The new year has brought a new director to WCAC's Job & Education Center, but he is anything but new to Worcester. Roberto Diaz was born in Puerto Rico, emigrating to the United States when he was 8 years old.

A self-described "Y-Brat", he spent much of his childhood attending programs at the YMCA where he met his first true mentor, Jeff Turgeon (now executive director of the Central Region Workforce Board) who helped him enroll in Springfield College through a diversity inclusion program after graduating from Worcester's Doherty High School. He holds a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services and Administration with a minor in Psychology from Springfield College and a Master's Degree in Community Developing in Planning from Clark University, a degree he notes took him an extra year to earn while he was working full time. His Master's thesis examined the lack of representation within city politics and the experiences which were not allowing minority candidates to successfully join the ranks.

Roberto brings to WCAC years of youth work experience having served previously as the assistant director of the Worcester Youth Center, clinical work, community based services including overseeing two food pantries serving over 5,000 families while at CENTRO, as well as gun violence prevention work through the Safe Successful Youth Initiative. He's excited to put his years of experience to work for WCAC! While starting a new job during a global pandemic certainly brings its challenges, he's committed to being a resource for staff and to grow the Job & Education Center in alignment with WCAC's mission and goals. Please join us in welcoming Roberto to Team WCAC!

And while the pandemic has changed the way the JEC operates (no in person classes or walk-ins at this time), staff are hard at work engaging youth. Currently, in partnership with the Worcester Public Schools, 15 youth through the New Citizens Academy are receiving 12 weeks of Signal Success and leadership training; another 34 are participating in a 10-week career pathway program introducing them to hands-on work readiness training in fields including healthcare, manufacturing, construction, and technology services; with another 36 youth participating in WCAC's YouthWorks Year Round program, providing support to the Boys & Girls Club Learning Hub as well as assisting with deliveries for local food pantries. Additionally, 33 students are currently enrolled in WCAC's youth educational programs encompassing academics (HiSET), career readiness, life skills as well as counseling/mentoring. Learn more about the programs and services available through WCAC's Job & Education Center here.

In a big change from prior years, this tax season appointments won't be needed because all preparation will be happening virtually. Our new method of preparing taxes will be using the website we piloted in the spring, called “Get Your Refund.”  It's a state-of-the-art platform developed by Code For America and being used at VITA sites across the country this season. It's been made as user-friendly as possible and we're excited to participate in the process.  

A new link will go live on our website on February 1^st that enables taxpayers to answer required questions and upload pictures all of their tax documents via a smartphone or computer, and be contacted via text, call or email by their tax preparer until the return is finalized, e-signed and e-filed. It's actually easiest on a phone- IOS or Android, both. The user can complete the application in Spanish, too. It’s free of charge, available to anyone with an adjusted gross income under $57,000, and done with the help of IRS-certified volunteers. 

WCAC has been lucky to get a lot of new volunteers this season and are hoping we can keep up with demand! Please be patient and understand it is always very busy the first few weeks and it evens out to a steadier pace through April 15th. Additional details about the program can be found on WCAC's website. Please contact the VITA program at 508-754-1176 option #5 (extension 171) or email vita@wcac.net with any additional questions.

The Worcester Community Action Council’s Head Start program currently serves children, ages 3-5, and their families in two centers – one located at 25 Cole Avenue, Southbridge; the other a newly renovated site located at 116 School Street, Webster. Full day, full year; full day, school year; and half day, school-year options are available. The center-based programs provide developmentally appropriate curricula, health and nutrition services, breakfast, lunch and snack, special education opportunities, and family services in adherence with all CDC public health requirements. All classrooms are nationally accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Services are provided at no charge to families meeting income-eligible guidelines. Although classrooms are presently full, WCAC is recruiting for Summer/Fall 2021 enrollment. If interested, please complete an online pre-application or call 508-765-4738.