Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1023845
54 Giving Guide 2018 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. Having embarked on our second half-century of service to Central Massachusetts, WCAC remains committed to… • Providing alternative educational opportunities to help at-risk young adults prepare for and secure stable employment and livable wages through HiSET and higher education assistance, work readiness programs, skill building and short-term employment experiences. • Providing income-eligible households with home-heating assistance, weatherization and energy efficiency services. • Bolstering services to southern Worcester County through preschool and early education and care programming, home visiting to first-time parents, free income tax assistance and high school equivalency credentialing. • Expanding strategic business partnerships to support employment opportunities for youth. • Continuing to work with local, state and federal legislative officials to ensure the stability of publicly funded programs for those in critical need of support, as well as for working families moving towards self-sufficiency. • Convening new and core partners to raise awareness of poverty issues and create a solutions-focused forum. • Integrating financial capability skills training and programming, while expanding access to mainstream banking for unbanked and underbanked in the community. Jill C. Dagilis, Executive Director Noreen Johnson Smith, Board Chair MISSION STATEMENT SERVICE AREA: WCAC serves the City of Worcester and 45 surrounding communities in Central and Southern Massachusetts. Helping people move to economic self-sufficiency through programs, partnerships and advocacy. Federal Funding ............. 78% State/Local Government ....9% Other/Earned Revenue .... 13% TOP FUNDING SOURCES: Noreen Johnson Smith, Family Health Center of Worcester, Chair Don Xenos, for District Attorney Joseph Early, Vice Chair Brian Westerlind, Webster Five, Treasurer Michael Keegan, Assistant Treasurer Leslie Baker, Webster Adult Basic Education, Clerk Donna Lombardi, Worcester Public Schools, Assistant Clerk Dale Allen Pedro Aponte, Head Start Policy Council Designee Eric Batista, Designee for City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. Marybeth Campbell, Designee for Senator Michael O. Moore, Skillworks Steven Desmarais, Designee for Senator Harriette L. Chandler, Polar Beverages Tom Dubay Eve Gilmore, Edward Street Child Services Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. 484 Main Street, Suite 200 Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: 508-754-1176 www.WCAC.net Full-time employees: 85 full time, 30 part time Annual revenues: $21 million Year founded: 1965 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Steven Joseph, UNUM Olta Kodra Alejandro Mango, National Grid Peter J. Martin, Bowditch & Dewey Radames Pagan, Plumley Village Gladys Rodriguez-Parker, Designee for Congressman James P. McGovern Karen Rucks, Designee for Mayor Joseph Petty, Quinsigamond Community College FUTURE GOALS In what has quickly become a new family tradition, WCAC will once again be collaborating with The Hanover Theatre for a special performance of A Christmas Carol on December 20, 2018 with a portion of proceeds purchased to support WCAC. A special pre-show reception is also planned. Don't be a scrooge – join us! Each May, in conjunction with National Community Action Month, WCAC hosts its annual Action Hero Celebration. Join us at our 13th Annual Action Hero Awards to find out which organizations, businesses and individuals we'll be honoring this year and to discover who will receive the coveted WCAC Green Action Hero Cape! • Volunteers are always needed as tax preparers from January through April for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in which income-eligible residents have their income taxes prepared and filed at no cost. WCAC operates VITA in Worcester and Southbridge. Training for the IRS certification takes place in December. • Volunteers sought to provide specialized business presentations to at-risk young people preparing for higher education and/or employment through the agency's Job & Education Center. Volunteer computer instructors are also needed to assist with résumé preparation, online job searching, and basic computer skills. • WCAC is in the midst of a Capital Campaign to raise funds to support the renovation of the former Webster Senior Center to relocate four Head Start classrooms. Details about funding opportunities and naming rights available by calling 508-762-9807. • An Annual Appeal, launched in November, and Spring Appeal launched in May, seeks funding to sustain the agency's programs and services throughout the year. Donations accepted year-round at www.WCAC.net or by mail to WCAC, 484 Main Street, Worcester, MA 01608. • New partners sought to provide professional workshops and mentoring, as well as summer and year-round employment opportunities for young adults through our Job & Education Center's (JEC). • LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), better known as fuel assistance, serves more than 15,000 households annually throughout Central Massachusetts. Private donations provide additional fuel assistance for income eligible households right in your backyard, who are facing no-heat emergencies during cold winter months. • Donations of breakfast, lunch and snack options, gift cards and bus passes accepted for young adults enrolled in the JEC, many of whom experience food insecurity and face significant barriers to education and employment. • Head Start/Early Head Start and Healthy Families programs accept donations of school supplies and books for infants through age 5. Healthy Families also accepts new or gently worn infant and toddler clothing for its Baby Boutique. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES FUNDRAISING EVENTS/OPPORTUNITIES VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES