In 1829, WAMS was created, under a slightly different name, to help migrants who had been working on the Blackstone Canal. Over the years, WAMS turned to other mission work, but we returned to our roots in 2022-2023, when large groups of people fleeing war, violence, persecution, and poverty arrived in central Massachusetts. WAMS is not a migrant or refugee agency, but it is consistent with our mission to work with others who do good in our community by supporting and supplementing their more specialized services.
WAMS works to help our new neighbors in multiple ways.
- With a grant from the Massachusetts Home Missionary Union, WAMS created the position of Migrant Project Coordinator and filled it with Fran Graveson, a former business executive and future UCC minister. Fran connects, and works, with churches, social service agencies, and individuals interested in helping our new neighbors. She recruits and coordinates volunteers, distributes a bi-weekly newsletter, and provides workshops to inform interested people about migrant issues and needs.
- WAMS leads drives to get necessities for migrant families such as warm clothing, diapers, and personal care products.
- Working with the Director of the Office of New Americans at Friendly House in Worcester, WAMS has become the collection, storage, and distribution site for diapers, other baby products, and a variety of migrant family necessities.
We welcome everyone’s help. There are two ways to do it: make a cash donation to WAMS (6 Institute Rd., Worcester MA 01609, or by using the DONATE button on our website), and we will use every penny to buy necessary items; or go shopping for things on the priority list here:
Warm clothing, including sweat pants, sweat shirts, sweaters, and winter jackets for all ages and sizes
Boots
Feminine hygiene products
Diapers in all sizes
Nido powdered baby formula (available at some BJ’s stores) and
Personal care products such as soap, shampoo, razors, deodorant, shaving cream, and toothpaste.
We will be happy to do the shopping or to distribute items you bring to us. Please call Karen Ludington at (978) 660-4915 to set up a time to drop items off. We might be able to pick up donated items, as well, depending on location.
Please help support these families in need as they try to live in safety in our communities.