Making Opportunity Count Inc

ALLEVIATE POVERTY, PROMOTE SELF-SUFFICIENCY, AND BUILD HEALTHY COMMUNITIES BY CREATING OPPORTUNITIES, COORDINATING RESOURCES AND ADVOCATING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE.

COMMUNITY SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: TEEN & YOUTH SERVICES: MOC SUPPORTS THE SCHOOL-AGED YOUTH AND TEENS OF THE NORTH CENTRAL COMMUNITY BY OFFERING SERVICES THAT FOSTER POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. OUR SERVICES INCLUDE AFTER-SCHOOL AND SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS AIMED AT ENGAGING AT-RISK YOUTH IN ACTIVITIES THAT ENHANCE BOTH ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE AND SOCIAL- EMOTIONAL WELL-BEING. ADDITIONALLY, OUR YOUTH INNOVATION CENTER FOCUSES ON WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN MULTI-MEDIA AND ART, ALLOWING TEENS TO EXPLORE VARIOUS INTERESTS AND POTENTIAL CAREER PATHS. WE ALSO OFFER BYSTANDER INTERVENTION AND PEER MENTORSHIP PROGRAMS, WHICH WORK TOGETHER TO SUPPORT BOTH IN-SCHOOL AND OUT-OF-SCHOOL EFFORTS TO CULTIVATE HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS AND FURTHER ENCOURAGE POSITIVE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT. CAREER READINESS INITIATIVES CONNECT TEENS TO OPPORTUNITIES AND LINK THEM WITH LOCAL EMPLOYERS. FINANCIAL EDUCATION SERVICES: MOC'S FINANCIAL EMPOWERMENT CENTER PROVIDES EDUCATION AND COUNSELING TO LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AIMING TO ENHANCE FINANCIAL LITERACY AND BOLSTER ECONOMIC SECURITY. THESE SERVICES ARE VITAL FOR ACHIEVING LONG-TERM FINANCIAL AND LIFE OBJECTIVES. THE CENTER OFFERS FINANCIAL EDUCATION COURSES ALONG WITH PERSONALIZED COUNSELING, WHICH COVERS AREAS LIKE BUDGETING, SPENDING AND SAVING STRATEGIES, CREDIT BUILDING AND REPAIR, AS WELL AS INVESTING AND ASSET GROWTH. ADDITIONALLY, MOC FACILITATES FREE ELECTRONIC TAX FILING ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME HOUSEHOLDS THROUGH THE VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM, USING THE EXPERTISE OF VOLUNTEER TAX PREPARERS. EMPLOYMENT SERVICES: MOC'S EMPLOYMENT SERVICES ARE DEDICATED TO ENHANCING THE EMPLOYABILITY OF THOSE WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED OR UNDEREMPLOYED IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE FOCUS ON SKILL DEVELOPMENT, CAREER PREPAREDNESS, AND BUILDING STRONGER LINKS TO EMPLOYERS TO ACHIEVE SUSTAINED EMPLOYMENT. WE OFFER SEVERAL YOUTH WORK PROGRAMS, ESPECIALLY DURING THE SUMMER WHEN DEMAND IS HIGHER. FOR ADULTS, OUR SECURE JOBS CONNECT PROGRAM ASSISTS THOSE WHO ARE HOMELESS OR AT THE BRINK OF HOMELESSNESS, GUIDING THEM TOWARDS SELF-SUFFICIENCY AND INDEPENDENCE THROUGH TAILORED TRAINING, CASE MANAGEMENT, AND JOB PLACEMENT. ALL OUR CAREER READINESS INITIATIVES EMPHASIZE SOFT SKILLS, OCCUPATION- SPECIFIC TRAINING, JOB COACHING, AND SUPPORTIVE SERVICES TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES TO STABLE EMPLOYMENT. HOUSING SERVICES: MOC OFFERS A COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF HOMELESS SERVICES, ASSISTING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES FACING HOUSING CHALLENGES IN THEIR QUEST FOR STABLE HOUSING. OUR PREVENTION SERVICES SUPPORT FAMILIES WHO, WHILE CURRENTLY HOUSED, ARE AT RISK OF HOMELESSNESS, ENSURING THEY REMAIN IN THEIR EXISTING HOMES. OUR DIVERSION SERVICES AIM TO HELP EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE-ELIGIBLE FAMILIES BYPASS THE SHELTER SYSTEM ALTOGETHER. IN SITUATIONS WHERE INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES FIND THEMSELVES IN SHELTERS, OUR RE-HOUSING SERVICES STEP IN TO HELP THEM TRANSITION TO PERMANENT HOUSING SOLUTIONS. ONCE OUT OF THE SHELTERS, OUR STABILIZATION SERVICES ENSURE THAT THESE FAMILIES MAINTAIN THEIR STABLE HOUSING. FOR FAMILIES WITH DISABLED MEMBERS AND ARE EITHER HOMELESS OR ON THE VERGE OF HOMELESSNESS, OUR SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROGRAM IS DEDICATED TO HELPING THEM FIND AND KEEP SAFE, DECENT, AND AFFORDABLE HOUSING. ADDITIONALLY, MOC OPERATES MOTEL-BASED FAMILY SHELTERS ACROSS THE REGION. MOC WORKS WITH INTERNAL PROGRAMS AND LOCAL COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATIONS TO PROVIDE FAMILIES WITH SUPPORT THAT MEETS NOT ONLY THEIR IMMEDIATE NEEDS, BUT THAT ALSO LEAD TO FAMILY SUCCESS IN HEALTH, EDUCATION, EMPLOYMENT AND PERMANENT HOUSING. FAMILY & PARENT SERVICES: AT MOC'S FAMILY RESOURCE CENTER, WE OFFER A RANGE OF SUPPORT SERVICES AND ADVOCACY TAILORED FOR PARENTS. THESE SERVICES ARE DESIGNED TO ENHANCE PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT, EDUCATE ON CHILD DEVELOPMENT AND EFFECTIVE PARENTING STRATEGIES, FOSTER SOCIAL CONNECTIONS, AND PROVIDE TANGIBLE SUPPORT DURING CHALLENGING TIMES. THROUGH A NUMBER OF FAMILY PROGRAMS, WE PROVIDE ACCESS TO SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OPPORTUNITIES. IN ADDITION, OUR FIRST STEPS TOGETHER PARENT RECOVERY PROGRAM CONNECTS PARENTS WITH ESSENTIAL RESOURCES, SUPPORT GROUPS, AND PEER SPECIALISTS TO ENRICH THEIR PARENTING JOURNEY. EMERGENCY SERVICES: MOC IS COMMITTED TO SUPPORTING THE WELL-BEING OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN NORTH CENTRAL MA, ESPECIALLY DURING CHALLENGING FINANCIAL TIMES. RECOGNIZING THE STRAIN THAT UNEXPECTED EXPENSES OR LIFE CHANGES CAN BRING, OUR TEAM PROVIDES ESSENTIAL ASSISTANCE TO THOSE IN NEED. AMONG OUR CORE SERVICES ARE PROVISIONS FOR RENT AND UTILITY PAYMENTS, ENSURING THAT RESIDENTS CAN MAINTAIN A STABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT. IN ADDITION, WE CONNECT INDIVIDUALS WITH RESOURCES TO ADDRESS OTHER PRESSING BASIC NEEDS, SUCH AS FOOD AND CLOTHING. CARE AIDS SERVICES: WE OFFER COMPREHENSIVE CASE MANAGEMENT TO ENHANCE MEDICAL CARE FOR HIV+ CLIENTS. THIS INCLUDES PEER SUPPORT, MEDICAL TRANSPORTATION, BENEFIT ENROLLMENT, AND SPECIALIZED RESOURCES. ADDITIONALLY, WE CONNECT CLIENTS TO SUPPORTIVE HOUSING AND FOOD PANTRIES TAILORED TO THEIR DIETARY NEEDS, ALL AIMED AT IMPROVING THEIR OVERALL HEALTH OUTCOMES. BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SERVICES: THE COUNSELING CENTER AT MOC IS A LICENSED BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CLINIC OFFERING A DIVERSE RANGE OF OUTPATIENT MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES, INCLUDING INDIVIDUAL PSYCHOTHERAPY AND MEDICATION MANAGEMENT. EACH SERVICE IS TAILORED TO THE UNIQUE NEEDS OF OUR CLIENTS, EMPHASIZING CONSULTATION, COLLABORATION, AND COORDINATED CARE WHILE RESPECTING INDIVIDUAL STRENGTHS AND DIFFERENCES. OUR PRIMARY GOAL IS TO FOSTER RECOVERY, ENHANCE WELL- BEING, AND IMPROVE THE QUALITY OF LIFE FOR INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES. WE AIM TO ALLEVIATE SYMPTOMS, BOLSTER RESILIENCE, ENHANCE DAILY FUNCTIONING, AND WHEN RELEVANT, FACILITATE SEAMLESS REINTEGRATION INTO THE COMMUNITY. ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY EDUCATION SERVICES: MOC'S ADOLESCENT SEXUALITY EDUCATION PROGRAM, PREVIOUSLY KNOWN AS THE TEEN PREGNANCY PREVENTION INITIATIVE, PROVIDES EVIDENCE-BASED EDUCATION TO TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS IN NORTH CENTRAL MA. THIS INITIATIVE EMPHASIZES THE IMPORTANCE OF HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS, INFORMED DECISION-MAKING, AND PERSONAL WELL-BEING. OUR CLINICALLY-FOCUSED APPROACH ENSURES THAT PARTICIPANTS ARE WELL-EQUIPPED WITH THE KNOWLEDGE AND RESOURCES NECESSARY FOR MAKING INFORMED CHOICES REGARDING THEIR SEXUAL AND RELATIONAL HEALTH.

NUTRITION SERVICES PROVIDED INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING: WIC: NORTH CENTRAL WIC (WOMEN, INFANTS AND CHILDREN) IS DEDICATED TO ENHANCING THE NUTRITIONAL WELL-BEING OF PRE-NATAL AND POSTPARTUM WOMEN, INFANTS, AND CHILDREN. WIC IS A SPECIAL SUPPLEMENTAL NUTRITION PROGRAM THAT PROVIDES NUTRITIOUS FOODS, NUTRITION EDUCATION, BREASTFEEDING SUPPORT, AND REFERRALS TO HEALTH AND OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES TO PARTICIPANTS, ENSURING THAT MOTHERS AND YOUNG CHILDREN HAVE ACCESS TO RESOURCES FOR A HEALTHY START. ELDER SERVICES: MOC'S ELDER NUTRITION PROGRAMS SUPPORT HEALTHIER LIVING AND LONGEVITY FOR SENIORS IN OUR COMMUNITY. WE OFFER NUTRITIONALLY BALANCED MEALS THROUGH BOTH CONGREGATE SETTINGS AND A HOME DELIVERY SERVICE. EACH MEAL MEETS A THIRD OF THE DAILY RECOMMENDED DIETARY ALLOWANCE FOR ADULTS. BEYOND NUTRITION, OUR SERVICES AIM TO COMBAT THE SOCIAL ISOLATION FREQUENTLY FACED BY THE ELDERLY, ENHANCING THEIR QUALITY OF LIFE AND PROMOTING INDEPENDENCE. WE ALSO PROVIDE INDIVIDUAL AND GROUP NUTRITION EDUCATION TO THOSE PARTICIPATING IN OUR PROGRAM.

CHILD CARE & HEAD START SERVICES MOC OFFERS A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES TO FAMILIES WITH YOUNG CHILDREN, EMPHASIZING HEALTH AND WELL-BEING, PARENT DEVELOPMENT, AND EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE. OUR CHILDCARE PROGRAMS FOSTER COGNITIVE, SOCIAL, EMOTIONAL, AND PHYSICAL GROWTH IN SECURE AND NURTURING SETTINGS. WE CONDUCT CLASSES IN PRESCHOOL CENTERS THROUGHOUT THE NORTH CENTRAL REGION, AS WELL AS THROUGH HOME-BASED PROVIDERS. DEPENDING ON THEIR NEEDS, FAMILIES CAN OPT FOR PART- TIME OR FULL-DAY PROGRAMS, AFTER-SCHOOL CARE, INFANT CARE, OR PROGRAMS FOR SCHOOL-AGED CHILDREN. MOC'S CHILDCARE SERVICES ALLOW PARENTS TO PURSUE OR MAINTAIN EMPLOYMENT, UNDERTAKE CAREER TRAINING, OR CONTINUE THEIR EDUCATION. MOREOVER, WE LINK PARENTS TO TRAINING SESSIONS AND SELF- IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMS, ENCOURAGING LEADERSHIP SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT.

ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES: MOC'S ENERGY SERVICES PROGRAMS ARE DEDICATED TO REDUCING ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND HEATING EXPENSES FOR LOW-INCOME AND ELDERLY RESIDENTS IN NORTH CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS. OUR SKILLED TEAM, ALONGSIDE TRUSTED CONTRACTORS, OFFERS COMPREHENSIVE WEATHERIZATION SERVICES. FURTHERMORE, WE ADDRESS AND REPLACE FAULTY HEATING SYSTEMS, RESPOND PROMPTLY TO EMERGENCY NO-HEAT SITUATIONS, AND RUN AN APPLIANCE MONITORING AND REPLACEMENT PROGRAM. ADDITIONALLY, UNDER OUR LOW-INCOME HOME ENERGY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (LIHEAP) COMMONLY KNOWN AS FUEL ASSISTANCE, ELIGIBLE HOUSEHOLDS CAN RECEIVE FINANCIAL SUPPORT TO HELP OFFSET THEIR WINTER HEATING COSTS, ENSURING THAT EVERYONE CAN STAY WARM REGARDLESS OF THEIR FINANCIAL SITUATION.