Joe Antico

Category: Good Neighbor
Nominator: Kate Russo

What was their service?

Joe is a volunteer board member at the Bridgewater/Somerville YMCA.  He jumped into action in March when COVID closed our doors.  He supported ideas and brought them to fruition so that our Y could impact thousands in the community through our Food Security program. The impact the Bridgewater/Somerville has had during COVID around food security and the over 13,000 individuals we’ve served is directly correlated to Joe Antico’s volunteer leadership and support.

What motivated them to serve/volunteer? 

Joe has been a volunteer with the Y since 2018 and with the People Care Center for Non Profits for several more.  He is a hardworking business man who is successful and has a desire to give back not only in time and talent but his treasure as well.  He believes in giving back to his community as well as to supporting children and families.

What did they achieve/how did they make a difference? 

Joe sponsored the Spring Break meal distribution event for Somerville Public Schools at the Y, for all students in need Apr 6-13 when schools were closed.  He purchased breakfast and lunch daily including Easter Sunday.  2028 meals provided. In addition to the the Somerville School students, surplus food was provided to RWJUH (1172 meals) in Somerville providing meals for front line workers and 200 meals provided to Agape House in Somerville. Volunteered weekly from May 8-Oct 27, to transport meal boxes to the Somerville Y for distribution. 
Sponsored 4 community garden plots at the Y in Somerville and Bridgewater.  The Y was unable to secure a grant quickly and Joe stepped up to provide the resources to bring this idea from thought to fruition.  The gardens provided tomatoes, cabbage and cucumbers to our weekly food distribution program starting in July.  Sponsored a holiday meal bag distribution in coordination with the People Care Center for NonProfits for Thanksgiving and December serving over 300 families. Sponsored a single parent family of four for Christmas  who is on financial assistance at the Y.  In lieu of gifts with his family this year, he and his wife supported this family with a substantial holiday keeping the spirit of Christmas alive. He made a different in the community through the number of individuals served through ensuring food was accessible to all. Thousands of individuals were provided meals because of Joe.