Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) provides services to residents of Worcester and 37 cities and towns throughout southern Worcester County to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and create opportunities for economic self-sufficiency, through 21 diverse programs beginning with basic emergency support,  such as fuel assistance and food stamps.  WCAC’s customers move to other programs along the continuum that offer them opportunities to become self-sufficient.  Education such as Head Start and GED; financial literacy including Individual Development Account (IDA)—a matching fund, asset building initiative and Arrearage—payment programs to abate utility bill arrearage; training in lead abatement, mediation, employment, and parenting skills—all designed to provide individuals and families a chance to move from poverty to self-sufficiency.