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 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.

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.”