About

Our History

Over 50 years ago, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a War on Poverty. It was this declaration that led to the formation of Community Action Agencies throughout the country. Today, Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) is one of 23 Community Action Agencies in Massachusetts. 


VOC started out small in 1965 and was originally named the Community and Regional Opportunity Program. At that time our agency focused on community outreach, with few programs of our own. VOC has grown significantly since then and now offers over 30 programs in a wide variety of areas, including food and nutrition, energy assistance, education and child care, youth and adult programs and community outreach.


Several years ago, VOC also started investing in the local community by purchasing and renovating properties in Chicopee and Holyoke. These properties include market-rate and low-income housing as well as multiple commercial and mixed-use buildings.



When VOC first opened, our organization was only able to offer services in Chicopee and Holyoke, and today many of our programs are available to participants throughout greater Hampden County. As we continue to grow, our focus has been, and will continue to be, helping people achieve a higher quality of life. 

Our Mission

The Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. is dedicated to eliminating poverty by providing the opportunity for our low- and moderate-income neighbors, families and friends in the Greater Hampden County area to achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life.

Those We Serve

45 M
Our investment in the Holyoke and Chicopee communities.
250
Staff Members
155
Community Partners
88,000
People who want to better themselves.

Our annual budget of over $45 million is a significant investment in the Holyoke and Chicopee communities

These dollars translate into active and real revenues for the payment of services, training, and materials acquired in support of our many community-based programs. VOC also represents a significant economic investment in the community as a major employer of over 250 staff members and 155 community partners.


VOC leads the way for individuals and families to access education and training aimed at developing skills vital to their goals of attaining self-sufficiency.


VOC reaches 88,000 people of all age groups, backgrounds and circumstances who want to better themselves.

Board of Directors

Target Representatives

Target Representatives

Abigail Arriaga

Stefany Escobar-Garcia

Matthew Mainville

Jolene Monfette

Gladys Suero

Eric Taub

Public Representatives

Corey Briere

Tony Diaz

Cheryl Figeroa

John Hale

Ken Parsons

Jackie Watson

Private Representatives

Sherleen Crespo

Ana Rodriguez

Greg Schwartz

Willie Spradley, Jr.

Zuzanna Zaluga

Mim Zayas

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