Making Opportunity Count

Federal, state programs to lower heating bills

November 14, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — A family of four that makes less than $87,294 in gross income will qualify for fuel assistance this winter according to the information presented at a home heating assistance forum on Nov. 1 at Great Wolf Lodge.

That was the main message shared with the nonprofits and community leaders who participated in the energy assistance forum sponsored by gas and electricity provider Unitil and co-hosted with United Way of North Central Massachusetts in partnership with Fitchburg-based Making Opportunity Count (MOC).

Speakers discussed the details of the heating assistance with over 50 representatives from various nonprofits who will use the information to help their clients reduce heating costs this winter.

“This meeting is so important because it reviews all the heating assistance programs available for the frontline agencies, so they can assist their clients,” said Unitil External Affairs Manager Alec O’Meara. “We encourage homeowners and renters to take proactive steps now to learn which programs they may qualify for, especially those on fixed income or tight budgets.”

MOC Quality Assurance Coordinator Edward Campbell said a family of four with a household income of $87,294 or less would qualify for the program. For a single person, the income figure is $45,392. The one-time benefit, depending on income and housing type, generally ranges from $120 to $600.

MOC aids in managing the Federal Fuel Assistance program for the region.

According to Campbell, homeowners and renters can apply for assistance beginning Nov. 1. Residents can learn more about qualification guidelines for fuel assistance by reaching out to MOC at (978) 342-4520.

Unitil Credit Supervisor Justin Stearns reviewed with attendees the utility company’s budget billing program, which makes monthly utility bills more affordable by leveling out higher seasonal energy bills, which are instead spread out throughout the year.

In addition, customers may qualify for a discount rate on natural gas or electricity, depending on household size and income. According to Stearns, the discount rate for electric customers is 34.5% while the natural gas discount stands at 25%. Unitil works with MOC to approve customers for the discount rate as well as other agencies that provide public benefits.

“In many cases, the actual discount which applies to 12 months of billing is often greater than the one-time Federal payment, so that is why I encourage households who qualify to apply for the benefit,” Stearns said.

Customers who qualify for the discount rate may also qualify for the Arrears Forgiveness Program. If a customer has an overdue balance of $300 and is 60 or more days past due for their gas and/or electric service, they may qualify to enter into the program. Once enrolled, if a customer commits to paying their current utility budgeted bills on time going forward, they may be eligible for up to $4,800 in relief per service, per year on their outstanding balances.

Separately, the Good Neighbor Energy Fund also provides an additional one-time payment for heating assistance as long as the household income is between 60% and 80% of the state median. According to Stearns, the income limits are $45,393 to $60,523 for an individual and $87,295 to $116,392 for a family of four.

Unitil’s Derek Kimball reviewed energy saving programs that included Mass Save’s energy efficiency programs, including income-based programs that provide no-cost or discounted energy efficiency services.

The Enhanced Residential Program, for those with a household of four members and incomes between $87,295 and $116,392, offers no-cost insulation upgrades and rebates on related projects.

The Income Eligible Program is for a household with four members whose income is less than $87,294 or for a single person less than $45,392. Applicants may qualify for no-cost insulation, replacement of heating systems, air-sealing upgrades and new home appliances such as clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers, heating systems, dehumidifiers and window AC units.

Kimball encouraged residents to contact MassSave at 1-866-537–SAVE (7267) to complete the easy, no cost income verification by phone and to learn more about the Enhanced Residential Program. For more information on qualifying for the Income Eligible Program, homeowners and renters should contact MOC in Fitchburg.

Future utilities EV infrastructure upgrades
The meeting ended with a brief presentation on how utilities plan to upgrade the electrical infrastructure to meet the future energy demand for electric vehicles and heating systems.

Every public utility in the state is required to develop and implement an Electric Sector Modernization Plan (ESMP), which is a comprehensive plan designed to ensure the electric system is capable of supporting the state’s climate goals. More information on Unitil’s current draft plan as well as opportunities to provide feedback can be found at unitil.com/esmp.

(Courtesy Unitil Corporation)

Finding a way to pitch in

November 1, 2023 by pkzadmin

LEOMINSTER — As migrants fill the shelters in North Central Massachusetts, the Spanish-American Center is doing their best to help out by ensuring every new family can find hot meals every day if they want them.

Executive Director of the Spanish-American Center (SAC) Neddy Latimer said the majority of the people that they’ve been serving have been coming from the area motels being used by the state for emergency shelters, which includes shelters in Leominster, Ayer, Westminster, and Gardner.

However, the motels don’t provide a whole lot to work with when it comes to making food.

“They have no ability to cook in their motel rooms, which offer only a microwave and a small refrigerator,” Latimer said.

SAC, headquartered at 112 Spruce St., feeds people seven days a week, serving three hot meals a day, from 4:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at multiple locations including in the Community Room in the Leominster location. They also deliver hot meals directly to the shelters as well.

Meals are prepared by cooks under the leadership of a kitchen manager and a head cook.

“We use volunteers who are interested in helping us with this massive effort,” Latimer said. “Although it is a very big undertaking, the Spanish American Center is pleased to utilize our commercial kitchen to help these immigrant families, the homeless, and anyone in need.”

Latimer explained how these migrants are refugees – in the U.S. because of natural disasters like earthquakes or because of an unstable and violent political environment.

Approximately 350 people are served at each meal, equating to more than 1,000 meals a day plus snacks. Each of them are culturally sensitive for a diverse population and nutritionally valid with a carbohydrate, protein, fruit or vegetable, and some dairy. Ingredients are purchased at local grocery stores and a large amount of canned food and rice are ordered directly from Goya Foods.

Donations are received on a weekly basis from local supermarkets such as Aldi, BJ’s, Hannaford, Walmart, and others. They also welcome monetary donations from individuals and area businesses and corporations.

SAC works with the local agency Making Opportunity Count (MOC) to reach the immigrants, as MOC is in charge of the temporary housing and wraparound services they are providing on-site to to migrants at the motels. SAC delivers directly to the motels in addition to having meals available at their own center.

They will feed anyone in the community at their headquarters and through the use of their food delivery truck and their canteen food truck. SAC also reduces food waste by working with local nonprofit Growing Places and area farmers for composting.

“Our mission is to help those who need it and during these particular times, human needs are huge in all communities, both in the United States and across the world. We try to do our part in our small corner of the earth. We are very proud to say that we…are oriented to the needs of those we serve, and we continue to do with love and compassion the same we did in our early years,” Latimer said.

The Spanish American Center was founded in the late 1960s by a group of local citizens and a priest from St. Leo’s Church.

“They were concerned about the lack of services for and needs of the Latino community, at that time mostly from Puerto Rico,” Latimer said.

Today, SAC, called “the Center” for short, serves the Twin Cities of Leominster and Fitchburg and surrounding communities, with most of their clients from those cities. At least 90% of their clients have Latino heritage, but this now includes many more countries beyond Puerto Rico.

Programs include community-based domestic violence services for affected families in the North Central region, a food pantry, English as a Second Language (ESL) classes, an afterschool program for tweens and teens, a summer program for kids, classes for seniors, food service for the homeless, services for emergency basic needs, and information and referrals to other agencies and organizations in the area.

These programs are funded by state and local and local government and “an array of foundations” as well as other donations from the community, Latimer said.

SAC can be contacted by phone at (978) 534-3145 and online at spanishamericancenter.org.

The Spanish American Center in Leominster is trying to what they can to help out as migrant shelters throughout the region and state reach their limit. (COURTESY SPANISH AMERICAN CENTER)

Food to serve at future meals is piled up high in a storage room located in the Spanish American Center. (COURTESY SPANISH AMERICAN CENTER)

Heating aid forum brings funding to nonprofits

October 13, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — Home heating assistance programs seek to ensure that no one’s home goes cold but, in order to provide that assistance, they need help. That’s why a forum is held each year to attract local nonprofit agencies so they can learn about the newest initiatives on all levels of policy.

Unitil and United Way of North Central Massachusetts in partnership with Making Opportunity Count (MOC) will host the energy assistance forum for area nonprofits on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Great Wolf Lodge.

Currently in the 23rd year of the annual forum, local, state and federal heating assistance and energy efficiency initiatives are reviewed for staff members of nonprofit agencies, who then educate their clients on these programs

In addition, there will be a presentation on how utilities plan to upgrade the electrical infrastructure to meet the future energy demand for electric vehicles and heating systems.

“This annual forum has been tremendously helpful over the years in getting the word out that there is both financial and technical help available for the winter heating season,” said Unitil External Affairs Manager Alec O’Meara. “Additionally, we look forward to sharing with local agencies the steps we intend to take to ensure energy needs continue to be met equitably as usage of electric service evolves in the years ahead.”

Nonprofit agencies are being asked to RSVP by Oct. 25 to Lisa Normandin, at lisa@uwncm.org, who is with the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. The event begins at 8:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 1, 2023 at the Great Wolf Lodge, 150 Great Wolf Drive, Fitchburg.

The United Way of North Central Massachusetts serves the communities of Ashburnham, Ashby, Athol, Ayer, Devens, Fitchburg, Gardner, Groton, Harvard, Hubbardston, Leominster, Littleton, Pepperell, Lunenburg, Petersham, Phillipston, Royalston, Shirley, Templeton, Townsend, Westminster and Winchendon.

Unitil provides electric service to Ashby, Fitchburg, Lunenburg and Townsend, and natural gas service to those communities, as well as Gardner and Westminster.

Ayer motel to house 35 migrant families

September 15, 2023 by pkzadmin

AYER — The town said that communication and advanced notice were lacking in the plans made by the state and a Fitchburg nonprofit to house 35 migrant families in a local hotel. The move was a direct result of the state of emergency declared by Gov. Maura Healey to assist in the migrant influx.

“Information coming from the state to the town of Ayer has been non-existent to date,” said an official public notice released Tuesday.

Regardless, the town is preparing to accept the migrant families and doing what’s needed to ensure that town services are provided, such as public education.

“These preparations include planning by the Ayer Shirley Regional School District with respect to enrolling students in accordance with the State’s “Right to Shelter” law,” said the official release.

The town was informed on Friday, Sept. 8 that roughly 150 people will be housed in an Ayer hotel as part of the “Right to Shelter” law and Fitchburg-based nonprofit Making Opportunity Count (MOC) will be running the shelter in partnership with the state.

“The state’s policy is to place these families in motels in cities and towns through the state without the need for local approval and in many instances, without prior notice,” the statement read. “Information coming from the State to the Town of Ayer has been non-existent to date.”

Since being informed of this, the town’s social worker, Brittany Beaudry, has been on the ground trying to gather information for the town departments from MOC and the motel, which isn’t identified in the notice. The town has also reached out to state Sen. Jamie Eldridge so he can pass along the town’s concerns with the lack of communication.

“The Town of Ayer is preparing to comply with the state’s decision by meeting with MOC and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities in the next several days to coordinate logistics and open lines of communication.”

The town will be turning to Gov. Healey, their state legislative delegation as well as their legislative delegation in Washington to seek funding assistance to support the 150 new residents with town services.

“The Town will be seeking state and federal support to provide the additional town resources needed to address impacts at the school level and deliver appropriate levels of public safety resources.”

Making Opportunity Count

Making Opportunity Count, located on River Street in Fitchburg, 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 works to fulfill this purpose by providing direct services, collaborating with other public and private entities and by applying comprehensive strategies that help to address the complex issues of poverty. And their services branch out significantly in order to achieve that goal.

They were among the organizations that praised the creation of the new 988 mental health hotline because it provides the nonprofit with another tool.

“When we are working with our clients and talking about things like safety concerns and risk factors, this is another resource that we can give them,” Andrew Stephens, the director of clinical operations at the Counseling Center at MOC, said back in July.

For a full list of programs and services, visit www.mocinc.org.

Lowell Sun Reporter Peter Currier contributed to this article.

New Spanish American Center food truck is feeding the local community

April 27, 2023 by pkzadmin

LEOMINSTER — Nourishing the community is at the heart and soul of the inspiration behind the new Spanish American Center food truck, which was celebrated with a ribbon cutting on Monday.

Dozens gathered at the Spruce Street nonprofit social service agency to christen the brand-new food truck, including SAC staff, board members, and volunteers, city police, representatives from City Hall, City Council, Making Opportunity Count, and North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce, local and state dignitaries, and community members.

Congressman Jim McGovern spoke to the crowd gathered on Monday in Leominster to celebrate the new Spanish American Center food truck. "Food ought to be a fundamental human right." (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE) — U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern spoke to the crowd gathered on Monday in Leominster to celebrate the new Spanish American Center food truck. “Food ought to be a fundamental human right.” (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

U.S. Rep. Jim McGovern has long been an advocate for raising awareness about hunger and food insecurity and taking action to address those issues. The politician, who helped secure $110,000 in federal funding that was used to help purchase and outfit the truck, had high praise for longtime SAC Executive Director Neddy Latimer and her crew and thanked them for their tireless community efforts.

“This will help a lot of people in this community and how can you say no to Neddy,” McGovern quipped, drawing laughter from the crowd. “This is important work. This is what really matters.”

The total cost for the food truck was $125,000. Latimer said SAC covered the difference and state Rep. Natalie Higgins secured $50,000 in state funding that was used to purchase a food delivery truck.

“They say it takes a village and it really does,” McGovern said, adding that every person gathered for the celebration “had a part in making this happen.”

Both vehicles will be used to bring hot meals and fresh food out to members of the community who are dealing with food insecurity, homeless, families, and more, “nutritious food” for people who may not have access or transportation to grocery stores or the means to acquire fresh fruits and vegetables, McGovern pointed out.

The new Spanish American Center food truck that will be used to feed and nourish community members was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday morning at the Leominster social service agency. (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

Latimer was overcome with emotion when she thanked everyone involved, especially McGovern, Higgins, and state Sen. John Cronin and state Rep. Michael Kushmerek for their ongoing support and “for making a dream come true.”

“Thanks for joining us in this celebration,” she conveyed to the crowd. “This morning tears came to my eyes because I couldn’t believe this was happening. Words cannot express how I feel this morning, we are very happy and grateful.”

She went on to compliment the members of the SAC Board of Directors, whom she called “an asset to the community,” for their dedication and hard work, including board President Migdalia Velez.

“We all know that food insecurity is a big deal in our community,” Velez stated. “This is going to be instrumental in reaching those people who may not be able to get to the Spanish American Center. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.”

SAC Information and Referral Advocacy Specialist and Elder Services Coordinator Mickey Guzman, who has been with SAC for 27 years, introduced each speaker and shared that SAC is the “oldest minority Latin program in Worcester County” and has been around for 57 years. Latimer has been with SAC for over five decades and was recently selected as a Mount Wachusett Community College Service Above Self award honoree for her dedication and commitment to serving the community.

“Its amazing, what a journey it’s been for Neddy and the Spanish American Center,” said Mayor Dean Mazzarella. “[We] could have never dreamt this would come together … it’s all really come full circle.”

Mazzarella spoke about the financial challenges so many people face these days — high rent, the rising cost of groceries — “an indication of how tough it’s been” and that “it’s been difficult for families.”

“The Spanish American center is there to help everyone,” he said. “Today is part of that connection to make that happen.”

Earlier in the program McGovern said that “the idea of anti-hunger shouldn’t be a radical idea” and noted that there are “nearly 40 million citizens in our country don’t know where their next meal is coming from.”

“Food ought to be a fundamental human right,” he stated. “Look at where the gaps are … maybe others will follow your lead. This food truck will really allow the Spanish American Center to expand their operation and help more people.”

Latimer’s husband Jose Latimer, who is the SAC Manager of Food Services, said he’ll be helping with the food truck along with other SAC team members.

“I drove it, it’s really good,” he said with a smile about test driving the food truck. “The food we are going to prepare for the people out there is homemade, nothing frozen or canned. This is going to be beautiful for the community. There’s nothing like warm food.”

Spanish American Center Manager of Food Services Jose Latimer, who will be help run the Leominster social service agency's food truck, spoke at the ribbon cutting about why this new endeavor is so important. "This is going to be beautiful for the community." (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE) — Spanish American Center Manager of Food Services Jose Latimer, who will be help run the Leominster social service agency’s food truck, spoke at the ribbon cutting about why this new endeavor is so important. “This is going to be beautiful for the community.” (DANIELLE RAY/SENTINEL & ENTERPRISE)

After not one but two ribbons were cut and Latimer invited all the SAC team members up for a photo, Mazzarella noted that this kind of collaborative community work is typical in Leominster.

“Neddy, we can’t thank you enough, you’re our leader we follow you,” he said while presenting Latimer with a congratulatory citation. “All the agencies here work so well together, there’s nothing we can’t get done. Maybe it’s food that brings us together.”

Cronin’s Director of Communications Jake Simopoulos gave Latimer a citation on behalf of the senator, who was unable to attend the ribbon cutting, and Tracy Gagnon presented her with another from the chamber of commerce.

“Food is love,” Gagnon stated, to which Latimer replied, “food is medicine.”

Delicious scents wafted through the air and attendees were invited inside the center to feast on a sampling of the kinds of cuisine the food truck will be serving to community members such as rice and beans, empanadas, chicken and pulled pork, garden and potato salads, fresh fruit, drinks, and a homemade cake with a light up toy food truck perched on top.

Lori Trahan, Making Opportunity Count celebrate nearly $6 million in federal funding

April 8, 2023 by pkzadmin

FITCHBURG — The city’s youngest students — and their parents — just received a significant boost courtesy of U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan.

On Tuesday, Trahan, joined by state Sen. John Cronin, state Rep. Michael Kushmerek, Mayor Stephen DiNatale and several Making Opportunity Count leaders, celebrated nearly $6 million in federal funding for MOC’s Head Start education initiatives. The programs promote school readiness and provide quality educational and community-based services to local children and families.

Trahan stressed that such Head Start programs are “critical” from an early educational perspective as parents look to re-enter the workforce post-pandemic. She also referred to MOC as a “shining example” of the effectiveness of those programs and said she “couldn’t be happier” to deliver federal funds to such a deserving “community action agency.”

“Head Start and other high-quality child care and education programs are more important than ever,” Trahan said. “They’re critical in that they let parents get back into the workforce and are hugely important as far as preparing our students to enter the classroom for the first time, limiting learning losses and ensuring they have the ability to hit the ground running.”

“Making Opportunity Count has served countless families through their exceptional programs and, as a proud supporter of Head Start in Congress, I couldn’t be happier to see these federal funds go towards expanding and improving MOC’s services in the Third District,” she said.

The $5,681,284 secured by Trahan will be used to enhance MOC’s center-based Early Head Start and Head Start programs. Both programs stimulate interest in education in a “developmentally appropriate environment” and promote students’ social, emotional, physical and cognitive development.

Each program serves children between the ages of 15 and 33 months or 3 and 4 years old at the time of application, respectively. The Early Head Start program is available in Leominster and Gardner, while the regular Head Start program can be found in, Fitchburg, Leominster, Gardner, Athol, Clinton and Winchendon.

MOC Executive Director Kevin Reed called the funding “essential” and said MOC was “grateful” for Trahan’s continued support and investment. DiNatale exclaimed that, through MOC, Trahan “once again” delivered “much-needed resources” to the people of Fitchburg.

“I would like to thank Congresswoman Trahan for her commitment and advocacy to our Head Start programs,” Reed, said. “This essential funding allows us to provide services that lead to family success and prepare children for bright futures beyond the classroom.”

“We’re grateful for this investment in our future,” he said.

Beyond their Head Start programs, MOC also serves the local communities in a variety of other areas, including healthcare, social services as well as housing, food and fuel assistance. Trahan said she was thankful for the opportunity to work with and support such a “credible” and “trusted” partner that truly “understands the needs of the community and can meet those needs every single day.”

“[MOC] serves families across North Central Massachusetts and I always look for ways that I can help bolster those efforts,” she said. “It’s so helpful to have a credible, trusted partner on the ground, whether we’re talking about child care, fuel assistance, rental assistance, SNAP or WIC, you name it.”

Trahan also thanked her local and state partners — DiNatale, Cronin and Kushmerek, among others — for their continued dedication to and advocacy for their shared constituents.

“We work hand in glove on so many of these programs,” Trahan said. “And it’s not just federal investments, it’s bolstering state investment, it’s identifying where those investments go and are needed at the local level.”

“We can’t do it alone — and I’ve just been so lucky in my four years to have a working partnership with [DiNatale], [Cronin] and [Kushmerek],” she said.

Looking ahead, Trahan emphasized the importance of continued investment in childhood education and said she hoped to see further investments like Tuesday’s in the future. She also said reverting to pre-pandemic problems that plagued the childcare and education sectors “just isn’t an option” going forward.

“I’m a firm believer that we should continue to increase that federal investment in the years ahead,” Trahan said. “There’s no greater return we’ll see than from an investment in our children, their education and future success.”

“I think a lot of people forget that we were on the brink of a childcare crisis in 2020, so simply reverting back to the issues we faced before the pandemic just isn’t an option. Families here in Massachusetts and across the country deserve better — and it’s on us to continue working at all levels of government to deliver for them,” she said.

Making Opportunity Count

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