Strong communities depend on a strong human services workforce. That message brought more than 200 human services professionals, self-advocates, legislators, and community members together on June 5 for The Caring Force’s Merrimack Valley Rally at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill. 

Vinfen staff, Metro Boston self-advocates, and members of the Employment Training Center joined colleagues from across the region to advocate for greater investment in the human services sector, including competitive wages, sustainable funding, and the resources needed to continue providing high-quality care and support. 

The rally was organized by 11 regional human services organizations—Advocates, Community Resources for Justice, COMPASS, Justice Resource Institute, Key Program, NEEDS Center, NFI, Opportunity Works, Seven Hills Foundation, Vinfen, and Waystone Health and Human Services—with Northern Essex Community College serving as host. 

Vinfen’s Vice President of Communications and Development David Brown served as emcee for the event, while Representative Tram Nguyen of the 18th Essex District delivered the keynote address, reaffirming her strong support for the human services workforce and the essential role it plays in communities across Massachusetts. 

By coming together with partners and advocates from across the region, Vinfen helped amplify a shared message: investing in human services means investing in healthier, stronger communities for everyone.