October 21, 2024
Last week, REquipment celebrated its 10th anniversary in the Worcester Reuse Center warehouse. The program commandeered a Dept. of Developmental Services conference room and shared a slideshow of the program’s history with partner organizations, members of the state legislature, and others invited to share in the reverie and tour the reuse center operation.
The room was full, as were the hearts of those who attended.


“I want to join in screaming from the rooftops about this organization and the work that you are doing,” extolled State Sen. Robyn Kennedy.

Worcester Reuse Center Coordinator Jim Smith led the tour with Program Director Dan Perkins. Attendees learned how durable medical equipment is delivered, cleaned, repaired, and sanitized using a Hub Scrub with ultraviolet light.

The formal celebration began with a three minute film made about the program in 2018 that opens with the late Joe Tringali, a founding REquipment board member and the program director of Stavros Center for Independent Living, a REquipment reuse partner. (Captioned below)
State Representative Mindy Domb spoke after the video, explaining with tears in her eyes, “It’s because of a phone call from Joe Tringali that I became involved once I got elected in understanding this organization, recognizing what you do, and supporting it.” She spoke passionately about the program and presented REquipment Inc. CEO Adriana Mallozzi with a citation from the Massachusetts House of Representatives recognizing REquipment’s 10th anniversary.

“There are so many things that people love about this organization,” she said, emphasizing REquipment’s trust for people to identify what they need. “You are so easy to support. And I’ll be working with my colleagues in the legislature to continue to move forward with making sure that you have the funding you need to continue to meet the needs.”
Great words to hear as another budget-making season approaches!
Sen. Kennedy was also passionate and presented a letter on behalf of the entire Worcester delegation, congratulating the program on a decade of improving the independence of individuals with disabilities. “Your mission has made a profound impact on our community,” she was heartfelt in acknowledging.
In attendance, as well, were Rep. Bruce Ayers, founder of the Quincy Helping Hands reuse program, Kenneth Bergeron from Rep. James O’Day’s office, and Robert Totaro from Webster Five Savings Bank, who provided REquipment, Inc., a vital line of credit when the nonprofit was just launching in 2016.
“As a local savings bank, this is exactly the type of organization that you want to support,” he said as he accepted a REquipment Program Champion award.
“We will be telling everyone on Beacon Hill about this program,” promised Rep. Bruce Ayers. “It’s a game changer.”
REquipment program founder and retired CEO Karen Langley was feted during and after the formal presentation for her vision, dedication, tenacity, and personal sacrifice to bring REquipment to where it is today. Karen told the room that founding the REquipment program was the culmination of her long career in disability services and her most important work.
She used most of her time, however, to thank the staff and community and to acknowledge the passing of Program Director Jen Baker in 2022, who had helped to steer REquipment through the pandemic. Jen Baker was her great friend and partner in growing the program into a resource now heavily relied on by families, individuals, veterans, children, service providers, and therapists. “I called her every day,” she said.

Program champion and advocate Olivia Richard also attended. The video sharing her story as one of the program’s longest users and supporters closed out the presentation to remind attendees of the tremendous difference a reuse program makes for individuals and the Commonwealth as a whole when it is sustained over time. Applause greeted its conclusion.
“It was an incredible day,” exuded REquipment CEO Adriana Mallozzi, who worked overtime to see this anniversary properly acknowledged. “It was profoundly moving to hear how important the program is to so many. Everyone who has played a role feels a sense of ownership. This program truly belongs to the community.”
Attendees were lavished with food, balloons, and gifts donated by area businesses. Thanks to everyone expressing their love, support, and appreciation for REquipment.

When a community comes together with a clear mission, watch out! Truly, anything is possible.

