Community Action News
MARCH 2023
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IT'S A DATE!
March Madness arrived at WCAC with a resounding splash. Our spring calendar burst with upcoming events and important dates that we want to make sure we share and invite you to join. Please make sure to also note and share several upcoming deadlines to apply for certain programs, some new deadline extensions, an upcoming chance to visit our Early Education and Care Centers, and of course, our Save the Date for WCAC's 2nd Annual Resiliency Awards being planned for Thursday, May 4th.
As Women's History Month draws to a close, I also want to express my great pride in serving as WCAC’s fourth female Executive Director, following the footsteps of three strong and respected women who held this role before me and who created a vibrant and sustainable foundation for this agency. I have been fortunate to have great mentors in my life, men and women, who have supported my growth and success as a woman in leadership in human service, and I am thankful to all those, including my staff and partners alike, from whom I continue to learn and grow.
Click on the image above to view WCAC's 2022 Annual Report and the great year WCAC had in 2022!
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COMMUNITY NEEDS SURVEY
WCAC is conducting a community needs assessment to gather information about what you think are the greatest needs in your community. This information helps us to make critical decisions about what services to provide and how to best allocate funding. The survey will take approximately ten minutes to complete and is confidential. Results will be shared this summer on our website. Survey is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese and Arabic. Please complete the survey to help keep us informed about community needs!
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TAX PREP PROGRAM ACCEPTING DOCUMENTS THRU APRIL 15TH
WCAC’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program will continue to operate through April 15th. Requests for free tax preparation by WCAC are accepted for individual taxpayers or households making $60,000 or less within Worcester and 45 surrounding towns in Central Massachusetts. Although all in-person appointments have been filled for this season, eligible persons are are welcome to drop off their tax documents in-person without an appointment Tuesdays 4-7 p.m.; Wednesdays, 3-7 p.m., Fridays, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 12 noon. Staff will scan your documents and arrange for you to work with a remote tax preparer in the days that follow.
Please use 1 Maple Place, Worcester in GPS for WCAC’s VITA site entrance and parking.
A fully online tax preparation process is also available. Click here for additional information or email VITA@wcac.net
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SUMMER JOBS
COMING SOON!
Worcester Community Action Council will once again be hosting the YouthWorks employment program this summer (July 5th-August 18th), serving youth up to the age of 25! We are actively seeking local Employment Partners to host youth - across all sectors, public, private and non-profit. If you would be interested in becoming a host site, please apply before March 31st. Apply HERE or email for additional information.
YouthWorks is a state-funded youth employment program that helps teens and young adults develop skills and experience needed to find and keep jobs. Participants take part in paid short-term work placements during the summer and/or school year at public, private, and nonprofit work sites. As part of the program, they receive training in core soft skills, practice professional behavior and learn how to work effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and customers at their work sites. They also learn how to take the next steps in their education and career pathways.
Applications for young people between the ages of 14-25 interested in employment this summer will be available on WCAC's website beginning April 1st.
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HOME HEATING ASSISTANCE DEADLINE EXTENDED
The deadline to apply for home heating assistance has been extended until Friday, May 12, 2023. WCAC’s Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), best known as fuel assistance or home heating assistance, helps homeowners and renters pay home heating bills and past due balances on utility bills. Financial assistance is available for income-eligible households to help pay home heating bills incurred between November 1 – April 30 of each year.
Application is available online. Applications and supporting documents can also be emailed (LIHEAP@wcac.net), faxed (508 463-9696), mailed (18 Chestnut Street, Suite 500, Worcester, MA 01608) or dropped off to our office weekdays between 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. You can check the status of your application through our 24/7 automated phone system by calling 508.796.2423 and follow the voice prompts.
Are you looking to get on National Grid's discount rate? Set up a payment plan or discuss budget billing? Meet with a representative from National Grid here at WCAC, 18 Chestnut Street, Suite 500, Worcester on Friday, April 7th between 10am-3pm, no appointment needed. Or, on Monday, April 10th join WCAC and representatives from Nationial Grid at Southbridge Public Library, 236 Main Street, Southbridge between 4-7 p.m.
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SAVE THE DATE!
WCAC will celebrate our 2nd Annual Resiliency Awards on Thursday, May 4th at the AC Marriott Hotel in downtown Worcester. The celebration will recognize everyday people striving to make every day better for the lives of those in our community, and celebrate the wonderful legacy of heroes who have helped support WCAC’s work in moving individuals and families out of poverty and towards economic mobility.
Honorees to include: 2023 Sargent Shriver Trailblazer Award; Champion for Kids; Iggy Strong Award – Providing Youth Opportunities; Energy Equity Champion; and Action Hero Award(s)
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ATTENTION MASSHEALTH ENROLLEES
Beginning April 1st ALL MassHealth members will need to renew their health coverage. If MassHealth has enough information to confirm your eligibility, your coverage will be renewed automatically. Make sure MassHealth has your most up to date address, phone number, and email so you do not miss important information and notices! Update your information and report changes HERE. Don’t have an account? To create one call MassHealth Customer Service at (844) 365-1841.
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www.WCAC.net Info@WCAC.net |
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