Katina Polemenako Honored for 40 Years of Helping Neighbors Keep the Heat On

SALEM, Mass. (October 2026) – For 40 years, Katina Polemenako has helped residents of Salem, Beverly, Peabody, Danvers, Gloucester and neighboring communities keep their lights on and their homes warm. That work has now earned her the Massachusetts Good Neighbor Energy Fund Chairman’s Award, presented at the recent Good Neighbor Energy Fund 41st Annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast.

Polemenako, a social worker at The Salvation Army North Shore Corps in Salem, has connected thousands of individuals and families with energy assistance and other social services over four decades. The Good Neighbor Energy Fund, administered by The Salvation Army, helps Massachusetts residents struggling to pay their energy bills, including many who do not qualify for government assistance. Established in 2008, the Chairman’s Award recognizes a person who has contributed significantly to the fund’s success over the years.

Visitors to her office, which is decorated in her signature pink, often arrive after a referral from a friend, neighbor or relative. Her clients range from young adults to multigenerational households, and many return to her year after year.

“For 40 years, people across the North Shore have been telling each other, ‘Bring them to Katina. Someone is going to help them,’” says Major Brian Thomas, The Salvation Army North Shore Corps. “That kind of trust isn’t built quickly. It comes from showing up, listening and solving problems one household at a time, and Katina has done that through some of the hardest winters local families have faced.”

When the cost of heating a home feels overwhelming, Katina offers more than assistance. She offers dignity and a reminder that we are in this together.

“When someone comes to me worried about keeping the heat on, I’m going to be direct with them about their situation and how we can help,” says Polemenako. “If I ever have to tell someone, ‘I can’t help you,’ I’m also going to find someone who can.”

North Shore residents who need help with heating or energy bills this winter can contact The Salvation Army North Shore Corps at (978) 922-4522 or visit salvationarmyma.org. For qualification guidelines for the Good Neighbor Energy Fund, visit magoodneighbor.org.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army helps more than 28 million people in nearly every zip code in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services. By providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, rehabilitation for those suffering from substance abuse, and clothing and shelter for people in need, The Salvation Army is doing the most good at our more than 7,400 centers of operation around the country. In 2024, Forbes ranked The Salvation Army 6th in its list of America's Top 100 Charities. And in 2021, The Chronicle of Philanthropy ranked The Salvation Army 2nd on its list of "America's Favorite Charities." For more information about supporting The Salvation Army or your local service centers, visit salvationarmyma.org. Follow us on X @SalvationArmyMA and #DoingTheMostGood.

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