|
"Three decades of taking action"
By GAIL McCARTHY, Staff writer, Gloucester Daily Times
Advocate for homeless, low-income honored by colleagues, friends
 ROCKPORT -- Peter Anastas wanted to do more with his life than teach English.
One day almost 30 years ago, he saw an ad in the Gloucester Daily Times for a social worker and teacher with a local anti-poverty agency, Action Inc.
The job opening was for a Homestart teacher to help teach mothers to care for their children. The program was similar to Head Start where children were taught in a preschool setting. In this program, however, the teaching was done at a child's home.
But in the early 1970s, Action's board of directors believed it would not be prudent to send a man into the homes of single mothers. Instead, he was hired as a Homestart counselor.
The program became a success, in fact, a national model. Anastas traveled out west to Navajo reservations as well as to urban areas to replicate the program.
That was only the beginning of the achievements Anastas would bring to Action, now celebrating its 37th year.
At Action's annual meeting last night at the Rockport Country Club, Anastas was praised for his tireless work in the war against poverty.
"You, Peter Anastas, are the true essence of community action," said Mary Adams, a former colleague.
Anastas, who plans to retire in November, shunned the suggestion of any gala retirement party or accolades in the fall. But he agreed to allow a segment at the annual meeting to be set aside to recognize his nearly three decades of service to low-income families on Cape Ann.
He was roasted and toasted and embraced by colleagues and friends. He received a standing ovation from the more than 100 people who attended the event.
He received citations from the state Senate and House of Representatives, with Sen. Bruce Tarr and state Reps. Anthony Verga and Brad Hill honoring him.
William Dugan, the executive director of the Gloucester Housing Authority, presented Anastas with a resolution passed by five other housing authorities to honor him.
He was called everything from a champion of the most needy to a passionate advocate for the voiceless. In jest, he was also called "a gifted delegator of responsibility."
Fellow staffers chided him for the longevity of his cars. One colleague even counted up the number of Gloucester beach stickers on the window,
totaling 15, testament to the age of the vehicle.
"I know people make fun of my cars. But you know, we don't work at Action for the money," he later retorted.
Tim Riley, Action's deputy director, noted that Anastas is usually the first one at work with the best parking space.
"But Peter's a real pro who knows his business," said Riley on a more serious note. "He's an incredibly intelligent, articulate spokesman for Action and he'll be missed."
Tarr reminded the guest of honor that his mother used to babysit Anastas and change his diapers.
"I've been waiting a long time for this retirement," said Tarr, who is known for his stand-up addresses. "Now my mom -- who is turning 80 -- says she is available for retraining, and she'll try to put you back on the right track."
But like the others who spoke, Tarr became solemn, saying Anastas will be most remembered for his devotion to humankind, for his work helping those unable to help themselves.
"He has gone on to achieve such great things, not just in his writing but in his outreach," said Tarr. "When someone calls and we don't know how to help them, we often call Peter and he always says yes."
Action's executive director, William Rochford, honored his longtime colleague for years of spirited advocacy for the poor.
"Action is on a journey," Rochford said. "We haven't arrived there yet. But we're on our way, and Peter has changed the lives of so many people."
Anastas has taken that journey with Action and helped shaped the agency's mission. After those early years as a Homestart counselor, he became the director of advocacy and housing, as well as director of the homeless shelter. He also oversees the agency's education and training programs.
In fact, one staffer added up the number of lives Anastas touched.
Ronna Resnick, the director of employment and training, noted that so far this year, the advocacy program has worked directly with 500 hard-to-serve cases.
"If you do the math, the impact over 30 years amounts to over 15,000 people," she said. "He's helped them get the rent paid, get into stable housing, get them food and helped clothe their kids. He's helped the people in the most need retain their dignity."
Carlos Luna, a representative of the state Department of Housing and Community Development, praised both Action and Anastas.
He said Action's work impressed him because of the agency's willingness to venture into new waters.
"The staff isn't afraid to change direction and steer the ship where it's needed. Action isn't scared to look for the needs," he said. "I'm glad to be here, but I feel so sad Peter is leaving. But I commend Action for its 37 years and for looking for challenges."
After sitting quietly for about an hour, the guest of honor responded to the tribute.
"When I applied (at Action) I was at a crossroads in my life," Anastas said.
He talked about seeing poverty up close in Maine while working on a book about the Penobscot Indians.
"That opened my eyes to the poverty in my hometown of Gloucester, a place rich in art and ethnic traditions," he said.
The desire to do more and the job opening at Action became a catalyst for Anastas to pursue a new effort.
He acknowledged the influence of three friends whom he consulted about the job so many years ago: Jonathan Bayliss, Ray Bentley and Peter Parsons.
Bayliss wrote a recommendation to Action on behalf of Anastas, noting that the applicant infused every undertaking with enthusiasm and energy, two trademarks his colleagues will not soon forget.
This story ran on page one of the Gloucester Daily Times on 6/19/02
|
