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
2018 Summer Jobs for Youth Program Graduation Ceremony
On August 17, 2018, we celebrated the graduation of participants in this year’s Summer Jobs for Youth Program. The program has been held successfully for more than 10 years to welcome bright and young talents and introduce them to social services field. This year, participants worked in the agency’s Housing Consumer Education Center, Housing Operations, Workforce Development and Finance departments to help with managing resources and clerical works, including research, filing and preparing important presentation packets.
The Summer Jobs for Youth Program provides a holistic introductory experience for high school-aged youth to the nonprofit world. With many departments that target specific issues in the community, participants have the liberty to choose and apply their skills to further amplify SMOC’s mission. Summer Jobs for Youth is held annually during the summer months from June-August. Pictured, Ryan (one of the 5 program graduates) receiving his Certificate of Completion with the SMOC Housing team.
Joan Brack Adult Learning Center Celebration of Learning 2018
Thirty seven students were honored for achieving various milestones at the Joan Brack Adult Learning Center at SMOC on Friday, June 22, including eight students that completed the HiSET (formerly GED) program, 10 that completed the year-long English as a Second Language (ESL) program and 4 that passed their US citizenship tests and are now naturalized citizens.
The Joan Brack Adult Learning Center provides a nurturing learning environment for adult students in our region to continue their educational journey. Here, students find a place where teachers customize their lessons to meet their needs and to help them achieve academic success. Jeffrey McCue, Commissioner of the MA Department of Transitional Assistance, Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer, Framingham School Committee Chairman Adam Freudberg, and members of the Framingham City Council were present as guest speakers during the graduation ceremony.
SMOC Receives Preservation Achievement Award
We are proud to be one of the recipients of the 2018 Preservation Achievement Awards, presented by Framingham Historical Commission on May 31 at the Framingham Historical Society. SMOC purchased and rehabilitated one of the buildings of Dennison Manufacturing Company, undertaking significant rejuvenations to the interior and creating office space to serve as SMOC’s headquarters. Pictured are (from left to right) Frederic Wallace, Chair of the Framingham Historical Commission, Bruce Hulme, SMOC Board Chair, Dennis Giombetti, Framingham City Council and Representative Jack Patrick Lewis.
Annual Planting of the Moses Mohammed Memorial Sunflower Garden in May.
On May 31st, 2018, 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.
Hollis Street Groundbreaking Event
On April 6th, SMOC celebrated the launch of more than $400,000 in renovations to 73-75 Hollis Street, a SMOC owned and operated building. The Groundbreaking event was held at the 73-75 Hollis Street Police Substation and guests included Framingham Mayor Yvonne Spicer; Nathalie Jean, Framingham Community Development Coordinator; and Framingham Police Chief Kenneth Ferguson, along with board members, staff and other community partners. The improvements are subsidized by HOME funds, a city resource for community development that are allocated by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development. Renovations will include interior, exterior, mechanical, and electrical repairs to the building, located in Downtown Framingham.
Ed Cannon Receives Award from MetroWest Advocacy Coalition
Ed Cannon, Safe Haven Program Supervisor, was awarded the 2018 MetroWest Outstanding Human Service Professional Award in Memory of Bill Taylor on March 23rd. Diane Gould, President of Advocates and Senator Karen Spilka presented Ed with this award, which recognizes a direct services professional who goes above and beyond to support the community of MetroWest. The award ceremony was held during the annual MetroWest Legislative Breakfast.
Ed has worked for SMOC for 7 years and has been a tireless advocate in breaking down barriers in order to give veterans better opportunities. Ed truly embodies our message of “Everybody Matters” and is most deserving of this accolade. Congratulations Ed!
Congratulations Paul Jackson!
On March 1st, Paul Jackson, Director of Energy Services and Lead Trainer for Green Jobs Academy, was awarded the 2018 James Gardner Weatherization Award. This award, presented by the National Association for State Community Services Programs, recognizes leadership achievements that make a positive impact on the weatherization community.
Paul has over 25 years of experience in the weatherization field; and has spent the past 13 years with SMOC. Paul embodies the heart and soul of the Weatherization Assistance Program by helping the statewide field staff perform their jobs to the best of their abilities while meeting the needs of clients. His knowledge and expertise, as well as his ability to connect with staff and clients have made him an invaluable resource to the weatherization network. Congratulations to Paul.
SMOC Completes Development of Bixby Road Apartments in Spencer
SMOC marked the completion of the Bixby Road Apartments with an Open House on November 9th. We were joined by funders, community representatives, members of the development team and board members, to celebrate the culmination of this exciting and impactful project. This $14MM project involved the development of 42 new units of affordable housing in Spencer, MA. The project was funded by federal, state and private partners and will be managed by Maloney Properties. The 11-building apartment complex sits on 15 acres of land, conveniently located near downtown Spencer. Apartments are now available for lease. For more information visit BixbyRoadApartments.com.
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