Community Action is happy to announce Richard Boyce as the second recipient of the Staff Spotlight employee recognition program. Boyce’s work in Community Action Head Start certainly demonstrates a staff member who has gone above and beyond and who exemplifies Community Action’s values.
As Sara Nies—who nominated Boyce—says, “Rich is constantly on the phone with families or meeting families in the office to help them complete applications, get connected with resources, provide them with food, diapers, or other necessities.” She goes on to say, "He never hesitates to help someone out who really needs it and he genuinely cares about people and the work he does. He's making a difference in family's lives.”
We couldn’t agree more. We had a chance to sit down with Rich and learn a little more about the work he does, how he makes a difference, and why the Danish Kringle is his favorite holiday snack:
Tell us a little about the work that you do with Community Action Head Start?
I was a Head Start Family Advocate for many years and in the last three years became a Family Engagement Coordinator supervising eight Family Advocates. I also coordinate all of our Father Involvement efforts as well as partnerships with many community agencies and professional sports teams like the MN Twins, Saints, and Timberwolves.
So, you're the point person for a few different partnerships, can you tell us a little about the work you do with Cradle of Hope?
I work with the Cradle of Hope to assist Head Start parents in finding resources for their children, specifically children ages 0-1. They also provide assistance to expectant mothers. They assist low income families with rent and utility assistance, etc. They also provide to HS families a Pack-n-Play so they have a safe place for the baby to sleep. They are provided free of charge to Head Start families through our partnership. We had over 25 families receive them in the last year. I also coordinate our partnership with the MN Diaper Bank who provides thousands of free diapers annually to Head Start families as well.
Do you have a favorite memory from your work at Community Action?
One favorite memory is my work with a certain homeless mom and her three children many years ago. They had lived in a hotel and in and out of shelters for several months. I eventually lost track of her and she returned three years later to say thanks and to share she was now living in her own home and running an in-home daycare. Such a great transformation. I feel blessed to be a part of those great success stories!!!
What is your go-to Christmas snack?
Favorite Christmas snack is Danish Kringle. My mom made it every year when she was alive and it remains my favorite. Can't find any as good as hers though!
