing Improvement), RCAP Solutions has supported the power and potential of communities for over half a century as strategists of community-wide well-being. Our mission is to foster personal and public self-reliance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live. For more information, please visit: www.rcapsolutions.org

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The purpose of this webinar is to highlight the critical role that Capacity Development plays in the resilience of community water systems. The presentation discusses the importance of promoting capacity development and the main concepts related to this effort. In addition, experiences are shared with the impact on the communities in the technical, administrative, and financial areas, from their daily operations as well as in times of urgent need, like after natural disasters. Tropical storms, hurricanes, and earthquakes are common and typical threats all year long in the Caribbean and now all around the world. Finally, suggestions and recommendations are provided that might facilitate the process of assisting a community to develop its capacity. This webinar is funded under RCAP’s EPA NPA 1 23-25 grant.
 
The presenter of this webinar will be Carmen Yolanda Montañez Velázquez, Community Specialist, RCAP Solutions Caribbean.

Carl Allen, RCAP Solutions Board Member

Carl Allen joined the RCAP Solutions Board of Directors in July 2019. With almost 50 years of experience, Carl has dedicated his career to housing and rural community service.

He was drawn to the housing field from his college experiences and had an interest in both student life and financial aid. After completing graduate school, he began his career in college housing at Southwest Minnesota State College in Marshall, Minnesota. The campus was brand new and designed from day one to be accessible for those in wheelchairs. Out of the 2,000 students, 500 were in wheelchairs or blind. This has given him a lifetime sensitivity to the needs of disabled people. He then moved to Michigan State University while doing doctoral work. After nine years of working in the collegiate residential life sector, Carl “got tired of being called at 2 am to reset fire alarms,” and began his career at RCAP Solutions (formerly Rural Housing Improvement or RHI) holding several positions in both housing and environmental programs.

“In the early 90’s I was motivated to help people”,” stated Carl. “Having gone to college during the Vietnam war, I became very sensitive to people who didn’t have as much as I did and wanted to help others, both with college housing and then at RCAP. The way this organization helps individuals and communities is especially important to me.”

Carl retired from RCAP Solutions as the Executive Vice President, responsible for all mission related activity, contract deliverables, strategic planning, ensuring compliance with organizational policies, and serving on the executive leadership team. “I worked for RCAP for a little more than 26 years,” noted Carl. “I enjoyed 95% of it, and it was an incredibly rewarding, fulfilling, and successful experience.”

When asked what makes him unique in his profession, Carl responded, “What helped me to be successful, is my ability to learn complex federal regulations and distil the information down into easily understandable material for others.”

While talking about his time at RCAP, Carl reminisced about a professional achievement of which he is incredibly proud. “A colleague of mine and I had worked with several section 8 clients and realized that these tenants were in quite a bind,” he mentioned. “The federal administration in office at the time had a policy that would automatically decline social security disability applications, forcing an appeal process to get them approved. That process would sometimes take 2-3 years to be appealed, and if approved, the appeal went back to the date they were declined. These clients sometimes received checks for very large sums of money. As a result, the family would receive conflicting messages from the federal government, on the one hand the Social Security Administration would tell them to spend the money, on the other hand, HUD would say to the Section 8 tenants, save the money because you will have to pay back overpaid subsidy when your income is reviewed. We worked for many months to propose a change to the regulations, which ultimately was adopted by HUD. Today, section 8 clients are no longer required to count retroactive payments as income, and that rule is still in effect today, nationwide. Only the money earned on the retroactive payments are counted as income.”

Carl was attracted to volunteering at RCAP Solutions due to his lengthy tenure at the organization. “I’m very fond of the organization,” he noted. “I have enormous respect for staff and the important work that they are doing here.” He believes his experience in running the housing programs for many years has been helpful to the leadership team in solving issues that have come up and in identifying things to look out for in the future.

RCAP’s mission based on self-sufficiency is what resonates most with Carl. “The housing programs help people to become independent so that they will no longer need the services that the organization provides,” He stated. “The organization provides the same services to rural communities. We go into a community, and our goal is to make sure the officials and volunteers have the tools to effectively and independently deal with their local and regional issues. Ultimately, whether it’s an individual or a small community, we help train them to solve problems on their own.”

As a board member, Carl hopes to help RCAP with a succession plan and assist in identifying new leadership that can continue to move the organization forward as effectively as the current team has done. “It’s been fun,” he commented. “For me it’s been a wonderful experience supporting the leadership team. I really enjoy working on this board and have enormous respect for the entire staff.”

Carl currently works as the Management Specialist for Keene Housing in Keene, NH. “One of the reasons I moved to Keane is to be close to our camp on Sand Pond,” remarked Carl. “I enjoy the calm of early mornings, but also love the activity, riding the boat, and seeing people water skiing and sailing. It’s one of the great joys of my life, especially when my family comes to visit every summer.”

He was a past member and treasurer for Homeowner Options for Massachusetts Elders, in Lowell, MA; and is the past club president and active member of the Keene Kiwanis Club, where he serves on the board of directors, along with the community services and membership committees.

Carl is an active member of the United Church of Christ in Keene and is involved in 2 bell choirs and 2 vocal choirs. He is a self-proclaimed tinkerer, and enjoys “fixing little repairs in house, like light switches. I know enough about plumbing and electricity to not have to pay someone,” he joked.

Carl holds a B.A. in History from Bloomfield College, an M.Ed. in College Student Personnel Administration from The Pennsylvania State University, and has completed doctoral course work in educational administration at Michigan State University.

Carl’s full bio can be found on our website.

Established in 1969 (as Rural Housing Improvement), RCAP Solutions has supported the power and potential of communities for 55 years as strategists of community-wide well-being.

This month, we’re thrilled to celebrate a significant milestone – RCAP Solutions is turning 55! Since our incorporation on October 27, 1969, we’ve dedicated ourselves to empowering communities across the Northeast and Caribbean by providing essential support and resources.

As we celebrate this landmark anniversary, we reflect on the countless lives impacted through our efforts. Whether it’s helping a small town improve its water infrastructure or providing housing assistance to individuals and families, our work is driven by a passion for community sustainability.

This timeline highlights the important milestones that have shaped our organization, showcasing our growth, accomplishments, and the impact we’ve made along the way.

In addition, these historical photos capture the essence of RCAP Solutions and the decades that have paved our path.

Thank you for being a part of our journey!

Learn More About Our History

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Math is an integral part of drinking water and wastewater operations and is often one of the hardest topics to master. This course will review basic math concepts, tactics for solving problems, and provide practice applying the concepts to solve examples.

RCAP Solutions’ 2024–2027 Strategic Plan – Empowering Communities, Elevating Potential!

On behalf of the RCAP Solutions Board of Directors and staff, we are pleased to present our three-year strategic plan.

In 2020, COVID-19 prompted significant operational changes within our organization. We had to adapt our methods of community assistance and observed major shifts in our client demographics.

As we emerged from the pandemic, we recognized the need to comprehensively evaluate our framework, particularly our staff, to reassess our needs, internal procedures, and business practices.

With this in mind, we initiated a year-long strategic planning process with a comprehensive research study to analyze our organization comprehensively. We interviewed key stakeholders, community partners, staff, and volunteers. Following a focused working session with our board, several team meetings were held to define our goals, objectives, and key performance indicators. These discussions provided valuable insights into key issues, sector dynamics, trends, and emerging issues.

With the completion of this extensive process, we look forward to focusing on implementation by aligning our processes, and concentrating on strategic and sustainable growth, guided by principles of transparency, inclusivity, and integrity.

While certain aspects of our strategic plan will formalize existing beliefs and processes, other areas will push and challenge the organization in novel ways.

We anticipate enthusiastically that this strategic plan will position RCAP Solutions to pursue new opportunities and expand, as we continue striving to become a premier provider of community and client services.

We sincerely appreciate the consideration, time, and efforts of all those who helped to make this strategic planning process a success.

With gratitude,

LEAD SERVICE LINE INVENTORY (LSLI) REQUIREMENTS: WHAT WATER SYSTEMS NEED TO KNOW

About Lead in Drinking Water

Lead pipes in public water systems and drinking fixtures have been banned in new home construction since 1986, when Congress amended the Safe Drinking Water Act. However, in some older homes, services lines which are connected to the water mains may be made of lead. In addition, some faucets and plumbing fixtures in homes built before 1986 may also be made of lead.

Lead can be harmful to human health even at low exposure levels – especially in children. Exposure to lead can cause adverse effects such as damage to the brain and nervous system and slowed growth and development.

About the Federal Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) Requirements for Water Systems

Knowing where lead pipes are located is critical to replacing them efficiently. Every public or private water system which serves water to over 15 service connections across the country will be required to provide an initial inventory of their water service lines to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by October 16, 2024, through their state regulatory agency. State regulatory agencies are very proactive in helping communities meet these requirements.

As such, representatives from your local water service provider or municipality may be visiting households to assess whether or not certain homes have lead service lines if they don’t have an accurate record of the service material. This inventory would be publicly accessible and offer homeowners a way to find out if they have a lead service line. This inventory is NOT an indication that you have lead in your water.

PLEASE NOTE: The requirement to complete a Lead Service Line Inventory DOES NOT apply to transient non-community water systems (TNCWS) or bottled, vended, retail, or bulk hauling (BVRB) water systems.

Why the Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) is Important

This initiative is an important first step in ensuring every family across the country has access to clean drinking water – as the EPA’s goal is to replace 100% of the nation’s lead pipes and service lines within 10 years.

In addition, surveying service lines and determining which are made of lead or galvanized pipe is a pivotal process in which water systems must undertake to secure government funding in order to reduce the cost burden on homeowners.

Cooperation between homeowners and local water service provider or municipalities will be an essential part of the process to protect public health, in particular the health of children and of vulnerable communities.

More Information & State-Specific Resources

For more information about Lead & Copper Rule Revisions (LCRR) and the Lead Service Line Inventory (LSLI) check out these federal and state-specific resources:

If you are interested in receiving complimentary technical assistance for you water or wastewater system, please visit Our Services by State page and select your state or territory to view regional contact information.

Susan Bachman, RCAP Solutions Board Member

Susan Bachman is the Solutions Marketing Manager for Netrix Global located in Chicago, IL. As a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience, she is a team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills. She is detail oriented and a deadline focused multi-tasker, versed in fast-paced creative environments.


Susan brings a broad range of professional communications skills to her role as board member, including implementing marketing strategies, market research, project management, website and content management, writing and editing, creative concepts, event management, public relations, product demo voice-overs, vendor management, and digital communications.


When asked what she is passionate about, Susan responded that “she really enjoys being outside in nature and spending time with friends and family.” She noted “family time together is important, whether it be bike riding, hiking, walking, or attending my 11-year-old twins’ hockey and soccer sporting events.”


She was drawn to the field of marketing because she has always loved three things: creativity, people, and psychology. “I always loved graphic design and using my imagination to create something.” She stated. “With a psychology minor in college, I felt like the field of marketing helped me to draw all my passions together by knowing what makes people tick. It helps you to better understand how people think and taps into what makes a person buy a certain product.”


When asked what she is most proud of, Susan notes that she is most proud of her kids and seeing them growing up to be independent, capable, and enthusiastic about life. On a professional level, she said it’s “building a culture of teamwork.” She went on to note “I love bringing people together and, in my career, I feel a huge sense of accomplishment after seeing people collaborate on a project. I am more of a visionary and enjoy helping a team work together and overcome obstacles.”


Susan was attracted to volunteering at RCAP Solutions because of the work the organization does to support rural and underserved communities. She felt drawn to the private well program to protect public health and wanted to know more, especially since she had her own private well.


She feels that RCAP’s vision of a world made up of strong and resilient communities and individuals, confident in their potential and with ownership of their success really resonates with her. She said “building those connections and being a part of an organization that can help others to have independence is so important to me. We guide others and help them have trust in themselves and their accomplishments.” She went on to say that “giving has a ripple effect. During the Pandemic people were not together physically, and the impact was evident. I am a positive person and seeing people help others has a gratifying effect, and creates a better world for us to live in.”


Susan believes that her experience working on the RCAP Board “has been amazing so far.” She thinks of herself as fairly new to the board but enjoys getting to know everyone. “I’ve really enjoyed the strategic planning work, seeing the vision for the future, and better understanding the opportunities for the communities we serve.”


When asked how she feels her skills and expertise have benefited RCAP’s work, she stated “I believe that I can help to build connections with people and other organization and see how building partnerships can help us grow.” She went on to say “after the pandemic I’ve taken on more global and remote roles. I’ve missed making a difference in the local community. I’m looking forward to doing more of that and working with RCAP has been wonderful in that regard.”


So far, Susan sees her time at RCAP as a work in progress. “After the strategic planning process, I’m more aware of all the perspectives to move things forward,” she noted. I’m seeing more collaboration, and the things we’ve discussed are starting to manifest. I look forward to seeing the changes we’ve targeted come to fruition.”


Susan received her MA in Visual Communications at San Francisco State University, CA, and a BA in Graphic Design at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA. She received a certificate in Bank Marketing from the American Bankers Association, participated in the North Central MA Chamber of Commerce Community Leadership Institute, and the Emerging Leadership LAUNCH program with Fidelity Bank and Nichols College.


Her lengthy volunteer experience includes work with the Boston Women’s Leaders Organization, board membership with New England Financial Marketing Association (NEFMA), Marketing Strategic Planning committee with the Greater Gardner Chamber of Commerce, Women’s Leadership Connection Board with the North Central MA Chamber of Commerce, Community Care Crew Chair and Heart Club Co-Chair at Fidelity Bank, and the United Way.

Susan’s full bio can be found on our website.

Press Release: State Invests in MassDEP Study to Ensure Safe Drinking Water from Private Wells

FY2025 State Budget Includes $100,000 for MassDEP, an Important Step Towards a Statewide Private Wells Program

Contact for RCAP Solutions: Maegen McCaffrey, RCAP Solutions, Inc., Phone: 978-630-6714; Email: mmccaffrey@rcapsolutions.org

Contact for The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts: Greg Turner, Ball Consulting Group, LLC, Phone: 617-243-9950; Email: greg@ballcg.com

With the FY2025 state budget, which was signed by Gov. Maura Healey on July 29, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will finally have dedicated funding to explore how best to ensure safe drinking water from private wells. The agency will receive $100,000 to conduct a study and make recommendations for a statewide program to ensure that drinking water from private wells is safe to consume. This study represents an important step forward in developing a statewide drinking water program for private wells to ensure that all Massachusetts residents have access to safe water.

Currently, many Massachusetts residents who rely on private wells are consuming water that may be unsafe. Over 500,000 people throughout the Commonwealth rely on these wells, yet there are no statewide regulations to ensure private well water is safe from harmful contaminants such as PFAS, arsenic, radon, uranium, and more. In contrast, public water systems are subject to state and federal regulations and are routinely monitored. As written in the budget, MassDEP will submit a report detailing its findings to the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources as well as the House and Senate Committees on Ways and Means by Jan. 1, 2025.

The funding was made available through a budget amendment filed by Sen. Jamie Eldridge of the Middlesex and Worcester District. In the House, Rep. Meghan Kilcoyne (12th Worcester District), Rep. Smitty Pignatelli (3rd Berkshire District), and Rep. Dan Sena (37th Middlesex District) have been leading champions of safe drinking water for residents relying on private wells.

“I am grateful to RCAP Solutions and The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts for leading the effort over the past two years to protect the drinking water of hundreds of thousands of residents across Massachusetts who live in rural communities,” said Sen. Eldridge. “I was pleased to secure funding in the fiscal year 2025 budget for MassDEP to study state regulation of private wells, which is a key step toward passing the comprehensive legislation.”

“Safe drinking water is something many of us take for granted, yet the reality is that nearly half a million Massachusetts residents rely on unregulated drinking water from private wells that could be contaminated and potentially cause negative health impacts,” said Amie Shei, PhD, President & CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. “This funding is an important investment toward ensuring that all Massachusetts residents have access to safe drinking water, regardless of where they live.”

“Ensuring the safety and health of our homeowners throughout the Commonwealth is vital,” added Brian D. Scales, President & CEO of RCAP Solutions. “This state-funded initiative to study private wells is a crucial step toward establishing comprehensive statewide regulations for drinking water. Clean, safe water should be a fundamental right for every homeowner.”

RCAP Solutions and The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts are working together to improve access to safe drinking water for private well owners. From 2020 to 2022, the Private Well Program to Protect Public Health, which has received nearly $1.5 million in grant funding from The Health Foundation, has conducted over 500 water quality tests across several Massachusetts towns and found that approximately 32% of wells had levels of contaminants exceeding state health standards and/or suggesting potential health risks.

The Coalition for Safe Drinking Water was subsequently launched to engage a wide range of stakeholders in working together to ensure safe drinking water for all Massachusetts residents. The Coalition’s efforts have been instrumental in raising awareness and garnering support for this critical initiative, which has the potential to significantly improve the health and well-being of communities across the Commonwealth.

For more information about this legislation, our private well programming, and the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water, please visit: www.whatsinyourwellwater.org

About RCAP Solutions: RCAP Solutions is an integrated community development corporation working with a multi-faceted suite of services in communities throughout the northeastern part of the U.S. and the Caribbean. Established in 1969 (as Rural Housing Improvement), RCAP Solutions has supported the power and potential of communities for over half a century as strategists of community-wide well-being. Our mission is to foster personal and public self-reliance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live. For more information, visit: www.rcapsolutions.org

About The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts: The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts is dedicated to improving the health of those who live or work in Central Massachusetts, with particular emphasis on vulnerable populations and unmet needs. Through its unique and impactful approach to grantmaking, The Health Foundation supports community-identified health issues, with health defined broadly to include social determinants of health and with a focus on promoting health equity. As a health conversion foundation launched in 1999 following the sale of the not-for-profit HMO Central Massachusetts Health Care Inc., The Health Foundation’s grants have totaled over $57 million to more than 230 unique organizations over its history. For more information, visit: www.thfcm.org

RCAP Solutions Partnering with USDA Rural Development to Help Very-Low-Income, Rural Homeowners with Funding to Repair, Improve, and Modernize Their Houses

Full Press Release

RCAP Solutions and the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development (Southern New England Region) are proud to announce a partnership between our two agencies in helping very-low-income, rural homeowners with funding to repair, improve, and modernize their houses.

The USDA’s Section 504 Home Repair Program provides funding in the form of a 1% fixed-interest loan up to $40,000 to complete single-family home repairs or to remove health and safety hazards. In addition, applicants 62 years of age or older are eligible for a $10,000 grant. The loan and grant may be combined for up to $50,000 in assistance. In order to quality for assistance, the family must be very-low-income and live in an eligible rural area. You can visit the USDA Income and Property Eligibility website for complete details.

RCAP Solutions will be acting as a “loan packager” on behalf of USDA Rural Development and eligible homeowners; performing credit checks for applicants, providing guidance on bids and repairs that need to be made, and ensuring all documents listed in the application checklist are submitted.

USDA Rural Development’s Single Family Home Repair Loans and Grants are a perfect complement to RCAP Solutions’ Home Modification Loan Program (HMLP), which provides funding to homeowners to make accessibility changes to keep themselves or a family member with a disability or mobility impairment living comfortably in their own home. Loans are 0% interest and can range from $1,000 to $50,000.

RCAP Solutions has been administering HMLP since 2000 in collaboration with the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission (MRC) and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). The program has generous income guidelines and allows for accessibility renovations based on the household member’s medical need. HMLP can benefit anyone in the house who has a disability or mobility impairment; the homeowner themself, their child, or an elderly family member. Possible home modifications can include ramps, stair lifts, walk-in bathtubs, and much more.

RCAP Solutions has a long-standing relationship with numerous federal and state branches of the USDA. The department is one of RCAP Solutions primary partners and funders directly involved in the implementation of our Community & Environmental Resources programs.

RCAP Solutions’ 2023 Impact Report – Paving the Path Forward!

In 2023, RCAP Solutions continued to gain momentum as we shifted our focus from the pandemic and began to strategically plan for the next phase of our organization. Navigating the dynamic landscapes of our service industry, it is essential to assess our current position and anticipate our future direction. View our 2023 Impact Report to learn more about last year’s accomplishments and check out stories from the people we serve!

Amid programmatic expansion, staff growth, and new partnership opportunities, it was ideal to prioritize strategic planning initiatives and envision the future of RCAP Solutions. Our enthusiastic board of directors collaborated closely with an engaged management team to address internal and external challenges, successes, and opportunities, positioning our organization for continued success.

We thank our partners and continued supporters and invite you to join us as we pursue a collective vision of a world made up of strong and resilient communities and individuals, confident in their potential and with ownership of their success.

We look forward to a productive 2024 as we remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our mission: To foster personal and public self-reliance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live.

Julie Carroll, RCAP Solutions Board Member

Julie Carroll is a human resources and operations professional with more than 25 years of experience in diverse business environments. She joined the RCAP Solutions Board in July of 2022.

Her portfolio includes proven achievements in business operations management, risk management, employee relations, training, and development. She is a self-starter; dependable, highly motivated and a thorough performer with a demonstrated ability to work with all levels of management to design, develop and implement strategies to improve business and employee performance, and can effectively inspire others to achieve individual and corporate goals. Julie is also a Real Estate Sales Agent with Keller Williams Realty, Inc. and brings community development experience as a former planning board member for the town of Boxborough, MA.

Julie began her career in the areas of finance and operations. Working in an entrepreneurial small business environment for a family-owned company, she found herself moving into a human resources role, bringing the organization together working with benefits, employee handbooks and enjoyed supporting the employees. “I felt challenged in that arena,” she noted. “I could hone my skills in that area and used strategy to focus on the employee experience. As a result, my career evolved, and I went on to own and operate a small HR outsourcing company for several years.”

Julie received her AAS in Liberal Studies at Middlesex Community College in Bedford, MA, and a Professional Human Resources (PHR) certification from the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) in Alexandria, VA. She brings a wide range of specialties in operations, HR implementation, employer and employee regulations, small business operations and employee engagement to her role as board member.

When asked what she is passionate about, Julie responded “I find that what I’m enthusiastic about has evolved.” She continued “I really enjoy creating experiences with friends and family. I enjoy being outdoors, doing things like gardening, kayaking, and boating in summer, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling in winter. I really appreciate being outdoors. My passion is in creating a fuller life as I mature. I want to have experiences with my family and grandchildren.”

Julie has found that it is important to achieve a work-life balance and be there for both family and work. “My greatest accomplishment is my family,” she noted. “The resilience I have experienced with my mom getting Multiple Sclerosis and taking care of her, along with the loss of my brother, my personal triumph is in raising my family. I was able to achieve much of my growth in my career without needing a big educational base to launch from. I feel immensely proud of my achievements.”

Julie was attracted to becoming involved at RCAP Solutions because of the housing programs, which she believes are essential for success. “Personally, I saw my mom go back into the workforce after not working for many years,” she commented. “Seeing how RCAP provides housing services is paramount to resetting someone in a difficult position. Empowering people beyond just providing vouchers was intriguing to me, I felt I could relate and have good insight.”

Julie went on to say “RCAP’s mission of improving the quality of life for individuals, giving them what they need are tools for success.” She stated, “I am very big on accountability, and I believe that ownership of that success and vision, and ownership of your actions is a good balance with self-reliance and self-sufficiency. The financial literacy and first-time homebuyer workshops and other housing services provide the benefit of giving, and seeing the ripple effects it can create for people, really relates to my core values.”

Julie noted that her skills and expertise complement RCAP’s mission. “My mindset aligns with the board’s work, strategic planning, creating success, evaluating overall performance is very parallel with HR. I can relate to what you are doing, being able to add to that strategic insight and HR, both sides are human capital. Helping people solve a problem and see success.” When asked about her experience volunteering on RCAP Solutions’ board, she observed “RCAP is open, inviting, educational, and what we are doing is huge. It’s not an intimidating environment and without any background, someone can come in and sit comfortably on the board and be able to provide their skills and benefit the organization.”

Julie has been involved in RCAP’s recent strategic planning process and has enjoyed seeing that come to fruition. “It was much needed,” she noted. “I have spent a lot of time with entrepreneurs, telling businesses that they needed to re-strategize, work on goals, and focus on expectations and communications styles. Being a part of this process and hearing feedback from employees and partners has been beneficial. Strategic planning is a monumental rock, and for any organization, it’s like pushing it up a hill. I feel like I can continue to contribute to this area as it is similar to what I do as a consultant, and I can support the organization in that capacity. As we continue and finalize this process, that is something that we will all be enormously proud of.”

Julie’s full bio can be found on our website.

(Pre-registration is encouraged, but not required. Feel free to walk-in!)

This April, we will be hosting a Career Fair at our Worcester headquarters office. There will be an opportunity to meet with our Human Resources department and program managers, ask questions, and learn more about the benefits of a career with RCAP Solutions.

This event is being hosted by RCAP Solutions in partnership with the MassHire Central Career Center and the MassHire North Central Career Center. On-site interviews will be conducted, so please bring your resume! Please park in the upper lot and feel free to arrive at anytime between 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.

We’re looking to recruit talented individuals throughout Central Massachusetts and the greater Northeast. Entry-level and more advanced opportunities include:

  • Housing Counselors
  • Housing Consumer Education Center (HCEC) Triage Associates
  • Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) Program Specialists
  • Section 8 Program Representatives
  • Section 8 Program Assistants
  • Maintenance Technicians
  • Property Managers
  • Rural Community & Enironmental Specialists
  • Payroll Coordinator
  • And more!

For a full list of available positions, visit: www.rcapsolutions.org/careers/

If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact our Human Resources Department via email: HR@rcapsolutions.org

RCAP Solutions Hosts “Lunch with Legislators” Event with Central Massachusetts Delegation + Briefing with USDA Rural Development

On March 8, 2024, we were delighted to have “Lunch with Legislators” at our headquarters office! During this interactive briefing with the Central Massachusetts delegation, we detailed the positive impact of our housing, community, and environmental programs.

We were honored to be joined by so many legislators, legislative staff, and local government officials to engage in a conversation about the issues facing families throughout Central Massachusetts and talk about how RCAP Solutions helps.

The event was graciously sponsored by the office of Representative David LeBoeuf and featured special guests Scott Soares, State Director (MA/CT/RI) at USDA Rural Development, as well as LaToya, a hardworking participant enrolled in both our Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) and Supporting Neighborhood Opportunity in Massachusetts (SNO Mass) programs!

Watch the recording here!

On March 6, 2024, we were thrilled to be joined by USDA Rural Development (Southern New England Region) for a working lunch and meeting at our Worcester headquarters office!

We discussed our housing programs available to individuals and families in Central Massachusetts and learned more about the USDA’s housing, lending, and grant programs – with the goal of intertwining these services and increasing awareness of these opportunities throughout the communities we serve.

Special thank you to our incredible program staff, as well as USDA Holden, MA Area Office Director, Lyndon Nichols, and USDA Rural Housing Service staff members Jacob Sargent, Crystal Howe, and Jim Lavin for joining us!

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Management and finance are important for small systems to operate correctly. This course will be going over key areas of management, boards and stakeholder roles, asset management, inventories, budgets and the importance of reserves and rate setting. This training is also for potential water operations, managers, and board members.

Media Contact: Maegen McCaffrey, Vice President of Communications, RCAP Solutions, Phone: 978.630.6714; Email: mmccaffrey@rcapsolutions.org

RCAP Solutions is pleased to announce that the organization has been selected as a host for the first cohort of Economic Recovery Corps Fellows, headed by the International Economic Development Council (IEDC).

The Economic Recovery Corps (ERC) Fellowship program aims to build capacity in economically distressed areas across the U.S. while cultivating the next generation of economic development leaders. The program connects 65 host sites nationwide with diverse practitioners and leaders with the passion, skills, and vision to create new ways of performing economic development. The ERC Fellowship was launched in 2023 through a $30 million cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA). It is led by the International Economic Development Council and supported by six other national economic development organizations.

Each project across the United States receives a dedicated fellow, who is fully funded for 2.5 years from the ERC program, serving as a field catalyst to enhance, strengthen, and coordinate relationships and local efforts alongside the host communities. RCAP Solutions was matched with Elyse Oliver, who brings a wealth of education, experience, and passion to help the organization and local stakeholders on the “Community Engagement to Guide Ecosystem Development” project.

“We are excited to begin work with Economic Recovery Corp fellow, Elyse Oliver, and engage in community-led economic development planning and stakeholder engagement in rural communities,” expressed Jenna Day, Director of Development at RCAP Solutions. “This is an exciting opportunity to partner with IEDC and EDA to impact sustainable infrastructure planning and we are looking forward to what the next 30 months will mean to growing local capacity for development.”

This community engagement project, led by RCAP Solutions, will address challenges faced by disadvantaged communities in Franklin County, Massachusetts, Maine and Vermont regarding infrastructure development and economic sustainability. The project aims to shift the narrative in rural communities, identifying opportunities for local capacity growth, fostering thriving small businesses, and promoting sustainable economic development. Ms. Oliver will play a pivotal role in community interaction, research of rural ecosystems, and infrastructure requirements. She will conduct extensive outreach and utilize online surveys and tools to validate identified needs. The goal is to communicate findings, gain insights, and identify catalysts for a regional action plan that will support resource planning for small rural communities seeking to cultivate sustainable economies.

“ERC is more than a fellowship; it is a testament to the power of collaboration and strategic partnerships deeply needed to produce lasting social and economic impact. By joining forces with national partners, host organizations, funders, and practitioners eager for new models and practices, ERC will build capacity in places of need while supporting the next generation of economic development leaders, all while driving more equitable economic outcomes,” said Nathan Ohle, President & CEO of IEDC. “By investing in capacity building and leadership development, facilitating knowledge sharing and partnerships, the ERC program will set the stage for the future of economic development and a new age of collaboration in the economic development field.”

RCAP Solutions was chosen from over 500 applications to be among the 65 host sites selected to receive help in advancing this project, which is critical to the economic recovery of our community. ERC projects represent the interconnectedness between economic development and the pressing needs in communities of all sizes, including workforce development, entrepreneurial ecosystem building, housing, childcare, climate resiliency, broadband, and access to capital.

“I’m excited about forming deep relationships with residents and town representatives,” commented Elyse Oliver, RCAP Fellow. “I look forward to demonstrating how community engagement can and should occur – as a central, guiding activity for pivotal planning efforts.”

For more information on how your community might benefit from RCAP Solutions’ “Community Engagement to Guide Ecosystem Development” project, please contact Madison Wellman at mwellman@rcapsolutions.org, call: (774) 239-9783, or visit: www.rcapsolutions.org/economic-development.

For more information about the Economic Recovery Corps program, please visit: economicrecoverycorps.org.

About RCAP Solutions, Inc.
RCAP Solutions is the go-to resource of sustained success for communities throughout the northeastern part of the U.S. and the Caribbean. Established in 1969 (as Rural Housing Improvement), RCAP Solutions has supported the power and potential of communities for over half a century as strategists of community-wide well-being. Our mission is to foster personal and public self-reliance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live. For more information, please visit www.rcapsolutions.org.

About IEDC
The International Economic Development Council (IEDC) is a non-profit, non-partisan membership organization serving economic developers. With more than 4,300 members, IEDC is the largest organization of its kind. Economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth and provide a stable tax base. From public to private, rural to urban, and local to international, IEDC’s members engage in the full range of economic development practices. Given the breadth of economic development work, our members are employed in various settings, including local, state, provincial, and federal governments, public-private partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions. When we succeed, our members create high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions. Learn more at iedconline.org.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth. Learn more at www.eda.gov.

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Math is an integral part of drinking water and wastewater operations and is often one of the hardest topics to master. This course will review basic math concepts, tactics for solving problems, and provide practice applying the concepts to solve examples.

REGISTER HERE
 
Math is an integral part of drinking water and wastewater operations and is often one of the hardest topics to master. This course will review basic math concepts, tactics for solving problems, and provide practice applying the concepts to solve examples.

REGISTER HERE
 
Math is an integral part of drinking water and wastewater operations and is often one of the hardest topics to master. This course will review basic math concepts, tactics for solving problems, and provide practice applying the concepts to solve examples.

‘Twas Mid December at RCAP Solutions…

‘Twas Mid-December and all through the skies,
RCAP teams with care and wise.
In every office, staff worked with glee,
Offering essential aid, as busy as can be.

The needy many, deserving of cheer,
In this season of giving, their hopes draw near.
For when the demand rises, so great and so clear,
RCAP’s dedication shines, year after year.

In our Housing Consumer Education Center,
We make sure every client has a supportive mentor,
To assist in all aspects of home ownership and leasing,
In case you should see a problem increasing,
If a concern should arise, there’s lending or training,
Should you find your bank account suddenly draining.

With Subsidized Housing, we help pay the rent,
Offering programs for both landlord and tenant.
Everyone deserves a safe home and a bed,
Where each family member can rest their head.
We can also assist with housing mobility,
And case management for economic stability.

Our Housing for Seniors and the Mobility Impaired,
Offers features and services that can’t be compared.
Our professional staff is supportive and giving,
With countless services for independent living.
For those who reside in RCAP’s great care,
Our teams will provide for ALL who live there.

Our Environmental Crew work with communities to ensure,
The water that pours from the tap is pure.
From Maine to Pennsylvania, we offer technical assistance,
For those in rural regions, we’ll travel the distance.
Whether it’s wastewater, mapping, training, and more,
We’ll assess your infrastructure, and help settle the score.

The Caribbean Team helps the islands with pollution,
Teaching about recycling, and solid waste solutions.
We offer disaster planning, and prepare for the future,
Should climate change impact your region and need suture.
Financial assistance for septic or well repair,
We’re here for our communities, never despair!

Here in Massachusetts, we’re Advocating for Change,
For private well homeowners, who may need a range,
Of regulations for education, testing, and support,
Should their water tests come up short,
And need repair to keep families in good health,
For every resident, across the Commonwealth.

Our Administrative Staff provides support to our programs,
IT keeps us online, and safely protected from scams.
Finance cuts checks and keeps the books in balance,
HR supports the organization, hiring people with talents.
Marketing ensures the public is in the know,
And Development guarantees that funding won’t slow.

In the Northeast our influence spreads, far and wide in stride,
In Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands, forever shall we reside.
Fostering community’s power, potential, a bond we unify,
In this commitment, our focus and unity lie.

Nurturing strength, resilience, and confidence, our gift to bestow,
Supporting individuals, families, communities, helping them grow.

Timothy Grinham, RCAP Solutions Board Member

Timothy Grinham, a Commercial Banking and Lending Specialist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, joined the RCAP Solutions Board of Directors in July of 2022.

Headquartered in New York City, S&P Global is a world-wide leader providing financial services information. Tim works in their Market Intelligence division, working with financial institutions under $5 Billion in Total Assets on workflow automation and commercial prospecting.

Tim has a professional background in technology, banking, lending, real estate, and brings over 20 years of experience in finance, investment, and sales management to his role on the board. He has extensive knowledge of working with federal funding sources, financing, managing customer accounts and portfolios, developing business opportunities, customer service, and training.

When asked what he likes to do with his free time, Tim responds, “For me, it’s all about family time. I spend as much time as possible with my wife and my two daughters and am excited to be coaching my daughters in soccer and basketball.” In his spare time, he enjoys reading, catching up on current events, banking news and the stock market.

Tim was drawn to the banking profession almost by accident. “When I graduated in 2002, I walked into a large recession due to 9/11,” he stated. “There was not much activity going on in the job market, so I stumbled into the mortgage industry. It was a good opportunity with rates dropping and I was able to get into refinancing existing debt. I began the first part of my career in the residential market and later became involved in commercial banking.”

He had always wanted to pursue a career in technology, and in his current position, he is able to draw from his previous experience working with banks, credit unions, and smaller institutions, providing them with technological solutions for their information service needs.

Tim received his BA in Business Management from Johnson State College in Johnson, VT. His volunteer experience includes board membership with Worcester Community Housing Resources, the Town of Paxton Capital Improvements Committee, and as a mentor for SBA workshops and business incubation companies in and around MA.

When asked what Tim feels his greatest professional achievement is, he mentioned the impact that banking and commercial lending can have in the community. “We moved to the Worcester area in 2014,” he stated. “I was very excited to start a position lending with a bank located in downtown Worcester. Over the course of the next several years, I was able to be a part of the Worcester economy during a growth period. I take a lot of pride when traveling through Worcester and seeing the businesses that I worked with throughout my career and knowing that I had a small part in the positive impact on the area. I find it extremely rewarding to drive around the city with my family and say, ‘I worked on that building, or I or helped to finance those renovations.’”

He went on to say, “What I miss most about banking is the positive involvement in the community, which is what drew me to RCAP Solutions. I want to support the work the organization does in both the urban and rural areas of the region.”

Tim believes “it’s critically important to serve both markets, especially in these times of economic uncertainty, when there are factors outside of our control.” He went on to say, “RCAP is a great organization to be involved in. Because of the range of programs, we have an opportunity to serve many communities and a diverse client base.

As a relatively new board member, Tim considers his time volunteering with RCAP to be a positive experience. “I’ve learned a lot about the services RCAP offers,” he states. “When I came to the organization, I was familiar with the housing and lending services. Now that I have really gotten involved, I’m extremely impressed with how much the organization and staff accomplishes.” He has enjoyed getting to know the board members and employees. “I think the staff is incredible,” he remarked. “They work hard and do an excellent job. I have really appreciated learning more about the teams and their programs.”

Tim looks forward to completing the year-long strategic planning process that the organization is undergoing. “I anticipate that once we’re implementing it, we will see the positive impact that it has on both the organization and the clients that we work with.” He concluded by saying “It’s just been a great experience, and I look forward to continuing to see the organization do great work.”

Tim’s full bio can be found on our website.

 
This class will be going over key areas of Lead and Copper Rule Revisions for Public Water Systems. The course includes lead and copper basics, covers regulatory requirements, action level and trigger levels, monitoring, treatment, public notification requirements and EPA improvements. Inventory and identification, lead service line replacements as well as funding options, and schools and childcare facilities will also be presented. This training is also helpful for potential water operators, PWS owners, managers, and board members.

Amid Concerns Over Contaminants and Pending Legislation, The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts Sponsors Survey by MassINC Polling Group

Media Contact: Greg Turner, Ball Consulting Group, LLC, Phone: 617-243-9950; Email: greg@ballcg.com

Topline

Crosstabs

A new public opinion survey released today by the MassINC Polling Group finds broad support among Massachusetts residents for strengthening drinking water protections for private wells to ensure safety and quality. The survey was sponsored by The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts as part of its Private Well Program to Protect Public Health led by grantee RCAP Solutions.

More than 500,000 Massachusetts residents rely on private wells for their drinking water, yet, unlike with public water systems, these sources are not subject to any statewide regulations or testing requirements. With manmade and naturally occurring contaminants found in private well water across the state, this gap and higher risk of exposure has prompted growing concern and calls for legislative action.

According to the poll, 73% of Massachusetts residents think well water should be protected in the same way as other sources of drinking water. Nearly all of those polled agree that all Massachusetts residents should have access to safe drinking water (97%) and that state government should play a role in achieving that goal (92%). There was a clear majority supporting these statements, regardless of demographics or party affiliation.

The poll also found a worrisome gap in well water testing rates. Only 21% of well users had tested their water in the past year and another 21% were not sure when their water was last tested. Just over half (53%) of well users reported they had not paid anything for well testing or maintenance in the past year.

Other key findings from the survey:

  • Three-quarters (75%) support proposed legislation to enable the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection to develop statewide private well protections.
  • There was even stronger support (80%) when it was explained that the proposed legislation includes financial support for remediation of contamination for low-income homeowners with private wells.
  • A clear majority (57%) “strongly support” testing well water before a home is sold, and 72% of private well owners support such a policy to some extent (“strongly support” or “somewhat support”).

“The results of this poll demonstrate widespread support for improving access to safe drinking water and for developing greater protections and uniform testing standards for private well owners throughout the Commonwealth,” said Amie Shei, President and CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. “All Massachusetts residents should have access to safe drinking water regardless of where they live and whether they have access to public water systems or private wells.”

Many homeowners in Massachusetts are facing substantial costs over contamination found in their private wells, including water sources exposed to PFAS, synthetic substances known as “forever chemicals” because of their persistence and prevalence in the environment.

The poll results were unveiled today during a legislative briefing at the State House organized by The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, RCAP Solutions, and the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water which was launched as part of this project. The event highlighted pending legislation, An Act Promoting Drinking Water Quality for All (S.482/H.902), sponsored by Sen. Jamie Eldridge (D-Marlborough), Rep. Dan Sena (D-Acton) and Rep. Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox). The bill is scheduled for a public hearing before the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources on Sept. 27.

The survey took a deep dive into general perceptions of public and well water quality. Majorities at least somewhat agree that they worry about whether their water is safe to drink  (61%) and that not everyone in Massachusetts has safe tap water (63%).

In an urban-rural breakdown of the data, those living in western Massachusetts – where private wells are more common – and in Suffolk County – home to the city of Boston and served by a public water supply – rated their water quality at home as “excellent” at higher rates than those living in other parts of the state. But those living in Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities – midsize urban areas served by public water and historically affected by socioeconomic challenges – reported their home tap water quality levels are lower than elsewhere.

The results are based on a survey of 1,013 Massachusetts residents by the MassINC Polling Group. Responses were collected via online survey Aug. 7-16, 2023, in English and Spanish.  Data was weighted to known and estimated population parameters on age, gender, race, party identification, education and geography. The credibility interval for the survey is +/- 3.4 percentage points, including the design effect. 

Detailed poll data is available online at the following link: https://www.massincpolling.com/the-topline/water-quality-poll

Tracey Weeden, MSW, LCSW/LICSW; RCAP Solutions Board of Directors, Vice Chair

Tracey Weeden is the Executive Director of Brockton Behavioral Health Facility at Boston Medical Center and joined the RCAP Solutions Board of Directors in January of 2021.

She has extensive experience in the healthcare and nonprofit arena, with a background in administration, behavioral health, and homelessness prevention. In her previous position as Chief Operating Officer for First Step of Sarasota, she focused on affordable behavioral health treatment and system of care optimization. She also has experience managing a private practice as a psychotherapist.

Tracey was drawn to social work because of her childhood experiences growing up in an urban environment. She remarked “there was a lot of violence, parentification, mental illness, and substance misuse. But amid the prevalence of trauma, there was also so much hope for a better way of life. At an early age I was interested in other people’s stories and potential. When I went to college, I did not know what I wanted to do, but knew I wanted to break the cycle of oppression in the community I had grown up in. I majored in social work, and it just felt right. At an early age, I felt sensitive to others’ needs and seemed to be able to put myself in someone else’s shoes. Although I don’t make it a practice to disclose my experiences, oftentimes I deeply understand the barriers to quality of life clients experience.”

Tracey is a former employee of RCAP Solutions, where she was a member of the leadership team, as Director of Counseling and Homeless Services. “When I was at RCAP, I absolutely loved the work,” she commented. “Working at RCAP, I showed up 100% every day for the organization and our clients. They were long days, but it was all worth it. RCAP is deeply mission driven. RCAP’s services for people in need is undeniable. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a community, helping people where they are and supporting them as they move to a better place? RCAP’s work aligns with my values and everything I stand for as a social worker, a woman, and a woman of color.”

Tracey went on to say “RCAP’s work comes down to people helping people. This resonates with me and is what’s unique about RCAP. The employees genuinely want their clients to achieve a better quality of life. At RCAP we are paying it forward.”

Tracey feels strongly about being an active board member. “I want to be a real objective resource to the leadership team and a sounding board. I understand the culture and dynamics as a social worker and as a businesswoman.”

When talking about her experience serving on the board, Tracey exclaimed, “It’s been fun! I like the diverse expertise the volunteer team brings to the table. The board is open to looking at things differently and trying new ideas. This will determine the sustainability of the organization overall. The board is engaged, understands the impact of the work, and is realistic about what it takes to provide services. It’s very exciting to be a part of this energized board.”

When asked about her future goals for the organization, she replied, “I hope that a year from now we are in the process of implementing a successful, operational, and people-driven strategic plan. I believe we can really put RCAP on the map as a leader in all aspects of community and environmental services.”

Tracey is a self-published author and has volunteered for the City of Worcester’s Human Rights Commission and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s suicide prevention initiative. She is currently a Commissioner for the Massachusetts Status of Woman of Plymouth County. Tracey earned a MS in social work at Boston University and is working towards her Doctorate degree in Business Administration with a focus in Health Services Administration at Northcentral University. She brings a deep understanding of the programmatic, funding, and strategic needs of the organization, along with nonprofit leadership, fundraising and community outreach.

When asked about her personal and professional achievements, Tracey commented, “it was always a goal for me to do more of the work in helping others to grow and lift themselves out of traumatic environments. I’m proud of that. In this field of social work, there are not many Black People or Native Americans in leadership positions. I don’t see a lot of “me” represented and I will never take it for granted. I hope to be an example and to inspire others.”

In her free time, Tracey enjoys creating things. “I love candle making, jewelry making, upcycling furniture, gardening, and creating a new space in my yard or home. It helps me relax. Being creative helps me to think outside of the box overall. I enjoy focusing on the hobby and it’s extremely relaxing for me.”

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This workshop will discuss six (6) topics:
 

  • Day 1 is SDWA Regulatory Overview, Large Building WQ issues, Main Breaks/Cross Connections
  • Day 2 is Flushing, Contaminants of Concern: Manganese, Source Water Assessment and Protection

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This “Basic Math” course is a refresher course for those looking to brush up on their basic math skills, whether for daily operation calculations or in preparation for an operator’s exam. We will start at the beginning, quickly covering the basics of rounding, fractions, percentages, and geometry, then will spend a bit more time on conversion factors and re-arranging equations.

RCAP Solutions’ 2022 Impact Report – A Year of Rejuvenation

2022 was a year marked by growth, development, and ultimately rejuvenation as RCAP Solutions began its rebound from a tumultuous and transformational time. View our 2022 Impact Report to learn more about last year’s accomplishments and check out stories from the people we serve!

We thank our partners and continued supporters and invite you to join us as we continue to work towards a collective vision of a world made up of strong and resilient communities and individuals, confident in their potential and with ownership of their success.

We look forward to a productive 2023 as we remain steadfast in our commitment to fulfilling our mission: To foster personal and public self-reliance and improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and the communities in which they live.

Synergy Spotlight: Meet Rebekah Novak, Community Specialist

Rebekah Novak is her name and wastewater is her game, among several other skills and subject interests. Rebekah has a versatile background; she’s worked in several municipal surveying, engineering, and wastewater operations roles – making her an extremely valuable addition to the Community & Environmental Resources team at RCAP Solutions.

She began her career as an intern for the city of New Bedford, Massachusetts’ engineering department, eventually becoming a full-time employee and earning the title of Municipal Surveyor. During her time with the city of New Bedford, Rebekah was responsible for transferring paper maps into digital GIS (Geographic Information System) versions. She also worked in the field overseeing road reconstruction and improvement projects.

Two of Rebekah’s passions are learning and helping. While she was working as a surveyor, Rebekah continued to expand her knowledge, pursuing her wastewater operator’s license and eventually earning a grade 5 license. Rebekah had always been fascinated with water re-use and environmental sustainability. Turning wastewater into treated effluent (sewage that has been cleaned and discharged back into the environment) is a necessary process for communities of all sizes, and this process piqued Rebekah’s interest.

After working as an associate engineer for several years, Rebekah eventually dived head-first into wastewater (not literally), first working at the Ashfield Wastewater Treatment Plant, a few years later at the city of Northampton, Massachusetts’ Wastewater Treatment Plant, and later at Green Wastewater Solutions as an operator/installer of Orenco wastewater treatment systems.

Rebekah prided herself in being a female who was tackling these surveying, engineering, and wastewater roles – as the fields are often male-dominated. It was difficult, but her determination and drive helped her excel in these fields. “Being a woman straight out of college was super intimidating,” she said, “but I still did it. I still showed up and did my best.”

Rebekah eventually joined RCAP Solutions in 2019, where she works with small communities in Massachusetts, providing technical assistance and training to help them improve both their wastewater and drinking water operations. Rebekah lives in a small, rural community herself, so she recognizes the struggles that these communities face when it comes to limited resources and not knowing the answer to everything. Advice she gives to the communities she serves – as well as her co-workers – is to embrace trial-and-error, “Get comfortable with not knowing exactly what to do, it’s okay not to know. [You have to] jump in the muddy water and figure out how to do it.”

During the pandemic, Rebekah was instrumental in transitioning in-person trainings and workshops into a virtual format. She embraced new software and became a leader for her colleagues, constantly offering them support and assistance with the new technology. In addition to managing numerous training events, she also has anywhere from 10 to 13 of the aforementioned technical assistance projects active at a time.

Rebekah’s contributions were noted by Jim Starbard, Regional Director (MA/CT/RI), who said, “Rebekah is an exceptional team member who goes the extra mile for the communities she works with. She is highly skilled in wastewater – both centralized and decentralized, GIS, and is a great trainer. Rebekah’s contributions to the Southern New England Team and RCAP Solutions as a whole are greatly appreciated and highly regarded.”

In addition, Rebekah is passionate about many causes including local farming, sourcing food locally and humanely, and supporting small businesses. She has experience volunteering at a homeless shelter and during her free time enjoys gardening, arts and crafts, and spending time with her husband, two cats, and “Hoss” – her 180-pound Neapolitan Mastiff-Great Dane mix.

Andrew Evans, fellow Community Specialist, added, “Rebekah’s organizational capability, attitude, and attention to detail makes her one of my favorite people to work with. Whatever the project or training she is always seeking the best product or outcome possible for our clients. The way she approaches her work has helped me be a better technical assistance provider and trainer.”

Fun Facts About Rebekah:

  • Hometown: Conway, Massachusetts
  • Favorite Book: Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling
  • Favorite Movie: Tremors directed by Ron Underwood
  • Favorite Hobbies: Gardening (flowers & vegetables), arts & crafts (dot art painting, jewelry making)
  • Place She’d Like to Travel to: Alaska

Gosnold is a town which encompasses the Elizabeth Islands in Dukes County, Massachusetts. The community has a population of about 70 residents, making it the least populous town in Massachusetts. Most of these residents live on the outermost island, Cuttyhunk.

The beautiful landscapes and ocean views make this community a well sought-after travel destination and the year-round residents have a deep appreciation for the island. However, the island’s seclusion poses several challenges for infrastructure improvements. Personnel, equipment, and materials must be brought to the island via boat, significantly increasing costs.

Cuttyhunk Island’s drinking water comes from an underground aquifer, which is drawn from a series of groundwater wells. These wells, and the island’s distribution system water mains, were constructed in the 1960s. Due to the age of this infrastructure, the community has had frequent problems with leaks and breaks in the water mains.

To address these issues, the community began planning a significant water system improvement project to replace the groundwater wells, upgrade their water pumping station, and improve their storage tank site. In addition, several thousand feet of water mains would be replaced or repaired to ensure residents across the island had continued access to clean drinking water.

RCAP Solutions leapt into action to assist the community in finding and securing funding for the system improvements. After reviewing the community’s plan and engineering report, RCAP Solutions determined that the best funding option available would be through the United States Department of Agriculture.

RCAP Solutions acted as a liaison between the community’s board of selectmen and the USDA staff. The RCAP Solutions team worked alongside the board of selectmen every step of the way, from the initial application to implementation, ensuring the necessary paperwork was submitted and deadlines were met. In addition, RCAP Solutions persists to be an available resource for the community, providing them with continued technical assistance, resources, and training opportunities.

In total, approximately $5.7 million was leveraged for the project, including around $3 million from USDA Rural Development and around $2.7 million from various state programs and town matching funds. To celebrate this milestone, the community held a groundbreaking event and walking tour as construction on the project began.

Open for Business Program Case Study: Neck-O Pillow, Supportive Guidance to Launch a Supportive Product

Written By: Madison Wellman, Coalition Manager/Business Opportunity Specialist

BACKGROUND: Ms. Ellen Sheehan is a dental hygienist from Wilmington, Massachusetts. While working in the dental office she noticed a need for a new product; an ergonomic pillow to support the necks of her patients on and off the dental chair. After much hard work, Ms. Sheehan developed a prototype pillow in her spare time that she felt was ready for full production. She approached Workers Credit Union for financing to launch her new enterprise, Neck-O Pillow. Workers Credit Union could see the value in Ms. Sheehan’s business, but in order to secure the loan she needed an appropriate business plan and projections, neither of which Ms. Sheehan was prepared to produce on her own.

THE CHALLENGE: Entrepreneurial success requires, among other things, a broad skillset including accounting, marketing, planning, and managerial skills. The easiest way to develop these skills is through experience and formal business education. However, these avenues are not equally accessible to all aspiring entrepreneurs. This disparity has produced a shared sense of underdeveloped entrepreneurial capacity in communities across the country, both urban and rural. Lack of educational opportunities, poor connectivity infrastructure, and a general absence of human capital capable of providing mentorship and expertise in our communities all contribute to the high business failure rate in our nation’s villages, small towns, and even larger cities. RCAP is striving to surmount these obstacles by delivering the absent human capital to communities across the country in a cost-effective manner. In meeting this challenge, RCAP is building permanent entrepreneurial capacity among every-day Americans.

THE APPROACH & SOLUTION: To rise to the challenge detailed above, RCAP launched the Open for Business Program. The program delivers business expertise to rural communities through webinars, online workshops, and one-on-one business consultations made available to entrepreneurs at no cost. All services are delivered remotely to reduce cost and maximize geographic reach.

Ellen Sheehan utilized this program to receive free guidance from RCAP’s experienced consultants. The RCAP consulting team worked with Ms. Sheehan to develop her business plan and financial projections to model her path to success. At the time of this writing, Ms. Sheehan received 159.5 hours of free one-on-one consulting assistance.

THE IMPACT: The most tangible impact of the assistance received by Ms. Sheehan is the business plan and projections that she was able to produce with the guidance of our senior consultants. These documents enabled Ms. Sheehan to return to Workers Credit Union and successfully apply for SBA small business financing. With her secured capital, Ms. Sheehan was able to contract with a Massachusetts-based contract manufacturer to begin production of her pillows. The senior consulting team was also able to advise Ms. Sheehan on her digital marketing strategy and guide her in the complicated process of becoming a successful seller on Amazon. Today, she is steadily making sales and receiving substantial traffic on her website.

Despite these material benefits to Ms. Sheehan and her business, the greatest impact may be more intangible. The projections Ms. Sheehan produced with the assistance of our team did convince the lender that Ms. Sheehan’s business had great potential for growth but more importantly, it convinced Ms. Sheehan that her business idea was feasible and has the potential to grow into a successful enterprise.

In a follow-up interview conducted for the purposes of this case study, Ms. Sheehan shared that over one year since she first engaged with RCAP she still looks back at the original projections she made with our team for inspiration. “Seeing that growth potential on paper still keeps me going,” Ms. Sheehan reported. Ms. Sheehan went on to share that the knowledge our consultants brought to her was invaluable and that their flexible availability and positive demeanor reassured her that she, and Neck-O Pillow, could succeed. If not for RCAP’s Open for Business Program, it is likely that Ms. Sheehan never would have launched Neck-O Pillow. In her own words, “getting your contact info was the best thing that could have happened to me…I don’t think I could have done this without you guys.”

REGISTER HERE
 
RCAP Solutions and the New England Water Environment Association (NEWEA) are hosting an in-person workshop for small and rural wastewater utilities to build financial, managerial, and operational capacity for their systems. Coffee, donuts, and lunch are included.

REGISTER HERE
 
This course is intended to inform environmental health professionals everything they need to know about private wells. Topics will include:

  • Private Wells vs. Public Water Systems
  • Groundwater and Well Construction
  • Common Contaminants and Testing

 
Need help managing your finances? Interested in developing a sustainable spending plan? At this workshop you will learn about managing personal finances and be empowered to make better decisions in order to achieve financial stability for yourself and your family!

Proposed Legislation Would Enable Statewide Drinking Water Protections and Financial Assistance for Massachusetts Households With Private Wells

Right now, many Massachusetts residents who rely on private wells are consuming water that may be unsafe. Over 500,000 people throughout the Commonwealth rely on these wells, yet there are no statewide regulations to ensure private well water is safe from harmful contaminants such as PFAS, arsenic, radon, uranium, and more. In contrast, public water systems are regulated by the state and are subject to routine monitoring.

In January 2023, Senator Jamie Eldridge, Representative Dan Sena, and Representative Smitty Pignatelli filed legislation which would provide equitable access to safe drinking water for all Massachusetts residents – regardless of where they live and what their financial resources are.

An Act Promoting Drinking Water Quality for All (S.482/H.902) would enable the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) to develop regulations which would provide minimum statewide water quality standards for private wells supplying drinking water.

The regulations themselves would be developed by drinking water experts at MassDEP, likely in consultation with a technical advisory group and with a process for public input. To maximize public benefit, the bill would require MassDEP to evaluate practices to minimize the paperwork burden for affected parties.

In addition, the bill would expand the existing MassHousing Septic Repair Loan Program (SRLP) to provide low-income homeowners with access to financial assistance to remediate contaminated private wells.

“The importance of testing your well water is reflected in this important legislation put forth by Senator Eldridge, Representative Sena, and Representative Pignatelli,” said Brian D. Scales, President & CEO of RCAP Solutions. “Too many homeowners take for granted that their water is safe and clean. Water is all around us, we bathe in it, cook with it, and drink it on a daily basis. The only way to ensure all this water is clean and safe to consume is to have it tested.”

“We are grateful for the leadership of Senator Eldridge, Representative Sena, and Representative Pignatelli in addressing long-standing drinking water inequities,” explained Amie Shei, PhD, President & CEO of The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts. “The state regulates the wastewater leaving a home, yet it does not regulate private well water entering a home and being consumed. This legislation closes an important gap in access to safe drinking water.”

RCAP Solutions and The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts are working together to improve access to safe drinking water for private well owners. From 2020 to 2022, the Private Well Program to Protect Public Health, which has received nearly $1.5 million in grant funding from the Foundation, has conducted over 500 water quality tests across several Massachusetts towns and found that approximately 32% of wells had levels of contaminants exceeding state health standards and/or suggesting potential health risks. The Coalition for Safe Drinking Water was recently formed as a way to engage a wide range of stakeholders in working together to ensure safe drinking water for all Massachusetts residents.

For more information about this legislation, our private well programming, and the Coalition for Safe Drinking Water, please visit: www.whatsinyourwellwater.org.