Growing to Meet Community Needs
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.
What Our Growth Means to the People We Serve
Valley Opportunity Council, since its inception, has steadily grown to meet the needs of those we serve. Chartered as an anti-poverty agency, our role in the community has become more than preventing families from sliding into poverty. Instead, our work is aligned around a mission to help families and individuals establish self sufficiency.
What this means in real terms is that at many touch points along the spectrum of living, VOC offers a hand up. This includes nutrition resources for individuals and families to sustain themselves; help in assuring those living in our service area having a warm place to live; creating housing that people can afford to live in; vocational training programs that lead to meaningful work with a living wage; and educational resources, from infants and toddlers just starting their lives to adults learning English and other success-sustaining skills. This arsenal represents the tools we have at our disposal that make a difference in the life prospects of those we serve. We see success stories every day, where those served by VOC are thriving.
In our 2023 Annual Report, and beyond the numbers and the data, you will see smiling faces of those utilizing our programs and of our staff. Those smiles, and the success stories behind them, represent the best evidence of our success as an organization. I want to thank our Board, our committed staff and all who have a hand in making for a better future for those we assist along their life journey.
Steve Huntley Executive Director Valley Opportunity Council
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
Kayla Rodriguez
Private Representatives
Sherleen Crespo
Ana Rodriguez
Greg Schwartz
Willie Spradley, Jr.
Zuzanna Zaluga
Mim Zayas
VOC’s Strategic Plan
Affordable Housing
Goal: VOC will increase the number of affordable housing units available in Chicopee and Holyoke
Result: In just the past five years, VOC has added 40 housing units since assuming ownership of the Voces de Esperanza project, consisting of 36 units; and purchasing and renovating 30 Center Street, currently 4 units and once completed will have eight units as a mix of affordable and market-rate housing.
Job Training
Nutrition Affordable Child Care
Goal: VOC will increase the availability and accessibility of affordable child care
Result: VOC’s Early Education and Care program has grown substantially to serve 1,586 children. This growth is in part due to the increase of VOC Family Child Care Educators, which was at 109 only a year ago and in 2023 grew to 136 Family Child Care providers.
Goal: VOC will increase job training programs and support these efforts throughout the area
Result: In 2023, VOC opened a new storefront at 203-05 High Street in Holyoke to house Adult Education, College & Career Readiness services all under one roof in an easily accessible space. VOC also continues to grow the number of individuals served through its CIES, MassSTEP, Gear UP and YouthWorks programs.
Goal: VOC will work in collaboration to decrease the number of low-income families experiencing food insecurity
Result: VOC’s WIC program served 6,975 pregnant and new mothers in 2023 by providing nutritional supports for themselves and their little ones.
Energy Assistance Program Doubles Number Served in 2023
The VOC LIHEAP/Fuel Assistance Team was able to work effectively and efficiently to serve clients in all of Hampden County over the past year, doubling the number of households served in 2023 after becoming the agency of record during the previous heating season to serve Springfield households in addition to VOC’s long-standing footprint.
Prior to VOC serving Springfield for Fuel Assistance, city residents were served by one storefront office. VOC opened two storefronts in Springfield, increased staffing levels and trained staff in order to meet the needs of the Springfield community. This ability to effectively double the number of households served for Fuel Assistance shows the dedication and commitment of staff to serve our community members in this critical area. In 2023, VOC was contracted to serve Springfield clients for the next ten years.
Program grew to 20,451 served, up from 10,619 households in 2022
‘‘ ‘‘In two months, we received 12,000 applications so far, and we have worked on 7,832 applications.
–
VOC’s Suaneth Merrero, in an interview with Western Mass News in November 2023
Early Education Growing at VOC
VOC’s Early Education program, which serves children birth to 12 years old, has grown significantly in recent years and in 2023 served 1,586 children. This growth is in part due to the increase of VOC Family Child Care Educators, which was at 109 only a year ago and today, the organization partners with 136 Family Child Care providers. Another area of growth for the Early Education program came when VOC became the provider for the Gorse Children’s Center at Mount Holyoke College in 2022, making it VOC’s largest child care center serving over 100 children.
1,586 children served in VOC Early Education programs
VOC grew from 109 Family Child Care Providers to 136 in 2023
New Early Education Programs
In 2023, the Early Education program implemented Peer Coaching and Onboarding within centers, allowing for new hires to have additional guidance and support while learning the ropes and the expectations that come with the position. All employees go through the onboarding process, and are assigned a Peer Coach or “buddy” to work alongside for 2 weeks. This buddy then becomes someone, along with the Director and the Educational Coordinator, that the new hire can depend on when seeking guidance. Last year, there were five peer coaches who worked with 23 new hires.
VOC also created an Assistant Teacher position for those who want to become qualified teachers, but may not yet have the experience and/or education credentials. Assistant Teachers sign a one-year contract, and within the year must gain their 9 months of experience (which they get through working) and then must enroll and complete one education course.
*11 Assistant Teachers hired *5 new Peer Coaches helped 23 new hires
Early Education and Care Team at Mt. Carmel
Growing Communities
VOC’s
Housing Program Invests in Our Communities
Creating more vibrant downtowns; fostering community and new businesses
For more than 25 years Valley Opportunity Council has developed a wide range of housing opportunities for families, veterans, and homeless single adults. VOC’s goal is to provide safe, affordable housing, while also providing spaces for businesses that contribute to the success of individuals and the community as a whole.
Over the past two decades, VOC’s housing portfolio has nearly doubled, increasing from 133 units to 256 since 2006. In just the past five years, VOC has added 40 housing units since assuming ownership of the Voces de Esperanza project, consisting of 36 units; and purchasing and renovating 30 Center Street, currently 4 units.
As the need for safe, affordable housing has continued to be voiced by the community, VOC has continued to invest in properties to create additional safe, affordable housing, but to also create commercial space opportunities that benefit small business owners and the community as a whole.
Over the past year, VOC has welcomed new and expanding local businesses to its properties; completed large-scale housing projects; increased safe and affordable housing stock; and purchased a new building on High Street in Holyoke that currently operates as our continuing education and career center. Work has begun on the facade, and then will continue to the second and third floors to add additional housing for the community.
Since 2006, VOC’s housing portfolio has nearly doubled, increasing from 133 units to 256
Helping Families Find a Place to Call Home
Kazeem and Tawakalitu Aminu came from Nigeria over a year ago with their children, looking for medical treatment for their daughter, Myneerat, who has cerebral palsy and is wheelchair-bound. After living with a friend for a year to get treatment Myneerat needed, the Aminus decided that for their family’s well-being, they would stay in the area so that their daughter could continue to receive treatments.
They received assistance from Shriner’s and Mayra Dejesus became their social worker, who was determined to help them establish permanent housing. One day, Mayra came to the VOC Housing Department’s management office to pick up a subsidized housing rental application. Unbeknownst to Mayra, she was at the right place at the right time. VOC had a three-bedroom, wheelchair-accessible apartment and was looking for a family to fill the apartment.
The Aminu family was elated to know that they had found a suitable place they could call home. They signed their lease and obtained their keys to their first apartment.
Homeless and Supportive Services
VOC is part of the Springfield-Hampden County Continuum of Care, helping families who have been chronically homeless with significant challenges find stable housing. In 2023, our Resident Services Coordinator connected 177 individuals to services that helped maintain housing stability. VOC leases 12 apartments for families, and these families are provided with supportive services.
Lucile left Puerto Rico fleeing from an abusive partner. She arrived in Boston, Massachusetts with her two young boys. Although they were able to stay with family initially, it didn’t last long. She was found by her abuser who had been searching for her. Police were called and her abuser was arrested. Lucile was referred to YWCA and transferred to the Main Street Shelter in December 2022. Having a warm, safe place to stay made the family happy. VOC helped Lucile enroll her children in school and helped her become familiar with and connected to the local community. The family participated in Toys for Tots, Cradle for Crayons Coat distribution and other programs within VOC. While in the shelter, her youngest son was diagnosed with a heart con- dition. VOC was able to use some funds to help the family back and forth from Boston Children’s Hospital. In addition, VOC was able to help the family with a Housing Voucher after a 6-month stay in the shelter. The family is now living in a permanent home in Springfield. Thriving and healthy, Lucile is working as a full-time CNA.
VOC Partners with Chicopee Public Schools for Intensive Case Management
This past year, a new collaboration was launched to support families through VOC’s Homeless and Supportive Services department. A VOC Intensive Case Manager (ICM) works directly with families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Chicopee to identify supports needed for immediate, and then sustained, stability and independence. Referrals come directly from the Homeless and Foster Care Coordinator at the Chicopee Public Schools, and supports may include connection to VOC services or services in the community, help finding housing, help with completing documentation, and navigating the system.
VOC Adds
West Side Storefront
VOC opened a new storefront in West Springfield at 20 Lathrop Street that houses a Welcome Center, Fuel Assistance and the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. Area residents can drop in to learn about programs and resources that are available to them, such as help with heating costs, free tax preparation and more.
Developing/Advancing Skills
New College and Career Readiness Hub in Holyoke
New 203-205 High Street Storefront for Adult Ed, College & Career
Readiness Services
VOC opened a new storefront at 203-05 High Street in Holyoke to house Adult Education, College & Career Readiness services all under one roof in an easily accessible space. Currently, VOC’s Competitive Integrated Employment Services (CIES) program and the GEAR UP team use this space as their hub. ESOL classes are also held in the space, and in the coming year, VOC plans to expand services and create additional safe and affordable housing in the city of Holyoke on the second and third floors of the building. This space is ideally located in close proximity to public transportation, Holyoke City Hall, and many other employment, education and support services.
MassSTEP Program
Working with ESOL students to acquire CDL certifications, promising careers
Kicked off in March 2023, the MassSTEP program, which prepares adult learners for promising careers with dynamic Massachusetts businesses, served 4 cohorts with 26 students completing the program. Of those, so far 15 students have received their Commercial Drivers Licenses.
According to Jennifer Malanowski, MassSTEP instructor, “Our CDL-ESOL program established a year ago has changed the lives of several students. The state average for passing the MA CDL exam is 42%, we are pleased to announce that 78% of our students are now licensed CDL drivers. A few have even purchased their own tractor trailers and have started their own companies! Congratulations to all of our students on their hard work, perseverance and determination.”
CIES Program Connects Individuals with Jobs, Certifications
Valley Opportunity Council’s Competitive Integrated Employment Services (CIES) program collaborates with the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the United Tractor Trailer Training School (UTTTS), and other certificate programs to provide adults receiving DTA cash benefits themselves or for a child with the supports needed to obtain a good-paying career with a living wage. This past year, 87 participants enrolled in the CIES program, resulting in 36 participants getting jobs, and 25 earning certifications. CIES also added three new trainings to its roster: Line Cook, Hotel Front Desk, and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT).
UTTTS provides courses in English and Spanish, job coaching, and access to 100% placements upon graduation. The training clients can obtain free of charge are for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Phlebotomy, Pharmacy Tech, EMT, Line Cook, Hotel Front Desk, and Nail Technician.
CIES Participant Highlight
Jennifer Brown
CIES Advisor Tania Colon encouraged Jennifer Brown to join the CIES program for Hotel Front Desk. In just four weeks with eight classes, Jennifer completed the course and had an interview lined up with MGM Springfield. According to Jennifer, “All of the instructors, the people that are connected through this program have been so helpful, encouraging, supportive and really made me feel completely prepared and ready to take on getting back out there. This program is really amazing because it really truly was like guaranteed employment. As long as you believe in yourself, and you put the effort forward you can achieve anything you set your mind to and all I see is growth.”
Jennifer completed her Hotel Front Desk training on December 21, 2023 and started working at MGM Springfield on January 16, 2024.
“The one thing that inspired me to pursue this career path is to be able to open new doorways for myself and grow. There are so many different opportunities once you get your foot in the door and I know that I’m just gonna keep going up from here,” said Jennifer.
Bags of Love
The United Way of Pioneer Valley provided bags full of food for participants in VOC’s CIES program and their families at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Adult Education
VOC funded two additional English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) level 1 classes during Summer 2023, when classes are usually on summer hiatus, to serve the needs of migrant populations that arrived this year. Two classes were held twice a week with a focus on serving families residing in local emergency shelters. Both Holyoke Community College and VOC worked together to provide two large Intake Events at the shelters in order to reach students for ESOL classes. Dedicated VOC teachers also served as van drivers in order to assist with transportation from the shelters to class.
Judcel Quiles, from Student to Staff:
Judcel was in VOC’s ESOL 2 evening class last year, and moved up to Level 3 this year. There was an opening for a program assistant in October, and Judcel was referred by her advisor, applied and was hired. She continues to attend night classes.
“I came from Arecibo, Puerto Rico to Chicopee, Massachusetts in April 2022. My English was very limited and so I decided to start taking classes at Valley Opportunity Council in September 2022. On October 23, 2023, I started working at VOC as the Program Assistant for the Adult Education Department. I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of a great team; it has given me the opportunity to grow not only in the English language but also in my professional and personal life. It has been very rewarding to see how other people can achieve their goals at VOC.”
Adult Education Team at graduation
GEAR UP 2023 Highlights
GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) counsels middle and high school students on the importance of higher education while advising them to have high expectations. The program serves 1,800 students in grades 7-12 at participating sites in Springfield and Holyoke. A few updates from the past year:
n GEAR UP joined a new middle school, STEM Academy
n Started a financial literacy program where students can earn “GEAR UP bucks” for academic and attendance improvements; participation in events; and other GEAR UP-related activities.
n Both Dean and Holyoke High School North hosted very successful Massachusetts College Application Celebrations (MCAC) events where all Seniors were invited to participate.
275 college applications were completed with 122 on-the-spot acceptances and $2,122,500 per year offered in scholarship money.
WIC’s motto of “Good Food and a Whole Lot More” was certainly exhibited once again this year. With donations from our Community Partner Cradles to Crayons, WIC was able to distribute dozens of new winter coats to children.
The VOC WIC Diaper bank continued to help members of the community; WIC once again held its very popular community event, Trunk or Treat with hundreds in attendance; and the WIC Day celebration brought hundreds of families together to participate in an event that showcased WIC staff and other VOC programs. Having more families come into our WIC offices was by far the most significant accomplishment of this past year.
In 2023, more than 50,000 individuals in the greater Hampden County area benefited from one or more VOC services.
Energy Assistance
Kept 20,451 households warm through VOC’s
Fuel Assistance Program, including emergency funding to keep utilities on and to avoid heating emergencies.
Replaced or repaired inefficient heating systems for 947 individuals
260 households were served by the VOC Housing program
VOC Homeless and Supportive Services provided 12 scattered-site apartments for chronically homeless families
Volunteers
Volunteers donated 4,371 hours to VOC in 2023.
82% of VOC’s volunteer hours were donated by individuals with low incomes.
Senior Services
Provided long-term companionship and support for 200 seniors, helping them maintain independent living
Adult Education
266 individuals worked toward a brighter future through VOC’s Adult Education programs
Nutrition
6,975 pregnant and new mothers were provided with nutritional supports for themselves and their little ones through WIC 2,168 individuals and 15 vendors participated in VOC’s annual Farmers’ Market
College Access and Career Pathways
1,410 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-ofSchool, CIES and YouthWorks programs
1,305 college applications were by GEAR UP program participants, and 817 instant acceptances
36 CIES program participants were placed in jobs after completing the program, and 12 participants graduated from certificate programs
Homeless & Supportive Services
Nearly 130 additional families were provided emergency shelter and connections to other supports
Through the Rapid Rehousing Scattered Sites Program, 30 apartments were provided for families that have begun to take steps towards self-sufficiency
55 families were connected to WIC; 36 individuals obtained work permits; 18 enrolled in adult education; and 96 children received educational placements
Community Supports
861 individuals were provided assistance filing their Federal and State Income Tax Returns through VOC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program
Case Management services were offered to 260 individuals receiving services from VOC programs
1,564 Childcare Subsidies were provided to low-income families
120 referrals to community supports for survivors of domestic violence who reside in VOC shelters and scattered-site housing
Early Education and Care
1,586 children thrived in our early education Center and Family-Based programs
253 youth participated in summer and after-school programs
Early Education and Care Transportation provides 458 trips daily to and from programs (reduced transportation numbers due to pandemic and health and safety requirements)
136
VOC Family Child Care providers are located throughout Western Massachusetts
“My favorite thing about working for VOC, and especially Gear Up, is getting the chance to encourage students to follow their dreams and find the pathway that works for them.”
Emily Ciccolo GEAR UP Advisor, HHS Dean Campus
“My favorite thing about working here is the way we help the community.”
Andrew
Curran Gear-Up Advisor, Holyoke High School North Campus
“Not only is the job I have fulfilling, but the company goes above and beyond demonstrating compassion. VOC has acknowledged every gain as well as every loss. VOC even acknowledged my one-year work anniversary. Making me feel valued and appreciated is something I have never experienced.”
Kativa Perry - Mock GEAR UP Advisor Holyoke High North
“They give you the opportunity to grow, they treat you with respect and value your knowledge. All the administrators are very humble and friendly. VOC cares about their employees and works as a team. Thanks, VOC, for the trust you give us.”
Ruth Ayala Family Support Coordinator
Why Our Staff Love Working at VOC
VOC employs 250 staff across all of its programs, serving more than 50,000 people each year.
“My favorite part about working for VOC is the professional development opportunities provided, along with the inclusive nature of our peers.”
Rae’Seana Elmore GEAR UP Advisor, John J. Duggan Academy
“I have worked for VOC as a youth worker, sub, and Preschool teacher since 2018. I have been Preschool certified for almost 2 years. I love working at VOC for the children! I love watching them grow and learn new things every day…it’s so rewarding as a teacher hearing ‘Ms. Hailey I did it!’ It just makes my day! Thank you for the opportunity!”
“In working with participants with different needs, my day is both challenging and rewarding. I have learned that there is a tremendous need for patience, compassion and respect to effectively assist the participants in meeting their goals.”
“The opportunity to have interaction with VOC staff and community, and meet new people. It helps me grow personally and professionally.”
“I LOVE the team I work with; we communicate and work really well together aiding our local communities and helping families thrive.”
Hailey Mayotte Montgomery Site
Cinoe Cortes Early Education, Priority Population
Joseangel aka JAY FSC
Kathleen Stark LSWA Priority Populations
Senior Companion Program Comes Full Circle
Former Senior Companion Becomes Participant
Joan F. volunteered for 21 years as a Senior Companion, from 2000 to 2021. Over the summer, she called VOC to “check on the program,” which resulted in being matched with an active Senior Companion, Hilda. “I thought to myself, I wonder if she wants a Senior Companion. Low and behold, that is exactly what she was looking for. I know of other former Companions turned program participants, but this was my first matching experience,” said Andrea Holden, Senior Companion Program director.
Joan and Hilda worked together as Senior Companions, which provided many happy memories to reflect on. Hilda has served 27,774 hours of service over the past 18 years as a Senior Companion. Prior to being matched with Hilda, Joan was not driving and stuck at home. She was unable to run her own errands, go to doctor’s appointments or out to lunch. Hilda visits Joan two days each week. Hilda is Joan’s ticket to getting out of the house. Hilda helps Joan with errands, doctor’s appointments and they enjoy weekly lunches together.
“I learned that they each consider the other a lifeline of sorts. Hilda helps Joan but Joan also helps Hilda. That is the glue!,” said Andrea.
In 2023, thirteen Senior Companions volunteered 3,000 hours of service to help fellow older adults maintain their independence and quality of life.
VOC & Local Businesses Brighten Holidays
Early Ed
Several local businesses sponsored holiday parties and gift giving for VOC’s early education programs. Thank you to Full Tilt Auto Body; Delaney House; Smith & Wesson; Health New England; Bresnahan Insurance; FSI Oil & Propane; Florence Savings Bank; Preston Caring Medical Staffing; Fox Trot Construction; Bank ESB; Home Elite Realty; Shatz, Schwartz and Fentin P.C.; and Super Petro for their participation and sponsorship of VOC’s Center-Based Early Education holiday parties. Ceaco also donated puzzles and games to children in Center-Based and Family-Based programs
Housing Program
On December 18 the VOC Housing Program hosted a holiday party, complete with Santa, milk and cookies and presents for children donated by the Salvation Army in Holyoke. More than 20 families participated in the event.
CIES
CIES advisors held their first Gift Wrapping event, where CIES participants were able to select gifts for their children from a variety of donated toys and wrap them for the holidays.
Our 2023 Financials
ASSETS Current
ASSETS
$1,377,511 635,095 384,679 1,372,223 $3,769,508 5,676,133 9,445,641 14,132,819 $23,578,460
Source of Funds 2023
Use of Funds 2023
IN THE
OUTLOOK
Outlook 2024:
Valley Opportunity
Council improving lives, one resident at a time
Applications now being accepted for state’s home energy assistance program
Springfield water and sewer assistance available for lowincome residents
Valley Opportunity Council hosts an open house at 30 Center Street in Chicopee
‘Housing that people can afford;’ Valley Opportunity Council gets $8.5M bond to rehab 36 apartments in Holyoke’s Churchill neighborhood
Valley Opportunity Council offering free tax preparation
Hoang ‘Leon’ Nguyen
VOC Program Directory
Adult Basic Education, including MassSTEP
35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 3rd Floor
Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 612-0206
Before/After-School & Summer Programs
VOC Early Education and Care at Mt. Carmel Center
35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 1st Floor
Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 533-6407
VOC Early Education and Care at Montgomery Street
374 Montgomery Street Chicopee, MA 01020 (413) 331-1331
VOC Early Education and Care at Cabot Manor, After-School Program
106 Stonina Drive
Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 612-0120
VOC Early Education and Care at Cabot Manor Summer Camp
106 Stonina Drive Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 612-0120
VOC Early Education and Care at Cabot Manor Year-Round Youth Work Experience Program
106 Stonina Drive
Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 612-0120
VOC Early Education and Care at Gorse Children’s Center
(Located at Mount Holyoke College)
27 Morgan Street
South Hadley, MA 01075 (413) 538-3351
Center-Based Child Care
VOC Early Education and Care at Cabot Manor
106 Stonina Drive, Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 594-3230
VOC Early Education and Care at Churchill
334 Elm Street, Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 534-2480
VOC Early Education and Care at Gorse Children’s Center (Located at Mount Holyoke College)
27 Morgan Street
South Hadley, MA 01075 (413) 538-3351
VOC Early Education and Care at Montgomery Street
374 Montgomery Street Chicopee, MA 01020 (413) 331-1331
GVOC Early Education and Care at Mt Carmel
35 Mt. Carmel Avenue
Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 533-6407
VOC Early Education and Care at Kelly School
216 West Street Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 537-0529
VOC Early Education and Care at Donahue School
210 Whiting Farms Road Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 265-8869
VOC Early Education and Care at Lawrence School
156 Cabot Street
Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 348-2987
Citizenship
35 Mt. Carmel Avenue, 3rd Floor
Chicopee, MA 01013 (413) 612-0206
Comprehensive Integrated Employment Services (CIES)
205 High Street
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
205 High Street
Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 612-0206
Family-Based Child Care
Locations throughout Hampden and Hampshire County (Birth-School Age) (413) 552-1559 x329
Fuel Assistance (LIHEAP) (Main Office) 300 High Street, 2nd Floor
Holyoke, MA 01040 (413) 552-1548 fuelassistance@valleyopp.com
516 Chicopee Street Chicopee, MA 01013
100 Elm Street, Westfield, MA 01085 (WG&E office)
555 State Street
Springfield, MA 01109
2460 Main Street
Springfield, MA 01107
20 Lathrop Street West Springfield, MA 01089
GEAR UP
205 High Street
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)
20 Lathrop Street West Springfield, MA 01089 (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
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) 612-0206 ext 213
