Susan Gentili Named Next President & CEO of SMOC

Last Wednesday, March 24, SMOC Executive Director Jim Cuddy and SMOC Board President Larry Scult announced that Susan Gentili will be the agency’s first female President and Chief Executive Officer as of July 1, 2021, following Jim Cuddy’s retirement on June 30, 2021.

Susan has been an integral part of SMOC for the last 32 years, beginning her career as a Housing Manager in which she managed SMOC’s real estate portfolio, including 60 affordable housing units at the time. Since then, Susan has assumed successive management roles including Case Manager, Director of SMOC’s shelter program, Division Director for Emergency Services, and Senior Director of Emergency Housing and Stabilization Programs. Most recently, Susan was named Chief Program Officer in 2017, in which she has managed over 500 employees and overseen SMOC’s emergency and supportive housing programs.

Thank you to MetroWest Daily News and Framingham Source for covering this story.

CLICK HERE for Emergency Housing Assistance During COVID-19

Begin the process by visiting the HCEC page. Due to the large increase in the number of applications to our rental and mortgage relief programs, our response time (not approval time) to applicants is taking longer than usual. We appreciate your patience while our staff reviews the applications in the order in which they were received.

Black Lives Matter

In the wake of the recent murders of Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery, Tony McDade, Nina Pop, Oluwatoyin "Toyin" Salau, Rayshard Brooks, and countless other Black men, women, and children I have been dedicating my time to listening and reflecting on the long historical impact of racial injustice. It is a national tragedy and we must be united in standing up against all forms of racism and oppression.

All Black Lives Matter. Social and economic justice are at the core of our mission at SMOC and we plan on continuing to carry out that mission with actions that match our words. Going forward we remain committed to redoubling our efforts to identify and dismantle systemic racism both inside and outside our walls. We stand with the entire Black Community – We must protect, uplift, and amplify diversity and inclusion for our Black men, women, children, and LGBTQ+ community.

Listed below are some of the actions SMOC is and will be taking:

• We will operationalize our Diversity, Access, Inclusion, and Equity Committee based on the framework developed by the pilot group in 2020. The committee will help guide our continued efforts as an agency to provide leadership and facilitate conversations on matters of social justices.
• We are holding workshops for our staff to directly address the trauma brought on by racism, police brutality, and racially-motivated violence.
• Our board has recommitted to emphasizing diversity and inclusion in board recruitment and nomination practices and by partnering with community educators and organizers to ensure the board reflects the diverse communities we serve.
• The Framingham Community & Cultural Center, along with its community partners, will offer support, resources, and programs to young people who will become the next generation of social and racial justice leaders.

The Margaret Fund

SMOC is establishing a fund in honor of our beloved employee of 50 years, Margaret Davitt, who we are sad to announce passed away of Covid -19 on May 14, 2020. The Margaret Fund will provide grants of up to $50 to unaccompanied single adults who reside in SMOC's supportive housing continuum, for the purchase of an item that will aid in their efforts to sustain and nourish their recovery. The recipients's advocate, case manager or housing coordinator at SMOC will be responsible for making the request.

Margaret did many things during her fifty years with SMOC, starting as a street outreach counselor, overseeing Head Start and Day Care for decades, and serving as the organization's Deputy Director for Programs. She dearly loved the role of Detox Nurse, which she did for many years.

Most importantly, Margaret was the spiritual center of the SMOC universe. She was also a notoriously 'soft touch' throughout her entire career. To those who are able, please consider donating whatever you can.

To make a tax-deductible donation to the Margaret Fund, PLEASE CLICK HERE and specify that your gift is in memory of Margaret Davitt or to support The Margaret Fund in the drop down menu. Or, mail a check to SMOC, memo line "The Margaret Fund", 7 Bishop Street, Framingham, MA 01702.

-Jim Cuddy, Executive Director

COVID 19 Crisis Resources List

The SMOC Team has compiled a listing of information and resources to aid individuals and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. The guide is organized by municipality, and contains contact information for local food pantries, sexual and domestic violence support services, school schedules, fuel assistance, and more.

Download our RECOVERY RESOURCES HERE

Download our RESOURCE GUIDE BELOW
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