VOC Annual Report 2022

providing warmth in homes, places to learn and hope for the future

The above headline, in a nutshell, is what Valley Opportunity Council is all about. It’s not all that we do, but in managing the federal fuel assistance program and providing heat to thousands, offering affordable education and care for children and holding English language classes for adult speakers of other languages is at our core. We are all about the people we serve aspiring to lift themselves and their families toward growth and self-sufficiency.

The past year has been one of change and resiliency, not only for VOC but for the people we serve. During the pandemic the needs within our community changed overnight and persisted for a few years. We continued to provide the essential services listed above, but we had to pivot to address food insecurity and the provision of basics to our participants during the pandemic.

At the same time, VOC needed to increase our own capacity with the Commonwealth tasking the agency with assuming the Springfield fuel assistance program, expanding to serve all of Hampden County. In October of 2022 we cut the ribbon on VOC’s Fuel Assistance Springfield storefront at 555 State Street. Not long after that, we opened a second office in Springfield’s North End at 2460 Main Street.

Between the programs referenced here and our senior services, nutrition, housing, college access and career pathways, financial literacy programming and homeless and support services, VOC serves over 50,000 people in Hampden County.

We are proud to be able to serve so many so that their lives and the lives of their families can be better. None of this could be possible without the guidance of a supportive Board of Directors and the staff members, managers and administrators that make it happen every day. Thank you to all who have made VOC a go-to agency in the region and for making the future of those we serve better.

thank you to Our Board

VOC has a tripartite (three community segments) board structure that is designed to promote the participation of the entire community in the reduction or elimination of poverty. Community Action Agencies seek to involve elected public officials, private sector representatives, and especially low- and moderate-income residents, in assessing local needs and attacking the causes and conditions of poverty. We thank our Board Members for their service and commitment throughout the year.

Target Representatives

Abigail Arriaga

Stefany Escobar-Garcia

Matthew Mainville

Jolene Monfette

Gladys Suero

Eric Taub

Public Representatives

Corey Briere

Tony Diaz

Cheryl Figeroa

John Hale

Ken Parsons

Jackie Watson

Private Representatives

Sherleen Crespo

Ana Rodriguez

Greg Schwartz

Willie Spradley, Jr.

Zuzanna Zaluga

Mim Zayas

Steve Huntley

Executive Director Valley Opportunity Council

Affordable Housing

Goal: VOC will increase the number of affordable housing units available in Chicopee and Holyoke

Result: VOC purchased 30 Center Street in Chicopee and is renovating into affordable apartments. Once completed, the building will have eight units as a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, and commercial spaces on the ground floor. This building is in Chicopee Center and will create a safe, efficient, welcoming place to live and work.

VOC’s Strategic plan

Affordable Child Care

Goal: VOC will increase the availability and accessibility of affordable child care

Result: In 2022, Mount Holyoke College selected VOC to be the provider for its on-campus childcare at Gorse Children’s Center, becoming VOC’s largest childcare center providing affordable care for 101 children.

Job Training

Goal: VOC will increase job training programs and support these efforts throughout the area

Result: In 2022, VOC was able to raise the number of program slots for its CIES job training program from 22 to 44 participants, due to a significant increase in funding. The organization also increased its training and certification options.

Nutrition

Goal: VOC will work in collaboration to decrease the number of low-income families experiencing food insecurity

Result: VOC partners with local food banks and soup kitchens, providing weekly food deliveries in partnership with Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen, to households that are otherwise unable to access food resources.

Celebrating Successes and Growing Our Impact

through VOC’s tuition reimbursement incentive and Department of early education and Care (eeC) scholarships, VOC staff are working on becoming eeC qualified and are working toward degrees!

participated in the Chicopee Chamber’s Spooktacular run

(Left to right) VOC executive Director Steve Huntley; Senator Jacob Oliveira; representative Orlando ramos; representative Shirley Arriaga; Lt. governor Kim Driscoll; representative Joseph Wagner; and Senator Adam gomez

VOC staff

in 2022, Valley Opportunity Council became the agency of record for providing fuel assistance for eligible residents of the City of Springfield, expanding its fuel assistance program to serve all of Hampden County. VOC opened two storefront locations in the City, the first at 555 State Street, which opened at the start of the heating season in October, and soon after, an office at 2460 main Street.

Staff Spotlight: Suaneth Marrero, Director of Fuel Assistance

VOC launched its Springfield fuel assistance program with a ribbon Cutting Celebration at its State Street location in October, with Springfield mayor Domenic Sarno, representatives Carlos gonzalez, Orlando ramos and Bud Williams, VOC fuel staff and members of the community.

Suaneth moved to massachusetts from puerto rico in 2014 with her husband and two children. She wanted to provide her children with different educational opportunities. Soon after arriving, she found her way to VOC’s Adult education program and took english for Speakers of Other Languages (eSOL) classes with the goal of improving her english, but describes getting so much more. “VOC for me represents my beginnings in this country, my opportunity to follow my dream. From improving my english to obtaining a job. VOC helped me personally and professionally,” Suaneth said.

Suaneth applied for a position with the Fuel Department in 2017 after receiving encouragement from staff at her eSOL class. She was hired as a Certifier, reviewing fuel applications on a daily basis. From there, Suaneth has never looked back.

Our Fuel Assistance team

She took on additional responsibilities in the department, including coordinating the Farmers’ market and Summer Lunch programs. in november 2018, Suaneth was promoted to the Assistant Director position, and in December 2019, became the interim program Director.

Suaneth’s strong leadership has been an asset to the Fuel Department and VOC. Within this fuel season alone, she has made marked changes that have transformed the way VOC operates. Suaneth is most proud of changing the way applications are managed, making the process more efficient.

“my goal is to change the mentality here – the person who calls could be your dad, brother, or son. For them, we will give 110% and go the extra mile.”

a family. People come and see this is more than just an agency. Here, they can get a fresh start and tools for a new beginning.”

Spotlight on Participants:

Sara, her husband and four children live in an old Victorian home that she describes as “drafty.” Both she and her husband are employed, and Sara is a first responder and also currently takes care of her mother.

Sara never thought her family would qualify for fuel assistance, but initially reached out about weatherization, and later received a letter encouraging them to apply for fuel assistance. Sara applied, and within a week received a call from Jessica Cruz, Certifier in Fuel Assistance. “Jessica helped me every step of the way,” Sara said.

Within this timeframe, their home’s water heater broke, and Jessica provided the family with the information they needed, along with information about weatherization.

Sara was able to use the assistance to pay for arrears and get back on track. “that is amazing, we are beyond excited.”

Because Sara and her family qualified for fuel assistance, they also qualify for HWAp (heating system repair and replacement) and are getting a new furnace. Because they will have an up-to-date heating system, they will be able to qualify for massSave that will help with insulating their home.

“You guys were amazing to work with. Couldn’t believe how easy you made the process. Jessica was attentive, it was beautiful. Thank you.”

Sara, Fuel Assistance Participant

maria is a full-time employee who also takes care of her 82-year-old mom who has health concerns. “i need to keep the home warm for my mom. With the prices of everything going up, it was becoming harder to pay for oil. We would have had to go without. A friend encouraged me to apply for fuel assistance due to the increased eligibility, i didn’t think i would qualify. i worked with Jessica in the Fuel office. She stayed on top of it and communicated everything.

“This is

– Suaneth Marrero

Jessica Cruz, Fuel Assistance Staff

If it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t have heat right now.”

– Maria

–

Adult Education

VOC’s Adult education program experienced a period of significant growth over the past year. many ukrainian refugees moved to the area, and VOC added an english for Speakers of Other Languages (eSOL) class and an additional Citizenship class to respond to the increased needs of the community. Classes are underway and are full.

the eSOL class was made possible through a partnership and funding from the Community Foundation of Western massachusetts in response to the high community need as evidenced by phone calls and referrals. VOC plans to continue to respond to the increased demand and shift as needed to best serve the community.

The VOC Adult Education Anthology has been an annual tradition for more than 20 years as a way to formally honor student writing. through the years, the Anthology has grown to include messages from staff, along with pictures and other graphics that connect to the students and their writings.

Adult education students write about themselves, their families and other things and experiences in their world. Last year, after two years of COVi D, the Anthology had a theme to focus on “things that bring us joy.”

each piece is written and revised, which involves writing instruction, modeling, and practice, and often means one-on-one meetings between the student and the instructor.

“these stories are theirs, and we strive to keep it that way, whether they are a beginning eSOL student or a high-level High School equivalency student writer. We have had students contribute narratives, fiction, poetry, recipes, interviews, and puzzles, and the cover artwork is often student-created,” said Jeanne Almanzar, Assistant program Coordinator for VOC’s Adult education program.

Big

i have a big family. they are wonderful. i have a mother, father, 4 brothers and 5 sisters. my family lives in ukraine. i have 17 nieces and nephews.

i miss my family, but we often communicate via Skype.

my parents live in a big house. For me it is the best place on earth, because i was born and raised there.

my family loves to get together, socialize, play games, and sing songs.

i love my family very much, and i want the war to end as soon as possible so that we can get together again.

Jeanne

Assistant Program Coordinator

the Anthologies are given out at the Adult education’s Annual recognition Ceremony each June. “the students love seeing their work in print, and often have each other sign their books,” Jeanne said. the Anthologies are also handed out to staff members who share in honoring and recognizing the growth of their students.

Binta is from mali and has been in VOC’s Adult education program since march 2022. Binta started her journey with VOC in the eSOL 3 and Citizenship class last Spring. She is an exemplary and devoted student; in the Fall, Binta was taking extra computer classes at the Springfield Library, and also became a massHire member.

Binta has passed her u SA naturalization interview and became a u.S. Citizen. She has just gotten a job at yankee Candle in South Deerfield, and has applied for the next HCC CnA training – her career goal is to become a nurse.

My

Family by Liudmyla, eSOL 2 Student

Adult Education Student, Binta

Liudmyla with her husband

Liudmyla’s Family

Excerpt from the Anthology

Almanzar,

This year’s Anthology cover artwork by student Tatiana Bucalova

Families First Program

Working with Holyoke Schools

VOC’s mt. Carmel and Churchill Center-based programs partnered with Families First to offer two power of parenting programs in Holyoke for 0-3 and 3-8 age groups. Staff from both centers took on the educator role for the 12- week courses to watch the children after their scheduled work hours so parents could take part in the classes and not have to worry about finding child care. mt. Carmel staff included Sheylin Vazquez and Denny robarge, and Churchill’s staff included yashira Calimano, Ana Diaz, and Ana Fernandez.

the power of parenting programs include interactive, skills-based parenting education and support. Seven of the sessions are interactive workshops focused on child development and building and strengthening parenting skills; three are parent Café-style discussion sessions allowing for parents to share as a group and strengthen their relationships as a cohort; and parent Leadership, which provides families with professional development opportunities, connections to community resources, and a graduation. programs are usually designed to take place at our partner sites — such as childcare centers or health centers — so parents can come together right in their own communities as well as learn about the resources that partners may have to offer. the graduation ceremony was at our mt. Carmel site.

“Being able to come together and support one another each week with parenting skills has brought me so much more pleasure at being a mama to my little one.”

– Amber Larrivee, program graduate

L-R: Israel Rivera (Families First), Angelena Madera (Families First), Tatiana Nieves (graduate), Sheylin Vazquez (Mt. Carmel Lead Teacher), Amber Larrivee (graduate), Denny Robarge (Mt. Carmel Classroom Team Leader), Jyton Hunter (Mt. Carmel Center Director), Jill Brevik (Families First)

“We are able to help the parents gain knowledge on behaviors, and how to take care of their children, because sometimes it’s hard, and it allows the families to express how they feel about being a parent, and allowing them to know they are not alone.”

Now Providing On-Campus Childcare at Gorse Children’s Center

VOC selected by Mount Holyoke College after extensive search

in July, VOC became the provider for mount Holyoke College’s on-campus gorse Children’s Center, becoming VOC’s largest childcare center serving 101 children. the college selected VOC after an extensive search. the Center serves children ages six weeks to six years as well as before and after school care for children up to 12 years of age.

there are a total of 10 classrooms which include 2 infant rooms, 3 toddler rooms, 2 preschool rooms, 2 k-prep rooms and a school-age classroom. Because gorse is located on the mount Holyoke College campus, college students are able to have hands-on experience with observation rooms in each classroom.

in making its selection, the College prioritized the ability to work with mount Holyoke to maintain and expand the high-quality child care program; willingness and ability to accept subsidies and state vouchers; the capacity to collaborate with the academic programs at mount Holyoke College; and a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Since VOC has begun overseeing the program, gorse has been able to provide subsidized care that was previously unavailable at the center.

According to Ashley goff, Center Director, “under VOC’s guidance gorse continues to provide the quality of care they are known for while now being accessible to all families.”

“I am literally crying right now. Thank you so much for all of your help and getting this to happen for our family! We always fall through the crack with our in- come being on the line and it is such a relief knowing that I have a full-time spot for [my daughter] next semester when I’m going to be doing my clinicals full-time. Thank you thank you thank you!”

–– Gorse family who became unable to afford the full fee for their child, and was assisted by VOC to obtain a subsidized slot

– Sheylin Vazquez, Mt. Carmel Lead Teacher

Energy Assistance

Kept 10,619 households warm through VOC’s Fuel Assistance rogram, including emergency funding to keep utilities on and to avoid heating emergencies.

eplaced or repaired inefficient heating systems for 895 individuals

Adult Education

264 individuals worked toward a brighter future through VOC’s Adult education programs

124 individuals developed stronger english language skills that opened up additional educational and job opportunities

16 individuals participated in VOC’s Citizenship classes

Senior Services

provided long-term companionship and support for 200 seniors, helping them maintain independent living

Housing

203 households were served by the VOC Housing program VOC Homeless and Supportive Services provided 12 scattered-site apartments for chronically homeless families

in 2022, more than 50,000 individuals in the greater area benefited from one or more VOC services.

Hampden County

Nutrition

7,057 pregnant and new mothers were provided with nutritional supports for themselves and their little ones through WiC

3,244 individuals and 15 vendors participated in VOC’s annual Farmers’ market

Early Education and Care

1,423 children thrived in our early education Center and FamilyBased programs.

238 youth participated in summer and after-school programs

early education and Care transportation provides 279 trips daily to and from programs

(reduced transportation numbers due to pandemic and health and safety requirements)

109 VOC Family Child Care providers are located throughout Western massachusetts

College Access and Career Pathways

1,435 individuals worked toward greater self-sufficiency for themselves and their families by preparing for college, career training and coaching through our geAr up, WiOA Out-of-School, CieS and youthWorks programs

1,305 college applications were submitted by geAr up program participants, and 817 instant acceptances were granted 13 CIES program participants were placed in jobs after completing the program, and 11 participants graduated from certificate programs

Community Supports

the Welcome Center successfully served 83 referrals since its inception, and provided $134,000 in support for rental and mortgage assistance and emergency utility shut-offs

743 individuals were provided assistance filing their Federal and State income tax returns through VOC’s Volunteer income tax Assistance (VitA) program

Providing Opportunities Through the CIES Program

the Comprehensive integrated employment Services (CieS) program provides adults with the support and resources needed to ultimately have a great career with a living wage. Due to the overall success of the program, in 2022 VOC received a significant increase in funding and was able to raise the number of program slots from 22 to 44 participants.

A collaboration between VOC, the Department of transitional Assistance (DtA), the united tractor trailer training School (utttS), participants who are receiving DtA benefits themselves or for a child were able to obtain a Commercial Drivers License or other certificate at no charge.

utttS provides courses in english and Spanish along with job coaching with the goal of 100% of participants receiving job placement upon graduation.

CieS participants are also provided access to all VOC services. Of those who participated in the program in 2022, 13 were placed in jobs, and 11 graduated certificate programs.

VOC Early Education Program Celebrates Arbor Day

VOC Churchill early education Center children and staff joined with the Department of Conservation and recreation’s (DCr) greening the gateway Cities program (ggC) to celebrate Arbor Day in Holyoke with a tree planting at Churchill green on Franklin Street. parents, families and the larger community gathered for snacks, crafts and prizes, and learned about caring for trees, Arbor Day, and conservation.

the ggC program plants trees in a variety of neighborhoods throughout massachusetts in identified gateway Cities. Locally, Holyoke, Chicopee, and Westfield are part of this program and thousands of trees have been planted, for free, in these cities.

CIES Participant Spotlights:

– Alvin, CIES participant

“My time with VOC was awesome. I am now in trucking school push- ing toward my Class A license, thanks to VOC. I also want to thank Genesis for pushing me & my girlfriend Maritza to the full- est to succeed in life and achieve every goal we have.”

VOC Hosts 2nd Annual Trunk or Treat!

the VOC trunk or treat tradition began during COVi D, when many large indoor events for children and families in the community were being canceled. the trunk or treat event provided a safe, fun and family-friendly event for the entire community, and this past October, families once again gathered in the mt. Carmel parking lot for an even bigger celebration, doubling our attendance from the first year.

Overall, more than 600 participants and 20 trunks were part of the event, which has created another great way to connect and welcome everyone to VOC.

Property Highlights

30 Center Street, Chicopee

VOC purchased 30 Center Street at the end of 2021, a threestory building in downtown Chicopee that is being renovated into affordable apartments. now on the top floor of the building there are two newly-renovated, one-bedroom apartments with new appliances and bathrooms with large walk-in showers. the apartments are also energy efficient with new doublepaned windows and a heat pump system. Once the project is completed, the building will have eight units as a mix of affordable and market-rate housing, and commercial spaces on the ground floor.

VOC would like to collaborate with area colleges to offer the new apartments as affordable housing for college students - a model not yet really seen in affordable housing. there is also a possibility of having a college satellite location on the ground floor of the building.

VOC received $750,000 in federal funds granted by the City of Chicopee to renovate the building, along with a $425,000 renovation grant from the City of Springfield, designed to help expand affordable housing options county-wide.

Current photo of the Center Street building.

GEAR UP

geAr up works with students in grades 7-12 at several middle and high schools in Springfield and Holyoke to offer mentoring and support with the entire college and financial aid process. in 2022, geAr up held its annual massachusetts College Application Celebrations (mCAC) at six high schools in Springfield and Holyoke, the first in-person mCAC events since COVi D. the mCACs require collaboration between geAr up advisors, guidance, administration at the high schools, and local colleges and universities willing to participate in the program’s instant acceptance program and on-the-spot scholarship offers.

According to mary Colon, geAr up regional Coordinator, “the best part of this event is seeing students who did not think they could ever go to college, walking out with an acceptance offer. the confidence and motivation to continue to do better is evident on their faces as they check out. Other students receive instant scholarship offers, students receive help with the applications, their FAFSA, finishing their essay letters, anything they need to finish to make them successful at this event.” this past year’s events achieved the highest numbers to date, with 604 student participants, 1,305 college applications submitted, and 817 instant college acceptances. Students were also offered over $10 million in scholarship funds from participating colleges and universities.

Participant spotlight:

“I appreciated how much help I received from Emily (GEAR UP Advisor) to prepare for it. I got into many schools that I did not expect to like Western New England and Westfield State. I got over $20,000 in scholarships.”

– Michael Raymond, GEAR UP Participant

GEAR UP VOC team members and members of the state GEAR UP team at the Go Higher event at the Basketball Hall of Fame.

GEAR UP Summer Program 2022

Runway for Diapers

In May, WIC hosted a Runway for Diapers Kids Fashion Show at the Castle of Knights in Chicopee. Admission to the event was a pack of diapers, which was donated to VOC’s Diaper Bank in Holyoke.

Diaper Bank

The Diaper Bank was created due to the increased need for diapers and lack of other resources, and is available to everyone in the community. The Diaper Bank is open regularly, and staff can also access diapers for existing VOC clients. Tufts has been a strong supporter and partner of the Diaper Bank since its inception.

Feedback from an Early Ed participant, who also benefited from the Diaper Bank:

My children Ezequiel and Lyanna attend the Churchill Early Education and Care Center. It is the best childcare my children have attended. I was also given a gift card and diapers when I needed it. Teachers and staff members are always welcoming. My kids have had a wonderful experience at the center.”

Tanya Early Ed Parent

Our 2022 Financials

LIABILITIES & NET ASSETS

Source of Funds 2022

Use of Funds 2022

VOC Program Directory

Adult Basic Education

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 3rd Floor

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 612-0206

Before/After-School & Summer Programs

Mt. Carmel Center

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 1st Floor

Chicopee, MA 01013

Montgomery Street Center

374 Montgomery Street

Chicopee, MA 01020

(413) 552-1559

Cabot Manor After-School Program

106 Stonina Drive

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 612-0120

Cabot Manor Summer Camp

106 Stonina Drive

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 612-0120

Cabot Manor Year-Round Youth Work Experience Program

106 Stonina Drive

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 612-0120

Center-Based Child Care

Cabot Manor Early Education & Child Care Center

106 Stonina Drive, Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 594-3230

Churchill Homes Early Education & Child Care Center

334 Elm Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 534-2480

Gorse Children’s Center

(Located at Mount Holyoke College)

27 Morgan Street

South Hadley, MA 01075

(413) 538-3351

Montgomery Street Early Education & Child Care Center

374 Montgomery Street, Chicopee, MA 01020

Mt. Carmel Early Education & Child Care Center

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 533-6407

VOC at Sullivan School

400 Jarvis Avenue, Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 256-8869

VOC at Morgan School

596 South Bridge Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 537-0529

VOC at Lawrence School

156 Cabot Street, Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 348-2987

Chicopee Farmers Market

Chicopee Street, Willimansett

(413) 552-1545

Citizenship

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 3rd Floor

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 612-0206

Comprehensive Integrated Employment Services (CIES)

300 High Street, 3rd Floor

Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 612-0206 ext 217

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 3rd Floor

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 612-0206

Family-Based Child Care Locations throughout Hampden County

(Birth-School Age)

(413) 552-1559 x329

Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP)

(Main Office) 300 High Street, 2nd Floor

Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 552-1548

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 2nd Floor

Chicopee, MA 01013

100 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085 (WG&E office)

555 State Street Springfield, MA 01109

2460 Main Street

Springfield, MA 01107

GEAR UP

300 High Street, 3rd Floor

Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 437-2040

Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program (HEARTWAP)

300 High Street, 2nd Floor

Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 552-1548

Homeless Prevention

300 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 534-2466

Housing Management

516 Chicopee Street

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 594-3271

Main Street Shelter

300 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 534-2466

Scattered-Site Permanent Supportive Housing

300 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 534-2466

Senior Companion Program, AmeriCorps Seniors

516 Chicopee Street

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 612-0229

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA)

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue

Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 552-1554

Welcome Center and Rental and Mortgage Assistance

300 High Street

Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 534-2466

WIOA Out-of-School Youth

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 3rd Floor

Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 612-0206

Women, Infants and Children (WIC)

(Main Office) 300 High Street, 1st Floor

Holyoke, MA 01040

(413) 534-2460

Celebrating Our Volunteers

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 2nd Floor Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 612-0214

14 Chestnut Place, Ludlow, MA 01056

(413) 589-1551

94 N. Elm Street, Suite 207 Westfield, MA 01085

(413) 568-1007

YouthWorks

35 Mt. Carmel Avenue Chicopee, MA 01013

(413) 552-1554

Senior Companion Volunteers

Director of Programs Melissa White with WWLP’s Alanna Flood and news crew.

Chicopee fashion show benefits

VOC and WIC Diaper Bank

published: Oct. 24, 2022, 5:51p.m.

Valley Opportunity Council opens fuel assistance center in Springfield

Valley Opportunity Council accepting applications for heating assistance

Chicopee Farmers Market se enfoca en la comunidad

the Chicopee Farmers’ market was once again held from June through September.

Mount Holyoke College inks deal for Gorse Children’s Center

At the start of the year, Valley Opportunity Council became the provider for mount Holyoke College’s gorse Children’s Center.

Nonprofits offering fuel assistance programs prepare for winter’s chill

Our Mission

The Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is dedicated to eliminating poverty by providing the opportunity for our low and moderate-income neighbors, families and friends in the greater Hampden County area to achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life.