In the spirit of resilience, WCAC encourages you to attend the Juneteenth Flag Raising tomorrow, Friday, June 16th at 5 p.m. at Worcester City Hall to be followed by the annual Black Heritage Juneteenth Festival on Saturday 12-8pm at Institute Park. Click on image above for event details.

FOCUSED ON FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT

At WCAC's Resiliency Center, we understand that financial stability is a key component of overall well-being. That's why we're here to help you achieve your financial goals. Our team of experts provides you with the tools and resources you need to take control of your finances, whether you're looking to reduce debt, increase savings, or improve your credit score.

We offer a range of services, including financial coaching, budgeting assistance, credit counseling, and more. Our team will work with you to develop a personalized plan that meets your unique needs and helps you achieve your goals. We take a collaborative approach, working with you every step of the way to ensure your success.

At WCAC's Resiliency Center, we're committed to helping our community thrive. Whether you're facing financial hardship or simply looking to improve your financial health, we're here to help. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you achieve your financial goals. Visit us online or email Resiliency@WCAC.net for more info.

VITA PROVES VITAL

WCAC is proud to be one of 80 Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programs across the Commonwealth, one of four in the City of Worcester. Through VITA, IRS-certified volunteers prepare taxes and specifically look for tax credits the household may be eligible for, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), Child Tax Credit (CTC), Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, and others. Utilizing the free tax preparation services allows families to retain their full refund, avoiding typical preparation fees which can often cost hundreds of dollars.

This year, thanks to a dedicated group of 27 certified volunteers, WCAC prepared and filed a total of 907 federal returns, generating an average return of $1,547. VITA is one of the most immediately impactful programs within WCAC's Resiliency Center.

The areas WCAC serves have a high rate of individuals claiming the EITC, with Southbridge at 20%, Worcester at 17% and Webster 17%; while the state average is 8%. According to the IRS, EITC help low-to-moderate income families and individuals receive a tax break to reduce taxes owed or increase refunds.

Interested in becoming a volunteer for VITA? Please email VITA@WCAC.net

NEW NAVIGATOR

Born and raised in Southbridge, Natasha Hernandez is happy to be working in her hometown as WCAC’s new Community Resource Navigator.

“My role is to connect families and individuals to resources they might need as they are fighting a crisis,” she said. “That crisis might be food insecurity, housing issues, utility bills, or they need help filing for financial aid or health insurance. I am a steppingstone to help them triage the crisis.”

The mother of two, ages 6 and 3, who holds an associate degree from Quinsigamond Community College and a Bachelor's degree in Psychology/Sociology from Worcester State University, said she has always had a passion for helping others. After five years working as a Phlebotomist at Harrington Memorial Hospital, she said she knew nursing school wasn’t for her, so she looked for a different outlet for her passion. An internship at Catholic Charities led her to WCAC where she was hired for the new community navigator post – one of two positions intended to round out the agency’s Resiliency Center team.

Her first month on the job has been spent learning about WCAC and its many community partners and observing client interactions where housing and high utility bills dominate client concerns. “Making sure clients understand the various resources available and are maximizing the benefits they are eligible for brings me great joy,” she said. 

JOIN OUR TEAM

To bolster the agency's Resiliency Center team, WCAC is seeking to hire and additional Cliff Effect Coach and Community Resource Navigator to participate in a holistic, client-centered approach to meeting individuals and families where they are with warm, supported resource and referral services. The Coach will utilize planning and financial empowerment tools to develop a budget and plan of action with clients, taking into consideration family needs, while the Navigator will assist individuals and families with navigation through public benefit eligibility and connection to needed community resources, resulting in improved access to basic needs and progress toward economic mobility. These positions will work closely with the Resiliency Center team of Financial Empowerment Director, other Cliff Effect and Financial Coaches, and will report to the Resiliency Center Director. Learn More/Apply Now

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

WCAC's Resiliency Center has partnered with RCAP Solutions to assist with applications for financial assistance for eligible renters in southern Worcester County (RAFT program). Assistance is available by appointment only. Use this link to request an appointment.

If you live in the City of Worcester, your application will be processed by the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance (CMHA),

6 Institute Road, Worcester, MA 01609 

508.752-5519 x172  

HC@cmhaonline.org

If you live in another community within Central Massachusetts, your application will be processed by RCAP Solutions, 191 May Street, Worcester, MA 01602 978.630.6771  

HECEC@rcapsolutions.org