Welcome from our New Executive Director

Dear Friends of The Gray House,

It is with great pleasure and gratitude that I announce that I have joined The Gray House team as the new Executive Director.  As such, I would like to take this opportunity to introduce myself and share my story of how I became acquainted with this wonderful organization.

I come to The Gray House from Western New England University, where I served as the Assistant Director for the Office for Student Volunteerism.  There, I was tasked with facilitating volunteer opportunities between the campus and wider community, as well as creating service-related educational programming.  In addition, I oversaw the America Reads federal work study program, which trained up to 80 undergraduate tutors each academic year to serve within the Springfield Public School system, working one-on-one with students who were struggling to achieve reading proficiency skills.  Furthermore, I created and subsequently managed all operations of our on-campus food pantry, the BEAR Necessities Market, including purchasing, tracking inventory, staffing, and soliciting donations.

I was first introduced to The Gray House during the University’s annual “Make a Difference Weekend” event, where a group of student volunteers and I had the fortunate opportunity to assist in the distribution of food to local community members.  Although I was only at The Gray House a few hours that initial afternoon, the experience had a powerful and lasting effect on me.  From the moment our team stepped across the threshold of 22 Sheldon Street, feelings of peace and love prevailed, revealing that the mission of The Gray House, over three decades in the making, remains strong.

My favorite quote by Margaret Mead reads, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has” and to this end, I am truly honored to join such an amazing, dedicated team and will do all that I can to serve and elevate our community members to the best of my ability.

I would also like to thank my predecessor, Teresa Liberti, for her steadfast service and continued dedication to The Gray House.  Needless to say, I have some very big shoes to fill.  Her impact on both this organization and the city of Springfield will resonate long after her departure.

I look forward to the opportunity to get to know each and every one of you and sincerely appreciate your support of The Gray House.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me for any reason—be it to ask a question or ask for assistance, to share your talent or simply to share a story—I will be here.

Gratefully,

Kristen McClintock