Action celebrates helping those of Greater Cape Ann for 60 years

This article was originally published in the September 23rd, 2025 edition of the Gloucester Daily Times

By Ethan Forman | Staff Writer

For 60 years, the Gloucester-based human services nonprofit Action Inc. has been throwing a lifeline to those in need in Greater Cape Ann of fuel assistance, shelter, housing, education and other vital services.

Last Thursday, 242 friends, neighbors, business partners and community leaders marked the milestone with a celebration and fundraiser at the Beauport Hotel on Commercial Street.

“For 60 years, our mission has remained the same — to provide stability and opportunity to individuals and families across our community,” Action Inc. CEO Peggy Hegarty-Steck said. “We are grateful for all the political officials, community partners, and donors who joined us to celebrate 60 years of providing services that meet the needs of Cape Ann residents.”

The sold-out celebration recognized Action Inc.’s work over six decades providing support to individuals and families in need. It also raised critical funding — more than $200,000 — to support these programs through sponsorships, ticket sales, donations and raffle tickets, according to Action Inc.

Proceeds will directly support those who turn to Action Inc. for emergency shelter, affordable housing, fuel assistance, job training, energy efficiency services and education programs, resources that help local families find stability and build a brighter future.

Among the evening’s special guests were state Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr, R-Gloucester, and Mayor Greg Verga. Also in attendance were current and former board members and former CEO Denton Crews.

Guests enjoyed a celebratory dinner, community and themed raffle baskets, and reflections on the organization’s past, present and future, according to Action Inc.

Since 1965, Action Inc. has provided stability, support, and opportunity to thousands of local residents. It continues to be a neighbor and resource for individuals and families across Greater Cape Ann.

“Being in the room and hearing the stories last night made me reflect on my own,” Verga said in an email to the Times the day after the celebration. “I remember being in the grocery store with my mother as a kid on more than one occasion, watching her carefully see the tally at the checkout and put things back on the shelf when we couldn’t afford them all.

“My story is not unique, and it’s heartbreaking that so many still face those struggles today. The work being done by Action Inc. helps families navigate these challenges, and I am immensely grateful for all they do for our residents. Their services truly make a difference for so many families here in Gloucester.”

Former City Council President Paul Lundberg, who is challenging Verga as a mayoral candidate in November’s Municipal Election, did not attend the celebration, but had praise for Action Inc.’s mission.

“Action’s role in our community — from energy assistance to shelter to education — is profound and helps so many of us,” Lundberg said. “We have gaps in our in our system of services and Action is filling many of those gaps with consistency and without missing a step. Many thanks and congratulations!”

During the celebration, attendees saw a video, produced by In The Car, highlighting the work Action Inc. does, including testimony from an adult education program graduate who spoke about her struggles growing up in Gloucester’s housing projects. She did not finish high school. She said she had difficulty going to Action Inc. to ask them for help 20 years ago when she started her family.

“Action saved the day by providing us with heat,” she said. At age 45, with the help of Action Inc. she was able to get her high school equivalency diploma, “and that has changed my whole outlook on life and I will now be the first generation in my family to go to college.”

The client was described in the video as “a perfect student” by Michele Ameno, Action Inc.’s adult education manager.

“You hear people talk about the cycle, you know, like you are brought up in poverty, you end up in poverty yourself, your children end up in poverty — We do everything we can to break that,” Ameno said.

“Thank you for six decades of work on all of our behalf and happy birthday, Action Inc.,” Tarr said during the video.