SMOC'S MISSION
To improve the quality of life of low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families by advocating for their needs and rights; providing services; educating the community; building a community of support; participating in coalitions with other advocates and searching for new resources and partnerships.
SMOC Highlights
Successful Women in Clean Energy
On March 3rd, SMOC celebrated the graduation of 12 women who completed a five-week intensive training program in clean energy. This was the 2nd such training, generously sponsored by Mass. Clean Energy Center. Participants gained valuable knowledge of energy efficiency and conservation with a focus on solar equipment, customer service, career, and life skills. Upon completion, graduates were enrolled in 6 month fellowships with a goal of full time permanent positions. We are pleased to help further the diversity of candidates in this growing sector of the job force. Congratulations to our graduates!
Annual Planting of the Moses Mohammed Memorial Sunflower Garden in June.
On June 7th 2017, staff, board members and friends came together to plant the seeds, remembered Moses and enjoyed the fellowship of the SMOC community. The event was opportunely ended with an ice cream social event for all participants. Watch for the sunflowers to bloom along Bishop Street in Framingham within the next few weeks.
SMOC Open House for 345 Union Avenue Framingham
The Open House was held on June 20th to celebrate the open house of 345 Union Avenue building in Framingham. The property will house the two of SMOC’s fundamental departments, SMOC Financial Services and Head Start/Child Care Services. The ribbon cutting ceremony, pictured here, was attended by local officials, partners, SMOC Board members and staff.
Summer Soccer Clinic 2017
To give children the opportunity to get in touch with nature and exercise, SMOC partnered with Alira Health and Town of Framingham Parks and Recreation to hold the first Summer Soccer Clinic. The event was held from July 10th-14th and was open for all children aged 5-11. Two Italian coaches, Paolo Taddei and Pierpaolo Tugliola, were also involved to teach basic soccer skills to the participants. Summer Soccer Clinic is a great way to awaken children’s interest in soccer and encourage them to be more active individuals.
Joan Brack Adult Learning Center’s Celebration of Learning
At this year’s Celebration of Learning we gathered to recognize those students that completed a full year in the ESL program and those that passed the rigorous HiSET (formerly GED) exam. We also celebrated the learning milestones of students continuing toward their educational and language proficiency goals. Keynote speakers congratulated adn spoke eloquently of the need for educational opportunities for all. One ESL graduate and one HiSET graduate shared their heartwarming stories of success, as well. We congratulate this year’s graduates for their accomplishments.
Building a Culture of Care
SMOC’s history has been published by local author and Board member Hugo “Holly” Hollerorth. The book is called “Building a Culture of Care: The Ongoing Saga of the South Middlesex Opportunity Council.” It is an in-depth look at the origins, history and evolution of the organization through the years. Pictured here are the author (center) with staff members Susan Gentili (left) and Darlene Assencoa (right).
SMOC: South Middlesex Opportunity Council
7 Bishop Street, Framingham, MA 01702
Phone (508) 872-4853, TTY: (844) 807-7989, Fax: (508) 620-2310