ACTON — When Barry Perkins, a well-known member of the Acton community, fell into hard times, the Town of Acton and Acton Public Safety gave Barry a second chance.
Earlier this year, after struggling financially, the Town of Acton learned that Barry, a beloved member of the community, had his car repossessed. Barry, in desperate need of support, was seen along the road with a simple yet heartbreaking sign that said, “Help.” That’s when the Town of Acton, Acton Police and Fire, and a number of local businesses and community members stepped in.
Barry is deaf and non-verbal, often having a hard time communicating. However, he has never let that stop him from making himself known in his community. Often recognized for his kindness, warm smiles, and friendly demeanor, Barry first met Fire Chief Anita Arnum in 1990 while working in the kitchen at Emerson Hospital with his twin brother Allan.
Sadly, Allan passed away from cancer in 2012, leaving Barry without his twin brother, closest companion, and primary source of support. It is believed that Barry has no immediate family members remaining.
Following his retirement from Emerson Hospital, Barry continued to work full-time at Donelan’s Supermarket, where he bagged groceries and assisted with a variety of store operations. Barry became a familiar face to countless residents throughout Acton and neighboring communities.
He greeted friends and strangers alike with warmth, enthusiasm, and often a heartfelt hug. Over the years, Barry became a beloved member of the community.
Two years ago, Acton Police Detective Jon Stackhouse first engaged with Barry after learning through a traffic stop that Barry’s car insurance had lapsed and that he was struggling. Knowing Barry and the communication challenges he faces, Det. Stackhouse stepped in to help get his insurance back on track.
However, earlier this year, Acton Police Officer Anna Gonzalez saw Barry standing along Route 2A with a sign that said: “Help.” It was later determined that once Donelan’s Supermarket was sold, Barry saw a decrease in hours, which resulted in financial hardships, and in February, after being stopped in a neighboring town, he had his car repossessed. Months of compounding hardships had left him vulnerable and in need of significant support.
Officer Gonzalez took Barry right to the Acton Public Safety Facility to learn more about his situation and how the community could band together to help. The community that Barry served for years, spreading positivity and kindness, had his back.
Chief Arnum and Acton Community Resources Coordinator Laura Ducharme became involved, along with Officer Leo Parnell, who is proficient in American Sign Language (ASL), Det. Stackhouse, Det. Leo Gower and numerous other community members. They talked with Barry and created a plan to get him back on track.
Through an extraordinary example of community collaboration, Barry has been able to regain his independence due to an overwhelming amount of support from his fellow community members. To date, the Acton community has helped Barry improve the safety of his current residence by reducing clutter and installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, secured affordable housing through the Maynard Housing Authority, assisted in updating and organizing important documents, obtained a cellphone and tablet to improve communication and access to services, and assisted Barry in securing a new vehicle through the Second Chance Cars program.
On Thursday, June 11, at 1 p.m., Barry will be presented with a new car through the Second Chance for Cars program at Montachusett Technical High School. Acton Public Safety Departments and local community groups assisted Barry with applying for and securing the vehicle in an effort to help Barry get back on his feet.
The Town of Acton would like to recognize Montachusett Technical High School for its generosity and student involvement in the Second Chance Cars Program, which assisted with and allowed Barry to receive this new vehicle.
“Barry’s story is one of resilience, perseverance, and the power of community. For decades, he quietly contributed to the lives of those around him through his work ethic, kindness, and unwavering positivity. Today, the community that Barry has touched for so many years has come together to support him during a difficult chapter in his life. Their efforts serve as a powerful reminder that when neighbors, public servants, and community organizations work together, remarkable things can happen,” said Chief Arnum.
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