Valley Opportunity Council Annual Report 2025 by valleyopp

Education Support Self Sufficiency

The People Who Make it

Lifting Up Our Employees Doing the Work on the Ground

Every year in our annual report we focus on the people we assist on their journey to self-sufficiency. We also try to feature a few stories of the approximately 450 people who do the life-changing work on the ground for the population we serve. Many times, those employees themselves were participants in VOC programming. By shining a spotlight on them we celebrate the importance of what they do for the organization.

There is another important way to share our gratitude for our employees. This year we announced a 4% raise for all of our employees, a 6% match to their retirement accounts and additional VOC contributions to healthcare premiums.

This is not easy work– whether it be in our early education programming, transportation, adult education, those rendering service to students and senior citizens and, of course, the many VOC staff helping those we serve access energy assistance.

These have been tough times with budget cutbacks and many nonprofits in the Pioneer Valley are feeling the brunt of changing economic times. Despite these challenges, VOC has been able to provide additional resources to our valued employees through prudent fiscal management and fees that result from the broadening of our footprint in the community, that includes creation of new housing and commercial space.

As we sustain and strengthen our workforce with additional resources, we are pleased to report that VOC is able to do the same with our services as well. In this year’s annual report you will see that we continue to grow programming and the number of individuals we’re able to impact with that programming. We also have revitalized retail and program space in the center of Chicopee and continue to add housing to our portfolio. Such initiatives represent additional income needed for us to continue to serve our various populations.

We say “thank you” to all who serve in our dynamic and growing organization and who make the work so meaningful.

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 lowand 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, Assistant Treasurer

Matthew Mainville

Jolene Monfette, Clerk

Gladys Suero

Eric Taub

Public Representatives

Ken Parsons, President

Melissa Breor

Corey Briere, Vice President

Tony Diaz

Cheryl Figeroa

Jhaniya Reed

Private Representatives

Sherleen Crespo

Ana Rodriguez, Treasurer

Steve Huntley

Executive Director

Valley Opportunity Council

Kayla Rodriguez

Greg Schwartz

Willie Spradley, Jr.

Zuzanna Zaluga

Investing in Community Downtown Chicopee

As the need for safe, affordable housing continues to be a priority in the region, over the course of many years VOC has invested in, transformed and rehabilitated several of Chicopee’s existing buildings to provide just that. Along with the development of housing also came the opportunity for additional retail space, providing economic activity in Chicopee Center, owned by VOC.

These retail properties are in the proximity of The Kendall, affordable and energy efficient apartments opened in 2017. With this and other residential developments, VOC is creating vibrant places to live, work and shop. In furtherance of this, VOC opened the Belcher Apartments in 2025, a former elementary school that created 25 affordable and market-rate apartments in the City.

This past year, VOC moved its Chicopee WIC offices, formerly in its Mt. Carmel Avenue site, to 254 McKinstry Avenue, increasing visibility and accessibility for WIC families. Being closer to the downtown Chicopee area has also resulted in more than 130 additional families served by Chicopee WIC.

VOC Cuts the Ribbon on Belcher Apartments

VOC held a Ribbon Cutting and Open House for its Belcher Apartments development in November. A former elementary school building located at 10 Southwick Street in Chicopee, the renovated property features 25 affordable and market-rate apartments, is located near amenities and major thoroughfares and was specifically designed for households earning at or below 30%, 50% and 60% of the Area Median Income, alongside options for those able to pay market rent.

The project was made possible through funding from the City of Chicopee ARPA funds; State historic tax credits; Federal historic tax credits; Federal low-income housing tax credit; the Housing Stabilization Fund; the Affordable Housing Trust Fund; and the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). In total, the project cost $13 million.

The restoration of the historic building includes the first triple pane, energy efficient windows, solar panels and features EV charging stations.

Continuing Education,

VOC provides individuals access to education and training that this year totaled 1,531 individuals who worked toward greater self-sufficiency through the GEAR UP, WIOA, CIES, and YouthWorks programs.

WIOA Out-of-School Program

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Out-of-School Program helps participants earn their high school equivalency while also increasing workforce readiness and financial literacy. With an increased budget and expanded work sites, in 2025 the program was able to serve 54 youth ages 16-24. Out of the 54 participants, 49 became employed, 15 youth have earned their GED/HiSET so far, and eight youth have entered post-secondary education or training

CIES

VOC’s Comprehensive Integrated Employment (CIES) Program hired a new Advisor for the Springfield office in 2025, which allowed the program to serve more participants. A total of 38 participants completed their certified training programs and 25 individuals obtained new employment as a result of VOC’s support. CIES was also able to serve the community in partnership with the United Way of Pioneer Valley, providing back-to-school materials to 49 children in need. The program also provided 64 Thanksgiving Bags of Love to participants; and toys and stocking stuffers to 162 children.

VOC College & Career Readiness Participates in STCC’s “Next Steps” Event

VOC staff participated in Springfield Technical Community College’s (STCC) “Next Steps” event on February 27. This outreach initiative brought together 50 students eager to explore new education and career opportunities.

Stephanie Avila (WIOA Case Manager) and Helena Dixon (ESOL/CDL Advisor) shared information about VOC’s Adult Education and WIOA programs—sparking curiosity and engagement among attendees.

GEAR UP

VOC’s Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) celebrated 25 years in 2025. GEAR UP works with students in grades 7-12 at seven participating middle and high schools in Springfield and Holyoke, providing tutoring, attendance and retention programs, parent/guardian financial aid workshops, MCAS, SAT and ACT preparation and assistance with the entire college and financial aid process.

At the program’s annual MCAS events, nearly 700 students were in attendance with opportunities for instant college acceptances and on-the-spot scholarship offers. Between the two events, out of 1,350 total college applications submitted, 920 instant college acceptances were granted, and nearly $15 million in scholarships from participating colleges and universities were offered.

Building Futures

YouthWorks

Through intentional improvements and collaboration, VOC’s YouthWorks program enhanced training, structure, and overall program delivery in 2025. YouthWorks also began partnering with the CIES team to provide strong, effective workforce training to participants.

Jordan, through VOC’s YouthWorks program, was placed at Lowe & Lowe Realty, sparking a newfound passion in him for the world of real estate.

“I absolutely loved the program,” Jordan shares. With hands-on experience in the field, Jordan gained valuable skills, networked with industry professionals, and developed the confidence needed to pursue a career in real estate. “The experience helped me see that real estate was something I truly wanted to do,” Jordan says. “If it weren’t for YouthWorks, it would have been so much harder to break into the job market. This program gave me the foundation I needed.”

Jordan is preparing for the real estate licensing exam after successfully completing a real estate course. At the same time, Jordan is pursuing studies in Health & Sciences at STCC, balancing both passions with a clear vision for the future.

A New Chapter in Healthcare

Kiara was searching for a way to better her future, provide for her family, and build a career that aligned with her passion for helping others. She enrolled in VOC’s CIES Program with the goal of entering the healthcare field. With guidance from VOC staff, she discovered an interest in phlebotomy, enrolled in the Phlebotomy Certificate Program, and graduated as a certified phlebotomist. “The CIES program gave me the structure, support, and resources I needed to succeed,” Kiara shares. “Graduating from the phlebotomy program changed my life. I’m proud of how far I’ve come.”

Kiara Rodriguez CIES Participant

Adult Education

VOC’s Adult Education Program, providing Adult Basic Education, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) and Citizenship classes, served 191 individuals this past year. The ESOL program worked with employees from local businesses, including Microtek-Cables, to improve their English-language skills.

MassSTEP

In 2025, the MassSTEP Program served 24 students, with five successfully earning their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs) and others actively progressing toward their goals. Through the MassSTEP program, students graduate with a higher level of English, a CDL, and a job in the field. Demand for the program continues to grow, with over 100 individuals currently on the waitlist. Efforts are underway to secure additional funding to expand capacity.

The MassSTEP program is funded by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, geared toward higher level ESOL students who would like to earn their CDL and continue to work on their English language skills.

Those We Serve…

Hector Figueroa Fonseca began his career as a school bus driver with a strong desire to advance professionally. As a committed husband and father, Hector successfully balanced full-time employment with full-time coursework. His hard work and perseverance culminated in earning his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).

WIC Finds New Chicopee Home

On May 20, the Chicopee Women, Infants & Children (WIC) program cut the ribbon for its new location at 254 McKinstry Avenue, increasing visibility and accessibility for WIC families. Chicopee Mayor John Vieau, State Representative Shirley Arriaga, and WIC leadership and staff were in attendance.

Being closer to the downtown Chicopee area has resulted in more than 130 additional families served by Chicopee WIC, and overall VOC’s WIC program has moved up to #1 in the Commonwealth for caseload achievement.

VOC’s WIC Program serves all of Hampden County with storefronts in Ludlow, Chicopee, Holyoke and Westfield. The program served more than 7,000 individuals in 2025, including 763 breastfeeding moms; 4,092 children and 1,016 infants; 710 non breastfeeding moms; and 422 pregnant women. Additionally, $16,500 in Farmers’ Market coupons were distributed to 550 families to be used at local Farmers’ Markets.

Those We Serve...

WIC participant Khalid with his three children. Khalid received nutritional supports for his family through VOC’s WIC program, such as food and meeting with a nutritionist.

During Karina Ortiz’s first Nutrition appointment with the WIC program, she mentioned that she was looking for childcare for her young child. This resulted in a referral to the childcare program at VOC and a subsequent placement at the Mt. Carmel Childcare Center. Three of Karina’s children have benefited from both VOC daycare and WIC for several years now. And when a job opening in the Holyoke WIC office became available, Karina was hired as a WIC Program Assistant.

Homeless and Supportive Services

Student volunteers from the Hampden Charter School of Science participated in a gardening event at VOC’s shelter in April. Students and staff were able to work together with residents to show collective teamwork and exemplify dedication for improving the facility and the lives of the families that live there temporarily. Shelter residents also participated with their children, building a raised garden bed, seeding and planting.

Fuel Assistance

VOC’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), which provides eligible households with help in paying a portion of winter heating bills, is now the largest in Massachusetts, with six offices serving all of Hampden County. In spite of federal cutbacks and a government shutdown, VOC was still able to serve thousands of households. VOC provided more than 24,000 households with assistance paying their heating bills this past winter, and more than 1,000 households were served through the HEARTWAP program, providing heating system repair and replacement services to low-income households.

From those we serve…

“Pleaseacceptmyheartfeltgratitudefor$800towardsmy

WG&Ebalance.Iambeingtreatedformetastaticmelanoma andhaven’tworkedsincemid-April.Iamwaitingforthestate toapprovemydisabilityapplicationbutitistakingmuchlongerthanexpected.Iuseoxygenathomeperiodicallyandwas atriskofhavingmyelectricityturnedoff.

Ihavealwaysknownthattherearethoseamonguswhogo theextramileforothersindistress.WhenIgetbackonmy feetandresumeworking(whichIferventlyhopeIcan!)Iplanto makeadonationofmyowntoyourorganizationsothatIcan “payitforward.”

VOC’s Early Education and Care program provides comprehensive, high-quality early learning for children from birth through age 12 in Center-Based and Family Child Care settings. The program has continued to grow over the past year, with the ability to now serve more than 500 children in its eight Centers and 1,150 children in its Family Child Care programs.

Early Education and Care Senior Companion Program

Senior Companions volunteer 5 to 40 hours per week and play a vital role in maintaining an elder’s independence and quality of life. SCP onboarded 11 Senior Companion volunteers over the past year, and 3,215 volunteer hours were provided to low-income seniors. 95% of participants reported that they “felt less lonely," and “can remain living in their own home” as a result of having a Senior Companion Volunteer.

The VOC Churchill Daycare Center in Holyoke has truly been a godsend for my family. Both of my children are there, and over the years the center has become more than daycare — it feels like an extension of our home.

What stands out most is the depth of care they give to each child. I trust this place with my whole heart. They see my children as individuals, they partner with me as a parent, and they consistently go above and beyond in ways that are quiet, real, and deeply human. …and they’ve carried me through some of my hardest days.

— Sugeily Colon, Parent

From those we serve…

Virginia, whose macular degeneration began to affect her vision, was determined to stay in her home. She relied heavily on her family, particularly two daughters who shouldered much of the responsibility. Then she was referred to the Senior Companion Program. Ann, a Senior Companion Volunteer, began taking Virginia to medical appointments and other weekly errands, such as grocery shopping.

As time went on, Virginia realized she needed additional help. Sharlene, another Volunteer, transformed errands into adventures, introducing Virginia to new experiences.

When asked about their connection with Virginia, Sharlene shared, “I treat her like a friend. We talk about everything, share our lives, and check on each other.”

Ann echoed similar sentiments, saying she enjoys chatting with Virginia about “everything and nothing all at the same time.”

Photo features Sharlene, Ann & fellow volunteer Jackie.

Hundreds of children and families attended VOC’s annual Trunk or Treat event in the Mt. Carmel parking lot.

theVOC’s Welcome Center team members participated in Chicopee Spooktacular at Szot Park.

VOC staff members participated in the Chicopee Chamber of Commerce’s annual Thriller 5K!

8 8

2 156 4 VOC Numbers Served

64,236

Households assisted through VOC’s many programs and services

31,249 Individuals served in 2025*

* Unduplicated individuals

7,601 VOC staff had hours of professional development/capacity building

203

50,103 individuals kept warm through fuel assistance community partnerships with organizations and businesses

5,759 volunteer hours by 98 volunteers

1,189 replaced or repaired heating systems

1,143 individuals avoided utility shut off, or energy service was restored

231 individuals served through VOC’s housing program

12 scattered site apartments provided for chronically homeless families

282 households avoided eviction or obtained safe and affordable housing through VOC

191 individuals participated in VOC’s Adult Education programs

42 3

124 individuals strengthened their English language skills in VOC’s ESOL classes

19 individuals participated in Citizenship classes

44 seniors received long-term companionship and support through the Senior Companion Program

60 seniors maintained living independently thanks to VOC programs

1,108 individuals assisted through the free tax program, VITA

50,103

187 unemployed youth obtained employment to gain skills or income

347 1,125 college applications submitted through GEAR UP resulting in more than instant college acceptances Individuals kept warm through VOC fuel assistance in 2025

40 individuals obtained a high school or high school equivalency diploma

50 employed participants in a career advancement-related program entered or transitioned into a position that provided increased income and/or benefit

7,026 served through VOC’s Women, Infants and Children program

7,060 individuals improved food security in 2025 through VOC worked toward greater self-sufficiency 1,531 through GEAR UP, WIOA, CIES, and YouthWorks