The Massachusetts Lions District 33A recently awarded Nate Johnson of North Orange the 2025 Humanitarian Award. Johnson was nominated by the Athol Lions Club and presented with this prestigious award at the District 33A Mid-Winter Conference in Southbridge by Committee Chair Joni Laplante in the presence of representatives from all 46 Lions Clubs.

Johnson is the executive director of North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy (NQCA). The North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy mission statement states:

“North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy is an association to develop and support relationships for people who will benefit from guidance, companionship and/or advocacy. Our objective is to provide protection and advocacy for vulnerable people by fostering one-to-one personal relationships between people living in the North Quabbin Community.”

Reached on Tuesday, Johnson said that he was “grateful and humbled” to receive the award.

“The credit really goes to our volunteer advocates,” he said. “They’re just average citizens looking out for others.”

After attending Mount Wachusett Community College, where he received the Service Above Self award, Johnson went on to complete a bachelors degree in sociology at UMASS Amherst, concentrating in social work. In addition to his role at NQCA, he dedicates his time to serving on multiple boards in the community, including library trustee, Rotarian, North Quabbin Coalition, North Orange Community Church, Orange Culture Council and Franklin County Young Entrepreneurs Club.

Numerous testimonies were collected in in the nomination process. State Rep. Susannah Whipps wrote “He is an advocate for many of our citizens who feel they don’t have a voice.”

Former high school principal Dr. Francis Zak commented about the impact Johnson made in school on students and faculty. He was an active member of the key club and was the football student manager.

“I thought the school would have many resources to help him,” Zak said. “Instead, he helped all of us and inspired the entire school family.”

Johnson lives with cerebral palsy and is intimately aware of the need for support and advocacy for vulnerable populations. His heart, words, and selfless deeds enrich all who come in contact with him. He has generated more than 300 connections with people who “need people.” To quote Nate, “People need friends, people deserve friends, their life is better with friends, their life is often longer with friends.”

NQCA will be holding an upcoming fundraiser, “Soup & Song,” on March 21, from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Boiler Bar & Grille, 245 Tully Road, Orange. To learn more about North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy please call 978-633-4593 or visit www.nqcitizenadvocacy.org/.