DUXBURY & BROCKTON, Mass. -- VERC Enterprises, a leading convenience store and Mobil/Gulf gas station operator with locations throughout eastern Massachusetts and New Hampshire, recently completed renovations on the former Rectory adjacent to Trinity Academy in Brockton, Mass., and has partnered with Stonehill College to facilitate a graduate curriculum under the auspices of the Stonehill College Service Corps program.
VERC purchased the building, now known as the Community House at Trinity, from the Archdiocese of Boston in the fall of 2013. It has renovated the building and has leased it to Stonehill College. The college serves as Catholic advisors to Trinity Academy; and, for the past two years has partnered with Trinity as part of its Service Corps program, sending recent graduates to work with Trinity and with inner city residents.
Prior to Duxbury, Mass.-based VERC Enterprises' purchase and renovation of the 12-bedroom building, there was no housing for these Service Corps students.
The Community House at Trinity is now available to a select number of recent Stonehill graduates who have committed to a year of service. These students will live in the House for a year, receive a small stipend for expenses, and will work with various non-profit organizations in Brockton, including Trinity Academy.
"Our goal was to put this once-active rectory to good community use," said Leo Vercollone, president of VERC Enterprises, noting that the inspiration for the Community House came from his parents, Margaret and Eugene Vercollone.
One of the rooms within the Community House, the Mickey & Gene Reading Room, is named in honor of Margaret and Eugene.
"Their guiding principle of 'what would Jesus do' came through loud and clear, not only as they parented but also as they lived their lives," Vercollone said. "We believe that this Reading Room will serve as a representation and reflection of the values and ethics to which the Stonehill Corps members aspire."
The Mickey & Gene Reading Room will celebrate its official opening on October 1, when Trinity Academy, VERC Enterprises and Stonehill Service Corps will host a celebration at the Community House. They will offer a complimentary lunch and beverages, along with tours of Trinity's Upper Campus and the Community House.
Members help make our journalism possible. Become a CSP member today and unlock exclusive benefits, including unlimited access to all of our content. Sign up here.