WORCESTER, Mass. - Tim Garvin said teamwork has driven Worcester over the last 300 years.

“Our businesses. Small, big, large and corporate. It would be all of our nonprofits,” Garvin said. “It would be our neighborhoods and our resident groups. It would be everyone in the city.”

Garvin is the president and CEO of the United Way of Central Mass. Two years ago, it celebrated 100 years of service working hand in hand with Worcester.

“How do we work together?” Garvin said. “How do we make sure every life is listed and that we create hope and opportunity for every single person in the city?”

​Garvin said its unique partnerships which make Worcester so special. He’s proud of their youth development work, how they delivered meals during the pandemic, and the opportunities they’ve created through fundraising.

“We are here for everyone. No one is going to fall through the cracks. We are going to help everyone,” Garvin said. “It has just been an amazing effort."

Garvin said the work isn’t done. United Way is looking to the next 300 years with a focus on addressing food insecurity and the affordable housing crisis. 

“Happy birthday, Worcester,” Garvin said. “The last 300 years have been the platform. How to we continue to grow from here? We can do this.”