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.