The announcement by Governor Baker this week that state mandated COVID restrictions will soon be lifted and that our state’s rate of COVID infection and hospitalizations are decreasing is hopeful news. However, Worcester and Southern Worcester County communities, where WCAC serves and partners, still rank among the hardest hit by COVID. I and many throughout the area's non-profit sector continue to have significant concerns about equitable access to vaccines for Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Latinx, Asian and immigrant communities. They are among the most disproportionally impacted by COVID, and yet, among those with lowest vaccination rates according to recent data from UMass Memorial Health Care. It is difficult to celebrate state’s reopening without acknowledging that we have more work to do before we can claim a win over COVID for all members of our community. WCAC is an active participant in efforts to coordinate outreach and education to support greater access to Worcester’s Equity Vaccine Clinics. Next Tuesday, May 25th, the City of Worcester and several partners will host such a clinic from 4:30-8 p.m at Polar Park. Designed to be family friendly (all those 12+ are now eligible for the vaccine) the event will feature local resources, special guests, music, food and prizes - and most importantly, the opportunity to get your shot! No registration is required. Please help us spread the word and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do their part in protecting themselves and our community.

This month we celebrate Community Action Month. Founded in 1965 as part of the War on Poverty, WCAC is one of 1,000 community action agencies across the U.S. and 23 in Massachusetts created to address disparities throughout the nation.  Our values of advancing equitable access, elevating all voices, and partnering with people are embedded in the role we play as the federally designated anti-poverty agency for Central and South-Central Massachusetts. As noted in the video below featuring members of WCAC's Board of Directors reaffirming The Promise of Community Action, we care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. Be sure to follow our social media channels for pictures and posts all month long celebrating our community impact!

Marybeth Campbell, Executive Director

In the midst of a tax year with tax law changes, software updates, and COVID restrictions, WCAC's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program supported a record total of 815 clients! A special shout-out to our dynamo team of Tim, Maggie and Nicole (pictured here) as well as 30 volunteers including numerous student volunteers from Clark University, Quinsigamond Community College and the University of Massachusetts - we couldn't have done it without you!

“This is a terrific example of what can be accomplished through partnerships,” said Department of Public Works commissioner Jay J. Fink. “In addition to having the obvious benefits of helping to keep Worcester clean, the Green Corps. creates opportunities for our youth.” According to Fink, the city plans to hire a full-time Worcester Green Corps. coordinator whose job it is to supervise year-round beautification efforts and oversee the five managers and 25 youth workers. In addition to providing the city’s Quality of Life team assistance with cleanup and beautification efforts, the city says the youth hires will learn about sustainability best practices, as well as education and employment opportunities.

As a provision of the American Rescue Plan, the monthly fruit & vegetable Cash Value Benefit for women and children over 1 year is going to temporarily increase from $11 to $35 starting in June. 

Click HERE to check eligibility and apply online. Having active SNAP, TAFDC, or certain Mass Health plans make an applicant automatically income eligible for WIC.