Community Action News
June 2020
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A call for justice, unity, peace and reform.
In the wake of the murder of Mr. George Floyd, we are still searching for words adequate to express our disgust and horror over the actions of those responsible for his death; our deep sadness for Mr. Floyd’s family, friends and community; and our anger over the repeated dehumanizing and fatal oppressive actions that threaten our nation. On behalf of the Worcester Community Action Council, we unequivocally condemn the police brutality that led to Mr. Floyd’s death. We join the call for justice, unity, peace and reform. Read WCAC's complete statement
here
.
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OUR NEW NORMAL
If there's a pandemic buzz word we could go without hearing again and again - topped perhaps only by 'join me for a Zoom meeting' - we'd likely pick 'new normal. But alas the impact of the COVID19 pandemic has forced us all to adjust the way we carry out our business and rethink the way we serve those in need in the most efficient, responsible and safe way.
While we don't know exactly what the future holds, we remain committed to adjusting to the new normal. We have made physical changes to our public offices such as new plexiglass partitions seen here. We are restructuring staffing levels and schedules to ensure maximum health and safety for our employees. We've made majors shifts in procedures and programming for early education and care, and we are continuing to make many virtual connections. With all these changes, WCAC remains committed to continue to make the broadest, most positive impact on our collective community we can. Together we do better.
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CONGRATS CLASS OF 2020
Not unlike high schools and colleges throughout the United States, graduation festivities for students of WCAC's Job & Education Center (JEC) and Head Start program looked a bit different this month given the lingering impacts of the COVID19 virus. Instead of gathering in gowns for inspirational speeches and emotional tributes to trials overcome, JEC grads will be receiving individual care packages including their certificates of achievement and High School Equivalency Diplomas.
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And instead of charming adoring parents and care givers with song and dance, the 111 little ones 'graduating' from our Head Start program were celebrated by teachers and staff with drive-by certificate distributions. We know they are going to do big things and are more than ready to take on the brave new world of Kindergarten! Click
here to view short video montage from our 2020 Head Start Certificate Days.
We are so very proud of each and every one of our graduates and wish them great success and good health going forward!
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BRIDGE TO SELF-SUFFICIENCY
As the reality of the full economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic begins to surface, WCAC is readying for what we anticipate will be a large increase in need for our programs and services. Many households may find themselves in need for the first time, while already vulnerable households will find themselves in an even more precarious situation. The effects of the pandemic continue to compound the needs of the people we serve as well as many families seeking help for the first time.
In partnership with Worcester Community Connections Coalition of You, Inc., MA Rehabilitation Commission, Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance, Worcester Housing Authority, NEBA, The Community Builders at Plumley Village, the MA Department of Transitional Assistance, and the MassHire Central Career Center, WCAC has been participating in the Worcester Economic Mobility Task Force - a collaboration designed to serve the whole client, with wrap around services and support from a myriad of local service providers. More than 200 direct service staff have been trained through the Task Force's four community trainings over the past several years, providing skills and knowledge on how to help their families connect with employment opportunities.
Funded by a $5,000 grant from the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the Task Force is working to create a network of learning in Worcester to infuse best practices in Mobility Coaching, with particular emphasis with helping families navigate the Cliff Effect. The Cliff Effect occurs when families earn just enough wages to reduce essential public benefits, keeping families trapped in a cycle of poverty. Mobility Mentoring, a model developed by Boston-based Economic Mobility Pathways (EMPath), is the professional practice of partnering with participants so that over time they may acquire the resources, skills, and sustained behavior changes necessary to attain and preserve their economic independence.
The Worcester Mobility Mentoring Pilot Program will officially kick-off the end of this month, with staff to be trained in EMPath's Mobility Mentoring model in September (virtually over several days). Partners will each train 1-2 staff to engage 3-5 clients over one year, and use the model as a tool in the toolbox for helping families to meet their goals.
WCAC recognizes that the challenges facing a household in poverty are many. And to truly support someone on a path to self-sufficiency requires more than one quick fix. We are grateful to our many partners working with us to help guide area households to a path of self-sufficiency.
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AMP'D UP FOR ENERGY SAVINGS!
Even WCAC's Appliance Managment Program (AMP) has gone virtual! Appointments are now being scheduled for the coming weeks. No-contact assessments of energy usage in your home and registration for replacement of inefficient appliances can be done via Zoom, Face-time, Google Hangouts and more. (We will have to follow up in person for refrigerator replacements.) We will resume in-person visits as soon as it is safe to do so. AMP provides many instant savings measures such as lightbulbs and appliances as well as information about how to reduce your energy usage and save money each month! Additional details and program eligibility available
online
. Email
Energy@wcac.net
for additional info.
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SUMMER YOUTHWORKS
Typically, around the beginning of April hundreds of young people in Worcester, and across the nation, start looking for a summer job. The summer of 2020 is shaping up to be very different than summers past. WCAC's Job & Education Center (JEC) has been working closely with Commonwealth Corporation and local partners; MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, City of Worcester Division of Youth Opportunities, youth serving agencies, and small businesses to redesign Summer Jobs. We are excited to be offering approximately 400 young people the opportunity to participate in virtual work experience, virtual online learning experiences or virtual service-learning projects.
These programs have been developed to be engaging and interactive; using robust and comprehensive platforms to support learning and provide a well-rounded experience. While we recognize that some young people are ready for the world to be “back to normal” – and so are we! - the JEC is committed to providing safe and nurturing experiences for young people and believe that by offering a virtual work or learning experience that we are combining the best of both worlds; the opportunity to work or learn while learning and using skills that will be necessary as the workforce landscape focuses on creating remote work opportunities.
In direct response to the events over the past two weeks (and far before that) which have exposed systemic racism and structural issues across the nation, the JEC Team feels that it’s critical to empower youth around these issues and ensure that they are civically engaged. We created a 7-week pilot program,
YOUth Matter
, where seven youth receiving weekly stipends, will meet (virtually), have the opportunity to learn from city leaders and stakeholders, and create mixed media projects that will be shared on social media platforms and displayed in the JEC. The outcome goals of this program include empowering youth, understanding the importance of civic engagement, and elevating youth voices around anti-racism efforts.
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Due to the COVID19 pandemic, the deadline to complete the 2020 US Census has been extended until October 31, 202
0. Now more than ever, it is important to respond to the Census by Internet, by phone, or by mail. Responses are kept confidential, and it’s easy to respond in 12 non-English languages.
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COVID-19 has affected us all, but we need to understand HOW so that we can PLAN for the future!
Do
you live in Worcester, Grafton, Holden, Leicester, Millbury, Shrewsbury or West Boylston? The City of Worcester, the Central Massachusetts Regional Public Health Alliance, and UMass Medical School invite you to complete a survey.
Take it here! Share it with others!
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- Thanks to the generous support of MAPFRE Insurance, Fundacion MAPFRE, EverSource Charitable Foundation and Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation, WCAC has to date helped provide more than 330 individuals with access to food, diapers and formula during this public health crisis.
- Thanks to the generous support of MASSCAP through special funds designated by the Department of Housing & Community Development, WCAC is helping support the delivery of 75 meals per day to low-income, COVID positive households in Worcester's Main South neighborhood
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"I want to thank the people responsible for helping me get through this winter. Having children and being unemployed for the winter is not easy. It's June and just got my electric bill and was surprised to see a few more dollars paid by fuel assistance. Thank you so much for what you people do."
~Rob G., Google Review 6/1/2020
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www.WCAC.net Info@WCAC.net
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