top of page

Run by The Winchendon CAC

The Hub logo in full color

Community Works

Youth Leadership & Workforce Development Program

youth standing in front of the Hub

Winchendon CAC's

Youth Changemaker Program

youth standing behind their sunshine cafe coffee cart

Program Overview

Community Works is a year-round youth leadership, workforce development, and community service initiative of the HEAL Collaborative, developed in response to needs and priorities identified by local youth and community members.

Led by the Winchendon Community Action Committee (CAC) in partnership with schools, businesses, municipalities, and community organizations, the program creates opportunities for youth ages 14–21 in Winchendon and Gardner to learn, lead, belong, and make a difference.

Through paid, stipend-supported work experiences, mentorship, training, and community service, youth build the confidence, relationships, skills, and experiences needed to thrive in work, school, and life.

The program offers two connected cohorts each year, allowing new participants to build foundational skills while returning youth advance into leadership and more independent roles.

Program Structure

Community Works operates through two distinct but connected paid cohorts.

A) School-Year Cohort | September–May

A flexible, part-time program combining workforce experience, leadership development, and community service.

  • Monthly workshops, trainings, and career exploration opportunities

  • Regular worksite experiences and community service projects

  • Individual mentorship, goal setting, and progress reviews

  • Stipends for participation and completion of agreed-upon activities

  • Opportunities to prepare for and transition into the summer cohort

B) Summer Cohort | June–August

An intensive workforce and leadership experience that builds on the school-year program and is also available to new youth participants.

  • Orientation and structured worksite placements

  • Weekly training, career exploration, and team-building activities

  • Community service and youth-led projects

  • Regular mentorship and worksite coaching

  • Stipends tied to participation, work responsibilities, and program requirements

  • End-of-program evaluation, reflection, and recognition

Youth Leadership Pathway

Each cohort includes opportunities for two levels of participation:

  • New Participants: Youth developing foundational skills through structured training, mentorship, and supported worksite experiences.

  • Returning Youth Changemakers: Youth who have completed initial training and return in advanced roles, including peer mentoring, project leadership, greater worksite responsibility, and individualized professional development.

Youth may participate in either cohort independently or continue throughout the year, advancing as their skills and interests develop.

Core Program
Compass

Soft Gradient Background
three youth smiling at camera
youth at city council meeting
youth smiling at camera
youth blindfolded and doing a team building activity

Leadership

Building confidence, teamwork, responsibility, communication, decision-making, and the ability to lead others.

Opportunity & Growth

Developing workforce readiness, practical life skills, career awareness, customer service and communication skills,  financial literacy, and pathways to future education and employment.

Belonging & Inclusion

Creating safe, supportive spaces where youth feel valued, develop their identity, celebrate diversity, and build meaningful relationships.

Making a Difference

Empowering youth to contribute to their communities through service, civic engagement, and youth-led initiatives.

Youth Recruitment & Worksite Placement

  • APPLICATION: Youth apply through a common application process. Applications and resumes are reviewed by youth and adult program leaders and worksite representatives.

  • PLACEMENT: Placements are based on interests, experience, readiness, and available opportunities.

Foundational Worksites: Structured placements with additional coaching and supervision. Potential sites include:

  • CAC / The HUB (Sunshine Café, Food Pantry, Community Threads)

  • Gardner Youth Center

  • Senior Center

  • Growing Places

Advanced Worksites: Placements with greater independence, specialized responsibilities, or leadership opportunities. Potential sites include:

  • Town Hall and municipal departments

  • Parks and Recreation

  • Local businesses and financial institutions

  • Regional Food Processing Center

  • Other nonprofit and community partners

  • Local Restaurants/NCM Chamber

Youth may advance to more independent placements based on demonstrated readiness, interests, and recommendations from mentors and worksite coaches.

Training & Youth Development

Training combines practical workforce skills, leadership development, community learning, and career exploration.

Core Training Topics (These will be taught ON SITE during workforce site hours as well as during scheduled workshop and training sessions)

  • Leadership, teamwork, and public speaking

  • Customer service and professional communication

  • Resume writing, interviews, and career exploration

  • Financial literacy and economic empowerment

  • Food systems and community health

  • Food Service

  • Social inclusion, diversity, and belonging

  • Life skills, goal setting, and problem-solving

  • Civic engagement and community service

Optional Certifications: Youth may also have opportunities to earn industry-recognized certifications, including:

  • ServSafe Food Handler or Food Protection Manager

  • CPR / First Aid

  • Other job-specific certifications based on youth interests and worksite needs

Training will be adapted to the experience and developmental level of each participant. Returning Youth Changemakers will have access to more advanced training and leadership opportunities.

bottom of page