Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 9/13/2023
SPRINGFIELD — For 50 years, the New North Citizens Council has been providing services to the Greater Springfield community. To honor this milestone, an anniversary gala will take place on Sept. 22 at 6 p.m., at MGM Springfield.
According to Executive Director Maria Ligus, the event is open to the public. Tickets cost $100 per person and $950 for tables, which is a $50 saving. Ligus shared that numbers had to be submitted by Sept. 8, however, she is hoping to reserve two tables of 10 for people who want to attend but missed the deadline. Those tables will be first come first served. To see if tickets are still available, call 413-746-4885.
At press time, Ligus said 312 people purchased tickets for the gala, but she expected that number to rise as the deadline approached.
During the event, several individuals will be honored including two people who will be receiving the Barbara Rivera Lifetime Achievement Award. According to the NNCC, Rivera led the nonprofit organization for 32 years and left a legacy.
One resident will be receiving the community award and four businesses will be receiving the business award.
Ligus said the individuals receiving awards are aware, however, the public will not know until the gala.
Kevin Cranston, who is retiring, will receive a special recognition.
The keynote speaker will be Gladys Oyola-Lopez, first Latino city clerk in Springfield.
Health and Human Services Commissioner Helen Caulton-Harris will serve as the mistress of ceremony.
Ligus shared that the NNCC is closer to building its new Barbara Rivera Community Center so she will likely be sharing an update on that during the gala. She added that groundwork has begun.
Ligus went on to say that the 50th anniversary is a “big deal” as some nonprofits do not last as long.
She explained that the NNCC provides “good services” such as family, youth and childcare services, to name a few.
Of the 50 years that the NNCC has been around, Ligus has been a part of it for 36 years. Over time, Ligus has seen it change and grow. For example, the NNCC started out hosting teen youth groups and bilingual hotlines. Now, it has Department of Children and Families-funded aid programming, disability services and everything is provided bilingually — in Spanish and English.
She added that the organization has been able to obtain funding from the city and state.
NNCC’s mission is to provide advocacy, public and human services to preserve and support families resulting in the improvement of quality of life, with an emphasis on the multicultural community. Today, it serves Springfield and its adjacent communities within Hampden County.
“[We are] excited about celebrating 50 years,” Ligus said.