Program areas at WCAC
Liheap - low income home energy assistance program. The program includes a fuel assistance program that provides assistance with winter heating bills for low income homeowners and renters. Energy assistance participants are serviced at wcac's main office in Worcester, ma and six outreach sites in the Council's service area. Wcac processed applications from 15,988 households in fy 2024. Wcac offers energy conservation services for 1 to 4 family unit buildings, occupied by low income households, including weatherization, heating system repair and replacement and appliance management services. $ 15,506,554 in federal funds was paid directly to fuel vendors for home heating assistance.
The job and education center in fiscal year 2024 served 1,994 participants. The services provided high school equivalency test preparation classes, career pathway training, employment programs, positive youth development programs and other workforce development initiatives. This past summer the jec had 640 youth participate in summer jobs in partnership with almost 70 employers.
Head start and early head start services in southern Worcester county of Massachusetts for eligible children 0-5 years of age. Head start provides a developmental approach to enable children to achieve educational and social competence by providing for intellectual development, physical and mental health, nutrition and other factors. Capacity is now at 60 early head start and 203 head start. Actual enrollment at year-end including turnover during the year, was 289 for both programs, 213 head start and 76 early head start.
Various programs supporting the Community with education, covid-19 relief, services to young parents, healthy living, financial empowerment and advocacy services.