Letter from the Executive Director
1/26/2026
Dear GAACC Community,
I’ll be writing these letters each year as a way to stay accountable, to share what we’ve accomplished, where we’re headed, and how your support makes this work possible.
As I reflect on the past year, I am grateful for the continued support of our board, volunteers, donors, partners, and families. Together, we have made meaningful strides in strengthening programs and building a more responsive, effective organization for the children and families we serve.
Over the past year, we launched a free, arts-based Nicky O Afterschool program, providing students with a creative, supportive space to build confidence, express themselves, and connect with peers. We distributed essential school supplies to 130 children through our Backpack Program, ensuring every child is prepared to learn. We provided $2,100 in financial assistance through our Daycare Assistance Program, enabling access to quality childcare. Through Christmas is For Kids, we provided 294 hours of free parent workshops empowering families with knowledge and skills for a brighter future and served over 700 children.
To support sustainable growth and shared leadership, we formed three active committees—Events, Education, and Christmas Is For Kids (CIFK). These committees play a critical role in advancing our mission: the Events Committee strengthens fundraising and community engagement; the Education Committee guides youth programming, workshops, and partnerships; and the CIFK Committee oversees planning, volunteer coordination, and continuous improvement of our largest annual initiative.
Behind the scenes, we continue to improve our organizational infrastructure by investing in technology and systems that enhance efficiency, accountability, and long-term effectiveness. The purchase of our permanent home marks an important milestone and opens the door to the next chapter of our work in the community.
Looking ahead, we are excited to build on this momentum by expanding programming, deepening partnerships, and strengthening the systems that allow us to better serve our community. Thank you for your continued belief in our mission and for being part of this important work.
Dwayne Simmons
Executive Director
Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children
11/4/2024
Dear GAACC Community,
I hope this message finds you well. I am honored and excited to introduce myself as the new Executive Director of Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children. I am eager to embark on this journey with all of you, working together to further our mission and impact.
A little about my background: I have over 20 years of nonprofit management experience as the Director of Strategic Initiatives for Boston Scores and the Program Director for the Salesian Boys & Girls Club. My work in youth poetry has been recognized by President Obama in 2010 and I’ve also developed an online educational portal that delivers a worldwide social entrepreneurship curriculum.
My passion for enriching the lives of children in need for families in my community has driven my career, and I am committed to fostering growth and innovation within our organization.
I believe in the power of collaboration and open communication. As I settle into this role, my priority will be to engage with each of you—understanding your insights, aspirations, and the unique strengths that you bring to our team. Together, we can navigate the challenges ahead and seize new opportunities to serve our youth and community better.
In the coming weeks, I look forward to meeting you, whether in person or virtually. I am eager to hear your thoughts and ideas as we continue to build on the strong foundation laid by those who came before us. Your dedication and expertise are invaluable, and I am committed to supporting you in our shared mission.
Thank you for welcoming me into the Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children family. Let’s work together to make a meaningful impact!
Warm regards,
Dwayne Simmons
Executive Director
Greater Attleboro Area Council for Children
