The Renaissance Award was established in 2004 through an endowment created by John W. (“Jack”) Lund, a founding member of the Foundation, who passed away in 2010 at age 90. Jack created the award to honor individuals in Worcester County who demonstrate exceptional commitment and innovation in the nonprofit sector.

Neddy will receive a $5,000 prize to support personal renewal through experiences such as travel or study. The Foundation will match the prize with a $5,000 unrestricted grant to the Spanish American Center.

Nominations for the Renaissance Award are solicited from the Foundation’s more than 250 corporators, with the winner ultimately selected by Foundation staff and board based on the quality of nominations received. Neddy stood out for her 40-year commitment to the Hispanic and Latino community, serving as a volunteer for six years before becoming the Center's long-standing Executive Director.

“My message to others working to make a difference is to never give up no matter what happens in life,” said Neddy. “Be passionate and pursue your dreams! A passion for helping others runs through my veins — this is what I want to pass on to those serving our communities.”

The Spanish American Center was founded by Latino community members and Catholic clergy in Leominster in 1966. It is the oldest social services organization serving the Hispanic and Latino community in Worcester County. For many years, the Center operated out of rented locations in Leominster and Fitchburg. Neddy's dream, which she made a reality in 2020, was to own a building with a commercial kitchen to help with the needs of the homeless and others in the community. 

Now, the Center offers a variety of programming and services to the community: a food pantry, domestic violence prevention services and community education, ESOL classes, after school and summer programs for youth, elder services, legal clinics, housing applications, emergency assistance and information and referral services. 

"Neddy quietly and thoughtfully serves her community," said Pete Dunn, President & CEO of Greater Worcester Community Foundation. "Through decades of committed leadership, she has made a profound difference in the lives of countless individuals in need.

Neddy plans to use a portion of the $5,000 cash prize to travel. “I would like to go somewhere relaxing with my family," she said, noting she has two newborn great-grandchildren. The rest will go to "helping others in the community", as will the $5,000 unrestricted grant to Spanish American Center. 

The Renaissance Award was presented to Neddy Latimer at Greater Worcester Community’s Annual Meeting on June 2.