On Thursday, October 5, Worcester Mayor Joe Petty awarded the Key to the City to Dr. Richard Hummel in recognition of his four decades of service to Community Healthlink and the Worcester community.

Dr. Hummel is a clinical psychologist known for his tireless commitment to his work and humanitarian efforts that have touched the lives of countless individuals.



His journey began in 1983 when he joined the Worcester Youth Guidance Center (WYG) as a clinician. Over the years, he became an integral part of the team, witnessing the merger of WYG with CHL and contributing significantly to community-based programs, particularly at Plumley Village. Residents there benefited from his expertise in group therapy, tutoring, and art and music therapy. 

His dedication extended to the psychology training program at CHL, where Dr. Hummel became a respected figure, offering seminars on topics like attachment, domestic violence, childhood abuse, and neglect. Currently, he works in the Juvenile Court Clinic (ICC) and the Together for Kids (TFK) program, where he plays a crucial role in helping at-risk children find a path to success, preventing school expulsions, and assessing risk in youth displaying dangerous behaviors. 

Not only does Dr. Hummel excel in his professional roles, but he also extends his expertise to private practice, providing consultation, assessment, and staff training for various agencies, including the Massachusetts Department of Mental Health, Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services, Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, and court-involved individuals. 

Beyond his clinical work, Dr. Hummel's participates in pick-up soccer games that unite diverse immigrant groups, fostering inclusivity and cultural exchange. Additionally, he volunteers his musical talents by playing the trumpet and drums at his church every Sunday. 

Dr. Hummel and his wife, Betsy, are deeply involved with the Worcester Alliance for Refugee Ministry (WARM). During the pandemic, he organized drum circles for refugee men and provided support to refugee youth through a learning pod at WARM. He also coordinated soccer and volleyball games at WARM picnics, further enriching the lives of Worcester's refugee community.