Community Action News
November 2020
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GIVING THANKS
2020 is a year by which nearly every standard imaginable, simply can't be over soon enough! Challenge after challenge, frustration after frustration, loss after loss. And yet, this week we will pause to give thanks for the many blessings we enjoy because despite the havoc 2020 has raged, there is still certainly much to be thankful for.
Professionally I am thankful for the incredibly dedicated staff of WCAC who have adjusted - and readjusted - to our ever changing 'new normal' in an effort to provide consistent and compassionate assistance to those in need. I am thankful for our Board of Directors who provide a comittment to the stewardship of our mission. We as a team are thankful for our many, many community partners and supporters without whom doing our work would be near impossible to do throughout the year. Special shout-outs to the amazing employees of MAPFRE Insurance and the wonderful generosity of Bank of America, both of which just this week made incredible contributions to support WCAC's work as noted below.
While celebrations will inevitably look and feel different this year, I wish you peace and an opportunity to reflect on all that we collectively have to give thanks for.
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COAT DRIVE 2020
Each year WCAC undertakes a Coat Drive in order to provide new winter coats to all of the children enrolled in the agency’s Early Head Start, Head Start, and Healthy Families of Southern Worcester County programs, as well as for the children of the teen parents enrolled in the agency’s Job & Education Center. More than just a new coat, the program is intended to alleviate the burden of purchasing a new coat for our vulnerable families, while preventing children from getting sick, missing school and thus causing parents to miss work or school themselves. We are most grateful for the strong community and corporate support we receive each year for this program, particularly this year when the need is so great.
A hearty thank you to the incredibly generous employees of MAPFRE Insurance who provided new coats for all of the children enrolled in our early education and care programs. All told the group provided nearly 200 new winter coats, as well as hats and mittens for each child! Thank you, thank you, thank you!
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HOME HEATING HELP IS HERE
We know many households are struggling financially due lost or reduced wages as the result of COVID. We also know many households are experiencing increased utility usage because they are working from home or have children doing remote learning. What we want those households to know, is that WCAC is here to help – home heating help is here! Whether you are a returning client or someone finding themselves struggling for the first time - home help is here!
A big shout out to WCAC's Fuel Assistance team who, just since the program opened November 1st, have received more than 4,478 phone calls just to the automated 'check status of your application' line! Some 8,429 applications have already been received - including 500 first-time applicants, with 5,424 already certified as eligible! Please refer to WCAC's fuel assistance webpage for additional information about eligibility as well as forms required to complete your application.
Please note that in order to do our part to keep our employees, our clients and the community safe, WCAC’s offices remain closed to the public. All first-time applications will be done by appointment over the phone. Both online scheduling and online applications are coming soon. Applications can be returned by mail or dropped off to drop box located outside WCAC's main office on the 2nd floor of the Denholm Building, 484 Main Street, Worcester. To check the status of your application call the 27/7 automated line at 508-754-7281 and follow the voice prompts.
Be assured, our staff is working hard, but please be patient if there is a delay in our response time. The best way to reach our fuel assistance staff is to email LIHEAP@wcac.net
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WCAC named Bank of America Neighborhood Champion
Bank of America recently named WCAC as a Neighborhood Champion, a recognition that includes both grant funding and leadership training. The Neighborhood Champions program supports the role strong nonprofit leaders play in advancing economic mobility, and is an extension of the bank’s signature philanthropic initiative, Neighborhood Builders®, the largest corporate philanthropic investment in nonprofit leadership in the country. Alongside Worcester, the bank will bring the program to over 40 additional communities across the U.S. this fall as part of its commitment to investing in the long-term health of communities.
As part of the program, the Worcester Community Action Council will receive $50,000 in grant support and an opportunity for engagement in virtual leadership training delivered by experts in the nonprofit sector.
“These resources will be critical in helping WCAC further our mission in supporting the financial stability of our community members,” said WCAC Executive Director Marybeth Campbell. “We are thrilled to have been designated a Neighborhood Champion and greatly appreciate Bank of America’s support to expand both our financial empowerment services and community partnerships. We likewise look forward to the opportunity to support our staff’s leadership skills development.”
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Funding is available to help with overdue rent or mortgage payments, short-term rent or mortgage stipends, and in some cases, moving costs (including first, last, security) through state programs, state, federal, and privately funded programs |
In order to do our part to keep our employees, our clients and the community safe, WCAC's administrative offices remain closed to the public due to the COVID19 public health crisis. Staff are working and remain available by both email and phone, but please be patient if there is a delay in our response time.
Please visit us at www.WCAC.net for specific program information.
Please email info@wcac.net or call 508.754.1176 to leave a message for staff.
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www.WCAC.net Info@WCAC.net |
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