Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
| By Lori Szepelak Correspondent HOLYOKE As temperatures start to plummet across the region, area residents are reminded the Valley Opportunity Council (VOC) may be able to lend a helping hand with energy services. The VOC is a federally designated Community Action Agency for Holyoke and Chicopee with many services being expanded to most of Hampden County, according to Gail D. Pisacane, director of energy programs. Pisacane noted that Springfield is not a part of the VOC's network. "We offer wraparound services encompassing child care, WIC, education programs, housing, transportation, and of course, energy programs, with referral and case management to individuals needing services not accessible at our agency," said Pisacane during an interview with Reminder Publications. As the director of energy programs, Pisacane oversees LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) and HEARTWRAP. LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development, while HEARTWRAP is a program that assists homeowners who are LIHEAP eligible with their heating system needs. The goal of LIHEAP is to assist families with incomes under 200% of poverty guidelines to help meet their energy needs, according to Pisacane. Pisacane added that LIHEAP helps households with heat with all delivered fuels (oil, kerosene, wood, propane, coal), as well as gas and electric. "We reimburse households who have their heat included in their rent or a portion of the monthly rent," added Pisacane. "Should a household have a subsidized rent they would still be eligible for some level of benefit if they are required to purchase their own heating fuel." Pisacane noted that HEARTWRAP services may include emergency repairs, system replacements if deemed necessary, asbestos abatements when needed for a system replacement, and system cleanings every other year. In addition to VOC's energy services, diverse programs can range from providing nutritional care for a young mother and infant or day care for a working parent, to providing a senior citizen with an elderly day care program. Volunteer opportunities also exist, according to Pisacane, as well as the need for representatives to serve on the VOC's Board of Directors. VOC's main office is located at 300 High St. For more information, call (413) 552-1554 or visit www.valleyopp.com. |