Valley Opportunity Council, Inc.

08/31/2026

Is your little one heading to preschool, Pre-K, or Kindergarten this September? 🍎 Big milestones require big energy! MassWIC helps you fuel your child's brain and body for a successful school year with nutrient-rich foods that support growth, focus, and immune health. 🧠
🥦Many parents don't realize that kids stay eligible for WIC all the way until their 5th birthday. If your child is 3 or 4, don't miss out on these benefits before they start school! Apply now to get your WIC card loaded and ready for school-year snack prep @ mass.gov/wic

08/31/2026

The Youthworks application is Now Open!
Below is QR code the Youthworks Cycle 2 application.
Space is limited and completing the application does not guarantee placement in the program.

08/27/2026

🎓 Ready to earn your GED? Take the first step toward a brighter future with our FREE GED Preparation Program! Our supportive instructors will help you build the skills and confidence you need to succeed.
✅ Free classes
✅ Flexible learning options
✅ Supportive staff
✅ Pathways to college and careers
Enrollment is now open! Contact us today to learn more and reserve your spot.

08/26/2026

08/25/2026

🔥 FUEL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM UPDATE — FY2027
The Fuel Assistance season will begin on November 1, 2026, and end on April 30, 2027.
📬 Application Mailing Schedule:
• September 2026: Applications will first be mailed to households that heat with deliverable fuels, such as oil, propane, kerosene, or wood.
• Afterward: Applications will be mailed to households that heat with utility services, such as natural gas or electricity.
• December 2026: Applications will be mailed to households whose heating costs are included in their rent.
👥 Intake interviews for new applicants will begin on October 1, 2026.
When you receive your application, please review all the information carefully. If anything has changed, cross out the incorrect information and clearly write the updated information.
Please sign the application and return it with all required documents as soon as possible. Submitting your application early may help prevent processing delays and heating emergencies during the winter.

🔥 ACTUALIZACIÓN DEL PROGRAMA DE ASISTENCIA DE COMBUSTIBLE — AÑO FISCAL 2027
La temporada de Asistencia de Combustible comenzará el 1 de noviembre de 2026 y finalizará el 30 de abril de 2027.
📬 Calendario de envío de solicitudes:
• Septiembre de 2026: Primero se enviarán las solicitudes a los hogares que utilizan combustibles de entrega, como aceite, propano, queroseno o madera.
• Posteriormente: Se enviarán las solicitudes a los hogares que utilizan servicios públicos para su calefacción, como gas natural o electricidad.
• Diciembre de 2026: Se enviarán las solicitudes a los hogares que tienen la calefacción incluida en la renta.
👥 Las entrevistas de admisión para nuevos solicitantes comenzarán el 1 de octubre de 2026.
Cuando reciba su solicitud, revise cuidadosamente toda la información. Si algo ha cambiado, tache la información incorrecta y escriba claramente la información actualizada.
Firme la solicitud y devuélvala lo antes posible junto con todos los documentos requeridos. Enviar su solicitud con anticipación puede ayudar a evitar retrasos en el procesamiento y emergencias de calefacción durante el invierno.

08/23/2026

Come see us tomorrow!

08/21/2026

Upcoming Workshops for Pregnant and Postpartum Families

Advancing Chicopee Together (ACT) is partnering with Sacred Start Doulas, who will facilitate 4 free workshops in Chicopee. These workshops aim to support individuals and families through pregnancy and postpartum transitions.

🗓️Postpartum is More Than the First 6 Weeks: Sept 3rd, 9:30-11:00 am at The Hub at Market Square
🗓️Feeding Foundations & Lactation Support: Sept 8th, 1:00-2:30 pm at Chicopee Library
🗓️Understanding Your Body, Your Rights, & Your Choices: Sept 15th, 5:00-7:00 pm at The Hub at Market Square
🗓️Supporting Perinatal Mentally & Emotionally: Sept 17th, 9:30-11:00 am at Chicopee Library

Partners and children are welcome to attend, but childcare will not be provided. $25 Uber 🚖vouchers will be provided for anyone who needs transportation assistance. Registration is required and you may register for multiple workshops. 🔗 in comments.

08/19/2026

Ever get to the grocery register and wonder if an item is WIC-approved? Take the guessing out of grocery shopping with the WICShopper App! 📱🥦With the app’s built-in barcode scanner, you can scan items right in the aisle to instantly see if they are approved and covered by your specific benefits. No more surprises at checkout, and no more stressful math in the middle of the store. Plus, you can check your real-time eWIC balance right from your phone before you even grab a cart.
📲 Download the WICShopper App today on iOS or Android, select Massachusetts WIC, and register your card to start shopping with confidence!