WCAC: What you need to know

Community Action News

February 2020

WORCESTER COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL, INC.

Helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships and advocacy.

PLEASE JOIN US

2ND ANNUAL

WCAC POVERTY FORUM

FREE TO ATTEND BUT ADVANCED REGISTRATION REQUESTED BY

MARCH 2ND.

Click HERE to Register

WCAC is excited to host its 2nd Annual Poverty Forum on Thursday, March 5, 2020 at the Hanover Theatre in Worcester!

We are honored to welcome Mary Ann Bates, Executive Director of the North American Office of the Abdul Latif Jameel Poverty Action Lab (JPAL) for our keynote address. JPAL is home of the 2019 Nobel Prize winning researchers recognized for their research and approach to alleviating poverty.

Following the keynote, join us for a dynamic panel discussion and Q&A. Comfirmed panelists to date include Quinsigamond Community College President Luis Pedraja, Open Sky CEO Ken Bates and Clark University Associate Professor of Community Development & Planning Laurie Ross, Ph.D.

SUMMER JOBS

Applications for YouthWorks Summer Jobs program for 2020 are now being accepted! Worcester’s “YouthWorks Summer Jobs Program” was established to create summer jobs for low-income, inner city youth between the ages of 14 and 21.

Each summer, youth are provided with 18 hours of pre-employment training, along with 6-7 weeks of meaningful paid work experience, and daily supervision and support. New for 2020, youth ages 14-15 will participate in 10-hour weekly paid service learning projects. Eligibility requirements and link to applications available online .

If you are an employer interested in hosting a YouthWorks youth employee, please contact us .

READYGO

During the Massachusetts Association for Community Action's public policy briefing at the State House last week, READYGO, a new early education and care workforce development initiative made possible through a planning grant from the Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts, was announced.

Assisted by evaluators form the Institute for Community Health, MASSCAP will utilize the $200,000 planning grant to use a research-based approach, working closely with Mount Wachusett Community College and Quinsigamond Commuity College, as well as Worcester Community Action Council (WCAC) and Making Opportunity Count (MOC), to develop both courses and curriculum to be included in early educators' degree work and certification. Read more here .

EVERYBODY COUNTS!

Every 10 years, as mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the federal government undertakes a census of the United States population to determine the allocation of seats held by each state in the House of Representatives. In advance of the 2020 Census, coming in April, the U.S. Census Bureau is recruiting hundreds of thousands of people for temporary jobs across the United States and Puerto Rico.

The 2020 Census is your chance to play a part in history! Temporary census positions offer the perfect opportunity to earn extra money while helping your community.

Most 2020 Census positions will last several weeks.

They feature:

Competitive wages
Weekly paychecks
Flexible hours
Paid training

With just one job application, you may be considered for one, some, or all of the 2020 Census positions available. Which positions you are considered for depends on your answers to the application assessment questions and the availability of work in your area.

Bilingual applicants are needed and are encouraged to apply. Apply today!

Save the Date!

WCAC will be celebrating its 55th Anniversary AND 14th Annual Action Hero Awards on Tuesday, May 19, 2020 7:30-9 a.m. at AC Marriott, 125 Front Street, Worcester. We are thrilled to be welcoming

Mark K. Shriver as our keynote presenter.

President of Save the Children Action Network and a dogged advocate for children throughout his career, he is the son of Sargent Shriver - who first established community action agencies under President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty in 1965.

Action Hero Sponsorship opportunities now available - please contact Ellen Ganley for details. Individual ticket reservations coming soon.

WCAC is conducting a three-year Strategic Plan with a Community Needs Assessment. As a community member, we value your input about the needs of your community in our planning process.

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