Message from our Board Chair and Executive Director

Dear Friends of Pernet,
Pernet’s mission remains solid in supporting families, and as technology continues to move forward and become an integral part of our daily lives, we are also moving forward with technology and communications platforms to spread the word of the important work we do, and better serve our community.

Two years ago, Pernet expanded our capacity and our technological security for our clients. A Capacity Building grant from the Sills Family Foundation allowed Pernet to purchase and install a HIPAA-compliant server and Sonic Wall. Not only will this help with government requirements for compliance, but the system has already helped to increase Pernet’s capacity for data storage. This new system also has reduced the exposure of sensitive information on individual desktops. An additional benefit has been our ability to use the server to increase the speed of internet connections on PCs in Pernet’s onsite computer lab. This is helpful to every client and neighborhood resident who uses the Lab to connect with family, to fill out job and college applications, and to submit applications for health and SNAP (formerly the food stamp program) benefits.
This year, the Sills Family Foundation has again generously granted Pernet Family Health Service a capacity building grant. Pernet is now in the process of instituting an electronic health record, in order to more effectively serve our clients. This will allow Pernet’s clients more face-to-face time with Pernet’s staff and less time on paperwork.

Another technology growth for Pernet has been the communications platforms of social media, we use to communicate with the communities we serve, both donors and clients. Once a new idea, social media, is not going away and Pernet Family Health Service has made a lot of progress over the past few years not only on the communications front but on several others as well. We have significantly expanded and improved the quality and content of our programs and grown revenue through increased grants. With engaged followers on one or more of the major social networks, organizations can effectively spread the word about advocacy work, fundraising campaigns, and new initiatives.

Social media has allowed us to tell the stories of our community including clients and donors. We would like you to be engaged with us on our journey of supporting the community through supporting whole families. Please follow us or like us on Twitter and Facebook, and on our LinkedIn and Instagram accounts.

We have dramatically increased our communications platforms beginning with a new website and a donor relationship software that allows us to engage with nearly 2,200 on our mailing list. We would like to take this a step further, and reach out to you with news and information through email. We ask you to send us your email information through our website at www.pernetfamilyhealth.org/contact.

Pernet used to be called “the best kept secret in Worcester.” We believe we have changed that image through your help and the help of new technology. We thank our faithful donors for all of your support financially, spiritually and physically.

Sincerely,
​Jack Woods, Board Chair
Sheilah Dooley, Executive Director