Ascentria Care Alliance is proud to recognize the extraordinary generosity and longstanding commitment of Gail and Edward Bucher, whose support has helped advance the organization’s mission for nearly three decades. In appreciation of their leadership and philanthropy, the central gathering area at Ascentria’s Worcester headquarters, The Lighthouse, has been named the Gail and Edward Bucher Community Space.
The Buchers have been dedicated supporters of Ascentria for almost 30 years. Gail previously served on the organization’s Board of Directors and now continues her involvement as a Board Member Emeritus, remaining actively engaged in governance committees and organizational initiatives.
A retired pharmaceutical scientist, Gail Bucher has long been involved in nonprofit leadership and service. In addition to her work with Ascentria, she has supported organizations including the Harvard Square Homeless Shelter and MCPHS University (formerly Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences). She has also served her community as a deacon and chaplain.
After graduating from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Edward joined the staff of MIT Laboratory where he spent his entire career as part of the staff and leadership of various groups in the electronic communications division. He has also served as treasurer of University Lutheran Church in Cambridge for over fifty years and he has been a member of the Directing Committee at the Lutheran Ministry at MIT for many years. Edward also is a member of the Corporation at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.
Gail and Edward have been especially passionate advocates for several Ascentria programs, including Ruth House, which provides shelter and support for young mothers and their children experiencing homelessness, and Good News Garage, that provides affordable and reliable transportation options to low-income individuals and families working toward economic stability.
The Buchers shared, “During our first visit to the Ascentria Lighthouse, it was obvious to us that this new space with its tremendous light exemplified safety, community, and hope. We’ve always believed that the physical environment matters—spaces can either limit people or empower their building new communities. The Lighthouse shows what’s possible when you create a place that reflects the dignity and potential of the people it serves.”
The Gail and Edward Bucher Community Space will serve as a welcoming area where staff, partners, and community members gather to collaborate and strengthen communities across New England. Angela Bovill, Ascentria’s President and CEO shared, “Naming this space honors the Buchers’ enduring belief in the power of community-centered care and their decades of leadership and generosity supporting Ascentria’s mission.”
If you would like to learn more about how you can utilize the Gail and Edward Bucher Community Space for an upcoming event, please reach out to Menahem “Ben” Bichotte, Director of Community Engagement, using our contact form.
About Ascentria Care Alliance
Ascentria Care Alliance is one of the largest nonprofit human services organizations in New England. For more than 150 years, Ascentria has been dedicated to strengthening communities and helping individuals and families move toward greater stability, health, and opportunity through a wide range of programs including refugee services, senior care and living, workforce development, and community-based support services.
