Meet the Team

The Pakachoag Center "Team" is a compilation of individuals who host programs, classes, and events at the Center. Each person contributes uniquely to our community, creating a rich and diverse atmosphere. While it is the collective effort of everyone involved that truly makes Pakachoag special, we do have a few dedicated staff.

Program and Outreach Director

Mary Robbins

Mary is committed to developing programs and experiences that foster connection, uplift spirits, and serve the common good. Her dedication to making a positive impact is evident in every initiative she undertakes. Through her work, she aims to create a sense of belonging and understanding in the community.

Pakachoag Church Minister Emeritis

Dennis R. Knight

Dennis has dedicated over forty years to Pakachoag Church, navigating two distinct appointments. As congregational life has evolved, he is now guiding a church that has transformed significantly from its former self. His vision is to revitalize the Church's identity and mission through the creation of the Pakachoag Center for Arts, Recreation, Spirituality, and Culture. This initiative maintains the Church's outward-facing identity and ensures its resources serve the community meaningfully, promoting inclusive values that reflect the essence of "Pakachoag."

Pakachoag Foundation Trustee

Jeff LaBonte

Jeff has been a dedicated resident of Auburn and a valued supporter of Pakachoag Church for many years. With extensive leadership experience in various community and non-profit organizations, including the Auburn Chamber of Commerce and the Pakachoag Foundation, he is passionate about making a positive impact. Jeff is committed to ensuring that Pakachoag Church and the Pakachoag Center effectively steward their resources for the benefit of everyone in the region. His involvement in local sports and community initiatives reflects his dedication to service and community well-being.

About the Pakachoag Center

Pakachoag Church has a long history of using assets to serve the common good. Pakachoag Center continues that legacy -- not just as a building, but as a gathering place for programs, events, and partnerships that strengthen the community.

The Center welcomes a wide range of people including affinity groups that meet here periodically in an effort to reinforce and enhance underserved or marginalized communities.

The Center's rental structure is designed to keep the space open and accessible to as many people as possible. Standard rates cover the building's essential costs, while discounted and proposal-based rates make it possible for others to host meaningful, mission-aligned events, regardless of budget. This shared approach reflects the spirit of the Center's mission: everyone contributes in their own way and together we create a welcoming community space.

Community Programs

Welcome to the Pakachoag Center, where individuals, groups and organizations come to nourish, serve and strengthen community. Pakachoag Church has a long history of dedicating its resources and space toward the common good. The Pakachoag Center expands on that legacy as a gathering place for programs, events and partnerships that embrace diversity, challenge prejudice and celebrate differences; a gathering place for all who share a vision of a more connected and compassionate world.

A History of Supporting Underserved Communities

Predecessor Support Group to AIDS Project Worcester

"During the early to mid-80’s, residents of the city of Worcester and its surrounding suburbs began to be infected with HIV in increasing numbers. With few government or community services available at the time, those early individuals and families found comfort and support particularly in Pakachoag Community Church in Auburn. As the numbers grew through the mid-80’s the complexity of needs expanded. As a result, the need for more services became clearly evident. Out of community discussions concerning how best to meet those needs AIDS Project Worcester, Inc. was born." Aids Project Worcester

A Welcoming Space for Social Impact

Several impactful groups, including EPIC Service Warriors Worcester, a program focused on community service and leadership development for youth with disabilities aged 16 -23; Rise Above, an organization dedicated to offering enriching activities and opportunities for children in foster care across Massachusetts; and MSPCC Kidsnet, an organization that connects foster, pre-adoptive, and kinship families with essential information, resources, and support networks to navigate the challenges of raising foster children. Other effective groups that frequent the Center include the Autism Resource Center of Central MA that provides education, family activities, referrals and support for children and families affected by autism in Central MA; and many manifestations of the DCF system ranging from family events to wellness events for DCF staff.

Aburn Centered Community Events

Known locally as a central hub for community events, the Pakachoag Center serves a number of Auburn organizations including the Friends of the Auburn Public Library, the Auburn Historical Society and Museum and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce for their monthly and/or annual events. The Center celebrates local first responders with an annual summer cookout, and partners with the Auburn Senior Center to offer the monthly Memory Cafe. The annual Cookies and Carols event highlights the magnificent 1997 Dobson Organ, a remarkable instrument designed for a wide array of musical performances, and brings together all who wish to gather together in the spirit of the holiday season.

Community Connections

From tap to cake decorating to lifesaving CPR classes and our newly launched Community Cafe, the Pakachoag Center offers welcoming programs that meet the interests and needs of the wider community. A new partnership with LDFA Music and their associated non-profit "Music Includes of Northborough" will welcome in the new year with a series of concerts/ performances that are certain to excite and entertain while contributing to worthy causes.