News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Head Start Expands Extended Day Classrooms with Support from United Way Partners

Worcester, MA – October 17, 2025 – Worcester Community Action Council’s (WCAC) Head Start program is expanding extended day classroom hours with the support of two United Way agencies, United Way of South Central Massachusetts and United Way of Central Massachusetts, to better meet the needs of working families in Southbridge and Leicester.

Through funding from the United Way of South Central Massachusetts, WCAC’s Southbridge Head Start Center will launch a new extended hours program, opening one classroom early from 7:30 to 8:00 AM, Monday through Friday, for 16 children. This added flexibility gives parents extra time to drop their children off and travel to work, addressing the issue of limited access to affordable childcare, a key barrier identified in WCAC’s 2024 Family Survey.

At the same time, the United Way of Central Massachusetts will continue supporting an extended afternoon classroom at WCAC’s Leicester Head Start Center, allowing 16 children to remain in care from 4:00 to 5:00 PM. Families in last year’s pilot program reported that this additional hour made it easier to balance work schedules, increase work hours, and manage family responsibilities.

“The Southbridge and Leicester Extended Hours programs are designed to directly support our working families,” said Kathleen Dow, Director of Head Start Programs at WCAC. “By offering earlier drop-off and later pick-up options, we’re giving caregivers more flexibility while ensuring their children are in a safe, supportive learning environment.”

For more information, please contact Cheyenne Courtney, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, at 508-754-1176 ext. 126.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Awarded $50,000 MassCEC Planning Grant to Build Clean Energy Career Pathways for Youth

Worcester, MA – October 16, 2025 – Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC) has been awarded a $50,000 Planning Grant from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to design a new program connecting youth directly to clean energy jobs. Led by WCAC’s Job & Education Center (JEC), the initiative will bring together staff from WCAC’s Energy and Resiliency Center departments, five youth participants, and partners including SMOC’s Green Jobs Academy, MassHire Central Region Workforce Board (MCRWB), and local clean energy vendors.

The grant will fund a planning work group to develop the program’s design, timeline, and evaluation strategy, aiming to create a clear pipeline into clean energy and energy efficiency careers. WCAC will leverage its 60 years of experience in the energy sector and its strong record in workforce development to help young people access training and employment opportunities in this growing field.

“MassCEC’s investment helps us design a program that not only prepares participants for clean energy jobs, but also supports their personal growth and financial stability,” said Patti Ovalles, JEC Director.

The planning process will focus on identifying employer partners, designing curriculum, and ensuring youth receive the wrap-around support needed to succeed, such as transportation assistance, food access, mental health referrals, and case management. Through collaboration with industry and workforce partners, WCAC aims to ensure participants are well-prepared for sustainable, high-demand careers in clean energy.

This grant builds on WCAC’s most recent green jobs training grant from the City of Worcester ARPA funds. As part of this effort, WCAC partnered with Green Jobs Academy to deliver a two-week Weatherization Training program. Four participants successfully completed the program, earning certifications in Lead Safety and OSHA 10, along with stipends and essential starter tools. A fifth participant is currently completing the training. WCAC is actively working with the City’s Energy Department to connect graduates with paid, two-week work experience, while continuing to support participants through regular communication and case management.

For more information, please contact Cheyenne Courtney, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, at 508-754-1176 ext. 126.

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, September 8, 2025 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Worcester Community Action Council Launches “Bridge to Prosperity” Pilot to Combat Cliff Effect and Advance Economic Mobility

Worcester, MA – May 16, 2025 – The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC), in partnership with Springfield WORKS and a statewide coalition of organizations, proudly announces the launch of the Bridge to Prosperity Pilot, a groundbreaking initiative designed to dismantle the systemic barriers that prevent working families from achieving long-term economic stability.

At the heart of the pilot is the “cliff effect,” a phenomenon where even modest increases in income can trigger sudden losses in public benefits, often leaving families worse off financially despite earning more. Bridge to Prosperity aims to change that reality by offering a practical and empowering solution.

In February 2025, WCAC enrolled six Worcester-area participants into the pilot, which serves an initial cohort of 18 participants across Massachusetts. Each participant receives monthly bridge payments to help stabilize their household finances while they pursue career advancement opportunities. At the conclusion of the two-year pilot, participants will also receive a $10,000 asset-building payment, helping them take a significant step toward lasting financial independence. Plans are underway to expand the pilot in the Worcester and South County areas, aiming to serve an additional 27 in the fall.

WCAC is proud to provide participants with individualized financial empowerment coaching and career guidance throughout the program, ensuring that each individual has the tools and support needed to achieve their goals. “This pilot is about more than just addressing income gaps,” said Marybeth Campbell, WCAC CEO. “It’s about investing in people, building opportunity, and creating systems that work for working families, not against them.”

The pilot, which is an extension of WCAC’s Guaranteed Basic Income Pilot, is being independently evaluated by the Center for Social Policy at UMass Boston, which will analyze outcomes and recommend policy solutions to mitigate the cliff effect statewide.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Worcester Community Action Council on this groundbreaking pilot, and supporting working families in the Worcester area,” said Kristen Joyce, Director of Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Pilot at Springfield WORKS. “Through the Bridge to Prosperity pilot program, we are testing a real solution to the cliff effect, which we know is a challenge not only for individual workers trying to advance, but also for businesses wanting to retain talent and meet their workforce needs. We look forward to continuing our work together this year as we seek to expand and serve up to 100 participants across the state.”

Efforts are already underway to expand the pilot to serve up to 100 participants across Massachusetts, with a focus on reaching workers in sectors most affected by the cliff effect. WCAC calls on employers, funders, and legislative partners to join the movement:

• • Employers: Interested in supporting your employees through this pilot? Let’s connect.
  • Funders: Help us strengthen the workforce and promote economic resilience, your support is vital.
  • Legislators: We urge you to support continued funding for this initiative and to advance policy solutions that eliminate the cliff effect for good.

Together, we can build a bridge to prosperity, one that ensures hard work truly pays off.

For more information or to get involved, please contact Kristen Joyce, Director of Bridge to Prosperity Cliff Pilot, by phone at 413.775.1365, or by email at .

WCAC will hold a meeting of its Board of Directors on Monday, April 14, 2025 at 5PM via Zoom teleconference. Full agenda available here. Meetings are open to the public. Please contact Marybeth Campbell for teleconference information.

Nestled in the heart of Southern Worcester County, the Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) has been a base of support for families across the region. A standout event, the Annual Community Baby Shower, hosted by WCAC’s Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County and in partnership with the Southern Worcester County Parent Support Network, has become a cornerstone for expectant and new parents in the community.

As we anticipate this year’s gathering on Wednesday, May 14th, at the Southbridge Community Center, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on the profound impact this event has had over the years.

A Day of Celebration and Connection

The Community Baby Shower isn’t just an event; it’s a celebration of life, new beginnings, and community. Each year, attendees are treated to an afternoon filled with activities designed to foster connections and provide essential resources. From meeting and mingling with other parents to connecting with local family service providers, the event is a crucial platform for building support networks that last.

“WCAC’s Community Baby Shower is an amalgamation between a resource fair and a baby shower where families of all backgrounds can find and access resources available in their communities,” said Camille Diaz, WCAC’s Director of Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County. “We have been hosting this event for eighteen years in the Southbridge community in hopes to connect and support expectant mothers and their families with services they might need or do not know yet they will need. It is a free event for all who attend filled with raffle prizes and a Baby Boutique where lightly used or new clothing items are up for grabs. The atmosphere of the event is welcoming and fosters a sense of unity; you’re in a community where many families face similar challenges or experience the same needs as you have.”

A Look Ahead: Join Us This Year

Looking forward to this year’s event, WCAC is excited to continue the tradition of supporting families with an array of resources and fun activities. Expectant and new parents can explore our pop-up Baby Boutique, participate in raffles, and most importantly, become part of a community that cares deeply about their well-being and success.

Spaces are limited, and interest is high, reflecting the value our community places on this event. To ensure a spot at this year’s celebration, please RSVP by contacting Camille Diaz at .

A Call to Action for Support

As we prepare for this year’s baby shower, WCAC invites the community to get involved. Whether through volunteering, donating items for the Baby Boutique, or simply spreading the word, your support makes a real difference in the lives of families in Southern Worcester County.

Join us in making this event a beacon of hope and support for new and expectant parents. Together, we can celebrate new life and empower parents with the tools they need to thrive in their new roles.

This year’s Community Baby Shower promises to be a memorable day full of joy, support, and community spirit. We look forward to welcoming you to the Southbridge Community Center for a day that promises to enrich lives and strengthen the bonds within our community. Join us as we celebrate life and extend a helping hand to the newest members of our community.

EVENT DETAILS

• Wednesday, May 14, 2025
  1pm – 3:30pm
  Southbridge Community Center
  153 Chestnut St.
  Southbridge, MA 01550

➡️CLICK HERE TO GET INVOLVED OR TO SIGN UP

The Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) is honored to welcome Kim Janey as the featured speaker at our 2025 Resiliency Awards. A distinguished leader whose journey embodies the very essence of resilience and progress, Ms. Janey serves as the President and CEO of Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath), an organization renowned for its groundbreaking approach to eradicating poverty through direct services, advocacy, and research.

Ms. Janey’s story is one of historic achievement and profound commitment to community upliftment. She made history as Boston’s first woman and first Black mayor, steering the city with visionary leadership through the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her tenure was marked by a focused agenda on recovery, renewal, and addressing systemic inequities—a testament to her dedication to justice and equality.

Under her guidance, Boston re-opened its economy and schools by prioritizing health, wellness, and equity. She spearheaded initiatives to support small businesses, expanded protections for renters and homeowners, and launched fare-free public transport, all while leading Boston to become one of America’s most vaccinated cities.

Before her mayoral role, Ms. Janey led the most diverse City Council in Boston’s history, where she was instrumental in authoring groundbreaking legislation. Her deep roots in public service extend over 30 years, including significant contributions to Massachusetts Advocates for Children, where she advocated for systemic reforms in Boston Public Schools to increase equity and access.

Today, as the leader of EMPath, Kim Janey continues to champion economic mobility with innovative strategies like Mobility Mentoring, the coach-based model that WCAC has proudly adopted. This approach aligns with our mission to facilitate transformative change in the lives of those we serve across Central Massachusetts.

Join Us for a Morning of Inspiration

We invite you to join us for this special morning event, where Kim Janey will engage in a dynamic conversation with WCAC’s CEO, Marybeth Campbell, and Ronald Waddell, Co-Founder & Executive Director of Legendary Legacies. This live taping of the Ripple Effect Podcast will not only highlight Ms. Janey’s transformative impact but also delve into how her methods have influenced our community work.

Support Our Mission

As we gather to celebrate resilience and dedication at the 2025 Resiliency Awards, we also extend an invitation for sponsorship. Supporting this event offers a unique opportunity to align with our values of empowerment and community support, ensuring that the WCAC can continue to make a meaningful impact.

➡️ CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE TICKETS | ➡️CLICK HERE TO SPONSOR THE 2025 RESILIENCY AWARDS

Your generosity helps us continue the vital work of breaking the cycle of poverty and building a resilient community. Join us in celebrating and supporting the change-makers among us at the Resiliency Awards.

EVENT DETAILS

• Wednesday, May 14, 2025
  8am – 10am
  Top of the Tower
  446 Main Street
  Worcester, MA 01608