“We are a small organization trying do big things in the lives of people.” — Bob Manasse
As Bob Manasse prepared to give what he thought were closing remarks at Mainstay’s 5th Annual “You Make a Difference Fundraiser”, the Board of Directors Chair was listening to fellow board member Ian Macnab talk about an individual who had spent a decade dedicated to advancing Mainstay’s mission. It might not have taken long for Manasse to realize that the dedicated individual Macnab was describing was him. Manasse was given the 2025 You Make a Difference award for his tireless work, advocacy and exceptional leadership.
Though his work as Managing Partner at the advisory firm BACINT Associates keeps him busy, Manasse is dedicated to Mainstay’s mission of improving the lives of those it serves.
“I am a strong believer that housing is a cornerstone of mental health, security, a person’s dignity and an ability to contribute to their and their family’s future,” said Manasse. “Having dignity and the ability to contribute to society is hard to do when you’re living in the street.”
Manasse grew up in Milan, Italy. He came to the United States for college and was a schoolteacher before entering the business world. He worked in international firms based around the globe — from New York City and Washington D.C. to London, Moscow, Brussels and Casablanca — before founding BACINT. The company helps international firms find footing in North America and develop a sales base.
The South Boston resident says he has a personal connection to the work done by Mainstay. His oldest grandson is 27 and has cerebral palsy. “The family lives in Atlanta where Mainstay type support services are hard to come by,” said Manasse. “My daughter has dedicated her life to securing a dedicated team of caregivers that support his activities and secures his ability to be a contributing member to society, to work in Guest Services at the Atlanta Braves baseball games, providing him a sense of freedom and purpose.”
Manasse says the fulfillment his grandson has is parallel to what Mainstay residents experience.
“Bob has been a steadfast supporter of ours for over a decade,” said Mainstay President and CEO Larry Oaks. “He has helped Mainstay with long term planning, with the expansion of our board and, of course. with fundraising. Bob stood by Mainstay and provided a steady presence during a global pandemic which threatened to shutter our programs, and he’s remained at the helm as we’ve emerged from that difficult period to record our most successful year as an agency ever in 2024-25. I am so grateful for all Bob has does for Mainstay.”
The respect between Manasse and Oaks is mutual. Manasse is proud of the work Oaks has accomplished since taking the helm at Mainstay in 2017.
“We faced huge challenges from both the organizational and financial side,” said Manasse. “I want to highlight the work that Larry, his team and the board accomplished during that transition. They put all the pieces together and secured financing. Today, we are in a much better place. That’s a huge accomplishment that should be recognized.”
Manasse says one of his goals as Board Chair is to take fundraising to the next level. Another is to bring on more board members who have the ability to reach out to the funding community.
The Board Chair applauds the entire Mainstay team. “They are dedicated professionals—from the caregivers to the senior management team,” said Manasse. “These people believe in their mission. Working with Mainstay is parallel to 1,000 points of light. Seeing the success of people in our homes contributing to society is fulfilling. We are lighting a few candles.”
Support Mainstay‘s clients and Residents in honor of Bob today!
