# Valley Opportunity Council



## Pages


- [cabot-manor-early-education-and-care-center](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care/cabot-manor-early-education-and-care-center)

- [churchill-homes-early-education-and-care-center](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care/churchill-homes-early-education-and-care-center)

- [gorse-children-s-center](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care/gorse-children-s-center)

- [montgomery-street-early-education-and-care-center](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care/montgomery-street-early-education-and-care-center)

- [mt-carmel-early-education-and-care-center](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care/mt-carmel-early-education-and-care-center)

- [voc-early-education-care-at-donahue-school](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care/voc-early-education-care-at-donahue-school)

- [voc-early-education-care-at-kelly-school](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care/voc-early-education-care-at-kelly-school)

- [voc-early-education-care-at-lawrence-school](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care/voc-early-education-care-at-lawrence-school)

- [hampden-street-holyoke](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/hampden-street-holyoke)

- [harrison-avenue](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/harrison-avenue)

- [pearl-street-holyoke](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/pearl-street-holyoke)

- [cottage-ave-holyoke](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/cottage-ave-holyoke)

- [1-grant-street-10-meadow-street](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/1-grant-street-10-meadow-street)

- [franklin-street-chestnut-street](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/franklin-street-chestnut-street)

- [912-chicopee-street](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/912-chicopee-street)

- [226-east-main-street](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/226-east-main-street)

- [61-65-maple-street-chicopee](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/61-65-maple-street-chicopee)

- [51-55-maple-street-chicopee](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/51-55-maple-street-chicopee)

- [640-chicopee-street](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/640-chicopee-street)

- [the-kendall](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/the-kendall)

- [cabotville-commons](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/cabotville-commons)

- [belcher-apartments](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/belcher-apartments)

- [ferris-building](https://www.valleyopp.com/property/ferris-building)

- [Chicopee Farmers' Market](https://www.valleyopp.com/food-nutrition/chicopee-farmers-market): The Valley Opportunity Council Chicopee Farmers' Market is dedicated to providing healthy products from local vendors at accessible prices in a place where the community gathers.

- [Contact Us](https://www.valleyopp.com/contact): Contact Valley Opportunity Council

- [English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)](https://www.valleyopp.com/adult-programs/esol): Classes are designed to help students understand, speak, read and write in English. Education programs are offered for those 16 years of age and older who are not enrolled in high school.

- [About VOC](https://www.valleyopp.com/about): 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.

- [Annual Report](https://www.valleyopp.com/annual-report): VOC Annual Report

- [Adult Basic Education](https://www.valleyopp.com/adult-programs/adult-basic-education): Adult Basic Education provides free classes designed to help participants acquire the skills and credentials needed to achieve economic self-sufficiency and engage meaningfully in their communities as workers, parents, and community members.

- [VOC Home](https://www.valleyopp.com/housing/housing-program): Residential Housing Program | Valley Opportunity Council

- [Fuel Assistance](https://www.valleyopp.com/energy-assistance/fuel-assistance): Fuel Assistance (also known as the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) helps eligible households challenged by the high cost of home heating fuel pay a portion of their winter heating bills.

- [Springfield Fuel Assistance](https://www.valleyopp.com/springfieldfuel): Valley Opportunity Council is Now Providing Fuel Assistance to Springfield Residents. Valley Opportunity Council ahora brinda asistencia de calefacción a los residentes de Springfield.

- [Homeless Housing](https://www.valleyopp.com/housing/homeless-housing): The Main Street Shelter is a 14-room family congregate shelter that provides homeless families with shelter and service coordination.

- [Family-Based Child Care](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/family-based-child-care-archive): Family-Based Child Care is a community-based network of educators who offer early education and care to children in a home setting. Educators are licensed by the Department of Early Education and Care, and offer early care and education for children from infancy to school age.

- [Community Outreach](https://www.valleyopp.com/community-outreach): Valley Opportunity Council Community Outreach

- [Housing](https://www.valleyopp.com/housing): Valley Opportunity Council Housing

- [Make a Payment](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/make-a-payment-archive): Make a Payment

- [Food & Nutrition](https://www.valleyopp.com/food-nutrition): Valley Opportunity Council Food & Nutrition Programs

- [Adult Programs](https://www.valleyopp.com/adult-programs): Valley Opportunity Council Adult Programs

- [Youth Programs](https://www.valleyopp.com/youth-programs): Valley Opportunity Council Youth Programs

- [Cabot Manor Summer Camp](https://www.valleyopp.com/youth-programs/cabot-manor-summer-camp): The Cabot Manor Summer Camp provides a structured, educational and fun environment for low-income, at-risk youth ages 5-13. While at Summer Camp children participate in field trips, educational activities such as science exploration, arts and crafts and literacy projects, and physical activities such as Kung Fu, Zumba, Hip Hop dance classes, daily walks, and swimming.

- [Before and After School Programs](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/before-and-after-school-programs-archive): Valley Opportunity Council Before and After School Programs

- [Cabot Manor After-School Program](https://www.valleyopp.com/youth-programs/cabot-manor-after-school-program): This program offers a wide variety of activities and services related to academic, career, and personal development with a strong focus on project-based, experiential, and social/emotional learning opportunities.

- [Volunteering at VOC](https://www.valleyopp.com/community-outreach/volunteer): Are you interested in volunteering for one of VOC's programs?  If so, we have a wide variety of options available to you!

- [Center-Based Child Care](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/center-based-child-care-archive): VOC operates eight child care centers in Holyoke, Chicopee, and South Hadley for children ages 6 weeks to -12 years old. Our goal is to assist parents who are working, in training leading to employment, or have other special needs.

- [Home](https://www.valleyopp.com/)

- [Energy Assistance](https://www.valleyopp.com/energy-assistance): Valley Opportunity Council Energy Assistance Programs

- [Commercial Properties](https://www.valleyopp.com/commercial)

- [Early Ed Summer Programs](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education/early-ed-summer-programs-archive): Early Ed Summer Programs | Valley Opportunity Council

- [News](https://www.valleyopp.com/news): Valley Opportunity Council News

- [Belcher Apartments Application](https://www.valleyopp.com/housing/belcher-apply): The Main Street Shelter is a 14-room family congregate shelter that provides homeless families with shelter and service coordination.

- [Senior Companion Program](https://www.valleyopp.com/adult-programs/senior-companion-program): Senior Companions are active older adults who help other adults live independently and offer companionship, socialization opportunities, moral support, information and referral services, transportation, and friendship.

- [VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance)](https://www.valleyopp.com/community-outreach/vita): VITA offers free tax preparation to those of low- to moderate-income residing in Massachusetts. Certified volunteers help qualified individuals prepare basic tax returns.

- [Citizenship](https://www.valleyopp.com/adult-programs/citizenship): VOC offers a ten-week citizenship class that meets one evening per week. During these classes, students will practice answering the oral questions of the N-400 application form to gain confidence in their interview skills.

- [Donate](https://www.valleyopp.com/donate): Support Valley Opportunity Council

- [Early Education - Archive](https://www.valleyopp.com/early-education-archive): Valley Opportunity Council Early Education

- [WIC](https://www.valleyopp.com/food-nutrition/wic): WIC is a nutrition program that provides healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support and referrals to healthcare and other services free of charge to qualified Massachusetts families. WIC serves low- to moderate-income people in critical stages of growth and development.

- [Heating System Repair](https://www.valleyopp.com/energy-assistance/heating-system-repair): Also known as the Heating Emergency Assistance Retrofit Task Weatherization Assistance Program, or HEARTWAP provides heating system repair and replacement services to eligible low-income households.

- [Join Our Team](https://www.valleyopp.com/job-opportunities): Valley Opportunity Council Employment

- [WIOA Out-of-School](https://www.valleyopp.com/adult-programs/wioa-out-of-school): This program provides adult education classes three times per week, case management services for every student, teaches students the skills needed for employment and independent living, provides stipends for the students while they are in class and offers paid, subsidized work experiences in the Holyoke/Chicopee area.

- [YouthWorks](https://www.valleyopp.com/youth-programs/youthworks): Our collaboration with the Hampden County Workforce Board provides a structured, well-supervised work experience for low-income, at-risk youth ages 14-21.

- [Comprehensive Integrated Employment Services (CIES)](https://www.valleyopp.com/adult-programs/cies): Valley Opportunity Council provides adults who are receiving DTA cash benefits themselves or for a child with the supports needed to improve their workforce readiness, access training and ultimately get a job that pays a family-sustaining wage.

- [GEAR UP](https://www.valleyopp.com/youth-programs/gear-up): GEAR UP (Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs) counsel middle and high school students on the importance of higher education while advising them to have high expectations.


## Blog Posts


- [Heating assistance funds running out early as brutal winter continues](https://www.valleyopp.com/heating-assistance-funds-running-out-early-as-brutal-winter-continues)

- [Valley Opportunity Council begins processing heating assistance applications after shutdown](https://www.valleyopp.com/valley-opportunity-council-begins-processing-heating-assistance-applications-after-shutdown)

- [Important Fuel Assistance Updates](https://www.valleyopp.com/important-fuel-assistance-updates)

- [Home heating assurance needed by many amid rising costs](https://www.valleyopp.com/home-heating-assurance-needed-by-many-amid-rising-costs)

- [Belcher Apartments: New affordable housing in Chicopee](https://www.valleyopp.com/belcher-apartments-new-affordable-housing-in-chicopee)

- [Heating assistance threatened during government shutdown](https://www.valleyopp.com/heating-assistance-threatened-during-government-shutdown)

- [Valley Opportunity Council hosts trunk or treat in Chicopee](https://www.valleyopp.com/valley-opportunity-council-hosts-trunk-or-treat-in-chicopee)

- [Important Fuel Assistance Update](https://www.valleyopp.com/important-fuel-assistance-update)

- [Seeing on Western Mass News: Assistance available to help combat rising heating costs](https://www.valleyopp.com/seeing-on-western-mass-news-assistance-available-to-help-combat-rising-heating-costs)

- [Seen on Western Mass News: Home heating assistance applications available](https://www.valleyopp.com/seen-on-western-mass-news-home-heating-assistance-applications-available)

- [VOC/GEAR UP Program Boasts 300 College Acceptances, Over $3 Million in Scholarships for Holyoke Grads](https://www.valleyopp.com/voc-gear-up-program-boasts-300-college-acceptances-over-3-million-in-scholarships-for-holyoke-grads)

- [Belcher Apartments Lottery April 28 at 10 a.m.](https://www.valleyopp.com/coming-soon-belcher-apartments)

- [Seen on WWLP: Valley Opportunity Council to reopen Women, Infants & Children office in Ludlow](https://www.valleyopp.com/seen-on-wwlp-valley-opportunity-council-to-reopen-women-infants-children-office-in-ludlow)

- [AP: New WIC rules include more money for fruits and veggies. They also expand food choices](https://www.valleyopp.com/ap-new-wic-rules-include-more-money-for-fruits-and-veggies-they-also-expand-food-choices)

- [Outlook 2024: Valley Opportunity Council improving lives, one resident at a time](https://www.valleyopp.com/outlook-2024-valley-opportunity-council-improving-lives-one-resident-at-a-time)

- [Valley Opportunity Council opens new location in West Springfield](https://www.valleyopp.com/valley-opportunity-council-opens-new-location-in-west-springfield)

- [Join Us: Open House at Our New West Springfield Location](https://www.valleyopp.com/join-us-open-house-at-our-new-west-springfield-location)

- [Featured on Mass Appeal: Valley Opportunity Council wants you to help end senior loneliness](https://www.valleyopp.com/featured-on-mass-appeal-valley-opportunity-council-wants-you-to-help-end-senior-loneliness)

- [MassLive: Valley Opportunity Council, continuing downtown Chicopee investment, buys closed Polish National branch](https://www.valleyopp.com/masslive-valley-opportunity-council-continuing-downtown-chicopee-investment-buys-closed-polish-national-branch)

- [Upcoming Board of Directors Meetings](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/upcoming-board-directors-meetings)

- [Featured on Spectrum News: Wilbraham retiree applying different strategies to stay warm this winter](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/featured-spectrum-news-wilbraham-retiree-applying-different-strategies-stay-warm-winter)

- [Featured in The Republican / MassLive: Bracing for Winter; Municipal utilities work to keep high energy costs at bay](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/featured-republican-masslive-bracing-winter-municipal-utilities-work-keep-high-energy-costs-bay)

- [Read Our 2019 Annual Report and 2020 Update](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/view-our-2019-annual-report-and-2020-update)

- [WIC Day May 2nd](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/wic-day-may-2nd)

- [VOC's Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/vocs-community-needs-assessment-and-strategic-plan)

- [VOC Celebrates Kendall Re-Opening!](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/voc-celebrates-kendall-re-opening)

- [Mt. Carmel Center Kids Help Plant Trees at VOC](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/mt-carmel-center-kids-help-plant-trees-voc)

- [Congratulations to VOC's Mt. Carmel After School Program Staff!](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/congratulations-vocs-mt-carmel-after-school-program-staff)

- [New Affordable Housing in Chicopee](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/new-affordable-housing-chicopee)

- [Read Our 2016 Annual Report](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/read-our-2016-annual-report)

- [Valley Opportunity Council Helps Immigrants on Path to Citizenship](https://www.valleyopp.com/news/valley-opportunity-council-helps-immigrants-path-citizenship)