Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc.
The Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. (MOC) was established in 1966 for the primary purpose of promoting the well being of low-income people in the cities and towns of North Central Massachusetts. MOC continues to fulfill this purpose through providing direct services, collaborating with other public and private entities and by applying comprehensive strategies that help to address the complex issues of poverty.
MOC provides services through our three Divisions: Child Care & Head Start; Housing & Community Services and Nutrition & Wellness Services. MOC also provides financial support through our Community Services Block Grant allocation to 4 delegate agencies: Gardner Community Action Committee, Inc., Spanish American Center, Inc. in Leominster, WHEAT in Clinton, and the Winchendon Community Action Center, Inc. Please visit our website at www.mocinc.org for a complete listing of all our services.
In 2008: 22,352 Individuals received services with the following outcomes:
- 1,361 children improved their cognitive social, emotional and physical development through participation in MOC’s Child Care and Head Start Services. 665 children participated in Head Start and 696 children participated in Child Care Services. 552 parents were able to maintain employment, become employed or train for employment because their children were enrolled in After School/Out of School Care, Early Education and Care Pre-School, and Family Child Care homes.
- 60 people enrolled in MOC’s Certified Nurse Assistant Program (CNA) and received CNA certification.
- 41 individuals participated in computer training programs and received a certificate.
- 47 individuals attended English Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes or Adult Basic Education classes.
- 8,285 women and children improved their health and nutrition through the Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) Program, including WIC on Wheels.
- 1,385 patients made 3,290 visits to the Family Planning Clinic.
- 9,416 households received Emergency Food Assistance through 5 sites.
- 467 high consumption households reduced their energy burden through the Weatherization Assistance Program and Utility Conservation Programs.
- 252 households received Heating System Repair or Replacement Services.
- 82 families increased their knowledge about lead-safe issues through the Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
- 53 youth increased their earnings and job skills by participating in the Summer and Year Round Youth Works program.
- 65 Hmong Lao families received support services including interpretation, information and referral, and transportation through MOC’s collaboration with the Hmong Lao Foundation.
- 138 community members increased their decision and policy making skills by participating on the Child Care Head Start Policy Council and parent committees, MOC’s Board of Directors, and the Massachusetts Head Start Association.
- Child Care Head Start parents donated 19,075 hours by working in the classroom, participating in family literacy activities, and providing administrative support.
- 3,679 youth attended educational sessions or health fairs as part of the Men’s Health Initiative and the Teen Pregnancy Prevention Program.
- 144 women received breast and cervical cancer screenings through the Wellness Program.
- 2,695 households increased their access to nutritious food and nutrition information through Elder Services.
- 35 households were assisted in maintaining their independent living situation through the Elder Home Repair Program.
- 65 households received case management services.
- 59 participants received financial literacy education and maintained a budget for over 90 days, 37 opened Individual Development Accounts (IDA) or savings accounts, 6 purchased homes, 4 enrolled in post secondary education, and 1 started a business using savings accumulated through the IDA Program.
- 120 households received free tax preparation services through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.
- 123 CARE Services clients maintained an independent living situation and a total of 141 people were served through the program.
