Watch MASSCAP Executive Director, Joe Diamond, on Centro.
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News
Read the latest MASSCAP news including network and agency news, policy and program updates, and opinion and advocacy pieces.
MASSCAP Requests Additional Fuel Assistance Funds for Vulnerable Massachusetts Families
Click here for full Press Release.
Click here for Letter to Governor Baker
The Massachusetts Association for Community Action (MASSCAP) is urging Governor Charlie Baker and members of the Massachusetts legislature to include $25 million for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) in the next FY 18 Supplemental Budget.
A Must Watch: Community Impact, Worcester Community Action Council
Everyone needs help at some point in their life. Have you ever had someone help you? Giving you that chance to succeed… someone who believed in you when you didn’t believe in yourself?
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) Statewide Kickoff Scheduled for January 26
We will kickoff the start of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program (VITA) for the 2017 tax preparation season.
After uncertainty, Massachusetts gets heating assistance funds
As reported by Brian Benson, Daily News Staff, and Gerry Tuoti, Wicked Local Newsbank Editor:
Despite threats that funding would be eliminated in President Donald Trump’s preliminary budget, the state’s home heating program will continue to keep low-income families warm this year, just as temperatures are beginning to drop.
Sixty-one organizations join the 2018 Your Money, Your Goals cohort (including MASSCAP)
As reported by By Patty Avery and Yuliya Rzad, CFPB:
We’re working to expand the reach of Your Money, Your Goals to more people across the country with the help of our new 2018 Your Money, Your Goals cohort organizations.
You could qualify for heating assistance in MetroWest, Milford area
As reported by Jonathan Dame, Daily News:
FRAMINGHAM – An improved economy may mean fewer households are tapping into the financial help for winter heating bills, but questions about eligibility might be playing a role.
Launch of Statewide Fuel Assistance Campaign
On October 27, 2017, the Massachusetts Association of Community Action (MASSCAP), along with several community action agencies, launched a statewide awareness campaign on fuel assistance in advance of the cold weather.
Help for Hurricane Victims in Puerto Rico
Community Action Agencies stand ready to help families who have come here from Puerto Rico. Visit our Agencies page to find your local agency.
Springfield Partners for Community Action Builds Community
As reported by AFAMPOV:
The staff at Springfield Partners has found a delicious way to celebrate the success of Paul Boyd, one of our Individual Development Account graduates.
Celebrating Patricia Daly and her Impact in Community Action
After 23 years at the helm of South Shore Community Action Council (SSCAC), Patricia Daly is retiring in June.
ABCD opens new childcare center for South End and Chinatown families
As reported by Sara Brown, Sampan:
Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) celebrated the opening of its new Head Start center serving Boston’s Chinatown and South End on May 1.
Head Start gets state grant
NEW BEDFORD — People Acting in Community Endeavors Inc. will receive a Head Start State Supplemental Grant from the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) for Fiscal Year 2018, Rep.
A small grant makes big changes at Community Action, Inc.
As written in Press Release, Essex County Community Foundation:
Gail Souther is the first person you’ll meet when you walk through the doors at Community Action, Inc., located at 3 Washington Square, a multilevel brick building in downtown Haverhill that could be considered a relic by modern standards.
Trump budget plan could wallop local social services
As reported by Jesse Collins, Wicked Local Bedford:
President Donald Trump’s federal budget proposal that was announced on March 16 has social service providers reeling.
Trump’s budget would hit Massachusetts programs
As Reported by Gerry Tuoti, Wicked Local Newsbank Editor, Wicked Local Newburyport:
Social services providers, environmental advocates and others warn that Massachusetts would suffer dire effects under President Donald Trump’s budget proposal.
Press Release: In Response to Proposed Federal Budget Blueprint
Statement from Joe Diamond, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Association for Community Action, In Response to Proposed Federal Budget Blueprint
“Cutting the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) will not only adversely affect thousands of residents of Massachusetts but will also remove millions of dollars from communities across the Commonwealth.
ABCD urge households in-need to apply for fuel assistance as winter continues, April 30 deadline
As reported by Sampan:
The forecast of frigid sub-zero temps, more snow and ice storms indicate that this unpredictable yet frigid winter is far from over.
Mass. awards $7.9 million in workforce training grants to 111 Mass. companies
As reported by the Boston Business Journal:
The state’s Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development announced $7.9 million in workforce training fund grants to 111 Massachusetts companies, saying the funds will be used to train 5,243 workers and create an expected 522 new jobs.
ABCD lobbies to save Head Start early-learning program from ax
As reported by Kathleen McKiernan, The Boston Herald:
Fearing federal cuts to Head Start, Action for Boston Community Development has launched a lobbying effort to fight for the early education program for low-income children and families.
Pittsfield: VITA program offers free tax preparation
As reported by The Berkshire Eagle:
Central Berkshire Habitat for Humanity and Berkshire Community Action Council, with support from Berkshire United Way, will offer free filing of 2016 federal and state income taxes through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, now through Sunday, April 16.
ABCD launches #SaveHeadStart, opens new site with Cardinal O’Malley
As reported by SAMPAN:
ABCD will celebrate the opening of its new Head Start center serving Boston’s Chinatown and South End communities on February 22from 10:30 am to 12 noon.
MASSCAP Public Policy Briefing on February 2, 2017
A Breakfast Briefing on Poverty & Opportunity
A Review of MASSCAP’s Public Policy Priorities
When: February 2, 2017 10:30 a.m.
Plymouth Chamber honors longtime community leader
As reported by Boston Herald:
A longtime champion of services to those in need — who helped build and expand the South Shore Community Action Council — was honored yesterday by the Plymouth Area Chamber of Commerce.
Low Income Residents to Receive Free Tax Preparation
As reported by Sy Becker, 22 News WWLP:
Free help is available for thousands of families that need to file their taxes.
Join Us on January 27: Statewide Kickoff of EITC and VITA Programs
Join us along with federal, state and local elected and appointed officials as well as Community Action Agencies and local partners to help kick off the start of the 2017 tax season (for the 2016 tax year) on Friday, January 27 at 10:30 a.m.
LEO Keeping Lynn Warm With Heat Help
As reported by Thor Jourgensen, Item Live:
With a part-time income barely covering her rent, Jennifer Caruso came to Lynn Economic Opportunity on Thursday to get heating assistance.
APAC Fuel Assistance Program is in Full Swing
As reported by John Lynds, East Boston Times-Free Press:
As the weather gets colder Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) Energy Programs Director Kathy Tobin expects more residents will be signing up for the annual Fuel Assistance Program at ABCD’s Meridian Street APAC office.
Newton solar array will help low-income residents save money
As reported by Jonathan Dame, Wicked Local Newton:
Electricity generated at one of the city’s solar arrays will help low-income Newton residents save on their energy bills through a first-of-its-kind program unveiled Wednesday, officials said.
South Shore Community Action Council hosts Japanese reporter to discuss childhood poverty
As reported by Wicked Local Plymouth:
PLYMOUTH – South Shore Community Action Council recently hosted a Japanese reporter from Asahi Shimbun, a Japanese daily newspaper with bureaus across the globe, including offices in New York and Washington D.C.