Congratulations to VOC's Mt. Carmel After School Program Staff!

August 25, 2017

During the school year we offer after school care from 2:30 P.M. to 5:30 P.M. and VOC transportation servies picks up children from 6 Chicopee Public Schools and brings them to the program. While the children are in our care, they enjoy an afternoon snack, outdoor play, homework assistance, literacy and science programing on a weekly basis to provide enrichment activities for all of the children. We also have special visitors such as Mad Science, Forest Park Zoo on the Go, Ed Popielarcyzk, and Zumba fitness instructors who come in throughout the year. 


We also offer extended care on school vacations and snow days. During the summer, the extended day offers children the opportunity to engage in literacy activities and thematic curriculum activities from the Creative Minds and/or Nature Curriculum where they can plan, design, and grow a garden and participate in cooking with some of the vegetables from the garden. Additionally, we receive visits from the Chicopee Library Bookmobile, have daily swimming at the public pool and take weekly field trips. 

We do have openings available so give us a call at 413-552-1559 to sign up! 

October 27, 2025
 1) Only those households experiencing a heating-related emergency will be served by the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) while the shutdown is in place. Emergencies Include: No heat, A termination notice from a utility, less than 1/8 of a tank of oil, less than three days’ supply of other deliverable fuels Limited Funding Available starting November 1 Only for Heating Emergencies 2) Standard fuel assistance supports through Valley Opportunity Council are not currently available until the Federal Government shutdown ends and Fuel Assistance funds are restored to the budget If you believe you are experiencing a heating emergency, please call 413-552-1548 and a member of our fuel assistance team will assist.
By Melissa White October 15, 2025
[Western Mass News] SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - As we go deeper into fall, heating costs are expected to increase once again. And right now, there is a way for some to get assistance, while the commonwealth looks to do something about this issue.
By Melissa White September 25, 2025
Melissa White, Director of Programs at Valley Opportunity Council, is interviewed by Western Mass News about the coming heating season.
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