C.A.R.E. Leicester

Community Advocates for Resource Engagement (C.A.R.E. Leicester) was founded in 2023 by a group of volunteers committed to making Leicester a more dynamic and welcoming place to live, work, learn, and play.

Since then, the organization has completed several impactful projects and is now poised to build on that momemtum. They have:

Initiated the ARPA Community Grant Program, delivering critical relief to local businesses and organizations in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Helped upgrade Leicester High School's Career and Technical Education classrooms, equipping students with tools and resources to support hands-on learning.
Launched the annual "Team Up 2 Clean Up" initiative, mobilizing residents to promote environmental stewardship and enhance community pride.
Coordinated annual Family Fun Food Festivals on the Town Common in partnerships with Leicester Parks and Recreation and Bri's Sweet Treats, fostering community engagement and local collaboration.

To read a great article about the relationship between C.A.R.E. Leicester and Community Heart & Soul, click HERE.

C.A.R.E. Leicester launched Community Heart & Soul, a two year resident-driven program that seeks to engage everyone in the community to identify what they love most about Leicester, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it.

Community Heart & Soul operates on three powerful principles:

Involve everyone. Hearing from all residents, especially those whose voices are missing or overlooked, is a top priority. Engagement happens where people already gather, block parties, schools, fairs, and other community events.
Focus on what matters most. When residents share what they love about where they live and identify their hopes for the future, common themes emerge. These are the things that matter most to residents and become the foundation for sound decision-making.
Play the long game. Creating a lasting impact builds strong, resilient communities that continue to thrive long after the formal process is complete.

According to Cat Ingraham White, our CH&S coach, "When the community comes together, this program becomes more than a one-time effort — it grows into a practice that can guide and strengthen Leicester for generations to come."

Thank you to Community Heart & Soul for your guidance and partnership!

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is Central Massachusetts's leading community foundation, leveraging its expertise and resources to address the region's most pressing needs. With its support and funding, C.A.R.E. was able to bring Community Heart & Soul to Leicester.

Excerpts from GWCF News - February 25, 2026

Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Community Heart & Soul have announced a new partnership to help strengthen smaller towns across Worcester County by expanding access to a proven, resident-driven approach to community engagement.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation identified Community Heart & Soul as a strong fit for its commitment to supporting local leadership, strengthening civic life, and helping communities respond to challenges and opportunities with clarity and unity.

Combining Community Heart & Soul’s resident-driven approach with Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s local relationships, expertise, and resources, the partnership aims to leave a lasting impact on towns across Worcester County by helping residents and local leaders come together around what matters most.

The first two Worcester County towns participating in Community Heart & Soul through this partnership are Leicester and North Brookfield, with Greater Worcester Community Foundation also providing funding for existing Community Heart & Soul town, Winchendon. Over the next year, the Foundation hopes to engage at least two additional small towns in this initiative.

C.A.R.E. Leicester is deeply grateful to Greater Worcester Community Foundation for including our community in this important initiative and for their continued support.

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