Laura Farnsworth
Director of Safe Homes & Worcester PFLAG

Laura first became involved with Safe Homes as an Adult Advisor eleven years ago, shortly after Safe Homes started.  A few years later as Program Manager, she introduced the idea of peer leadership to the program.  Laura formed a peer led steering committee and the program evolved to a Youth Led, Adult Advised group.  Seeing a need to connect parents and families with services, she joined forces with Greater Worcester PFLAG to host monthly support groups for family and community members.  She took Safe Homes services to the next level when she recognized the need to educate youth workers, students, foster parents, educators and other community providers seeking competencies in working with LGBTQ youth.

Laura has become an important resource and leader in Worcester's LGBTQ community and is recognized as the "go to person" for people seeking a myraid of supports and services.  She serves as a board member for 21^st Century Worcester Pride, is a member of Worcester's Homeless Youth Task Force and a GLSEN (Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network) Trainer for Safe Schools among other things.  Her passion and dedication to the youth and community she serves has brought support, education, advocacy and a friend to all who are in need in Worcester County and the surrounding areas.

Michael Petracca
Clinician

Michael volunteered at Safe Homes as an adult advisor for two years before taking the role of Clinician.  He also works as an Adjustment Counselor at a therapeutic High School.  He grew up in Rochester, NY and received his B.A. in Psychology at SUNY Geneseo, and his M.A. in Counseling at Assumption College in Worcester.  He started volunteering at Safe Homes because he wanted to be a part of such a valuable resource and community support system that helps LGBTQ youth in countless ways.  When he is not working with adolescents, he enjoys playing and watching sports, playing the drums, cooking, and sals dancing.   "It has truly been a privalege working with the youth of Safe Homes, seeing their resilency, and watching them grow into wonderful young adults and leaders." says Michael

Allison Tremblay
Peer Support Worker

Allison started coming to Safe Homes as a young person in High School.  With support from Safe Homes, Allison gained a new sense of self and became known for her leadership skills at Safe Homes and SWAGLY.

After earning her degree Allison came back to Safe Homes and was hired by The Bridge of Central MA as a Peer Support Worker for TASI (Transition Age Supports to Independents).

Peer Support Workers use personal experiences to help others.  A few of those hours each week is dedicated to work at Safe Homes.  As a former peer leader and young person struggling with sexual orientation, Allison is the perfect person to help our young people know that "it gets better".  She is there every week offering encouragement, compassion, and an open ear for those needing to be heard.  We are proud to have come full circle with Allison and have her as part of our team.  (Learn more about Allison)