Explore Holyoke, MA

At Enchanted Circle, we believe in bringing the "joy back into learning". We do this by offering educational enrichment programs that foster creativity, critical thinking, and academic achievement. Our arts integration programs blend theater arts such as theater, dance, music, visual, media and literary arts with traditional academic and social curricula. We serve people of all ages and abilities in a variety of settings, including schools, professional theaters, social service agencies, colleges, and universities. Enchanted Circle Theater has earned statewide and national recognition for its innovative approach to education. We have performed at venues such as the Smithsonian Institution, the John F. Kennedy Library in Boston, the Amaturo Theater in Miami, and the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, South Carolina. We have also been honored with the Commonwealth Award, Massachusetts’ highest honor in the arts, sciences and humanities, and the New England Public Radio award for Outstanding Organization in Arts and Humanities. We are a Community Partner with the Massachusetts Cultural Council and have received funding from the National Endowment for the Arts for our Institute for Arts Integration.

Paragraph 1: Parents looking for a great environment for their children to build self-respect and self-confidence should consider a fun, safe and competitive place. It’s a great way to help kids stay active and healthy while building confidence and self-respect. Paragraph 2: These activities can range from sports, to martial arts, to team building activities. The key is finding a place that is safe and welcoming for all children and adults. It should also be competitive enough to allow kids to challenge themselves while still having fun. Paragraph 3: In this kind of environment, kids can learn to push themselves to their own limits while also making friends and developing respect for each other. With the right setting, children and adults can build self-respect and self-confidence and learn to appreciate the power of healthy competition.

We provide a safe and fun learning environment where students can explore their creativity and develop their skills. Our programs are designed to help children develop critical thinking skills, problem solving strategies, and creative expression. Our programs are tailored to the needs of each individual student and can be adapted to different age groups. We also strive to provide students with a sense of community as they learn in a small group setting. We believe that this creates a vibrant learning environment that encourages students to explore, discover, and create with their peers.

The War on Poverty announced by President Lyndon B. Johnson in the 1960s has had a lasting impact on communities throughout the country. One such example is the Valley Opportunity Council (VOC), a Massachusetts-based Community Action Agency that was founded in 1965. Originally named the Community and Regional Opportunity Program, VOC was dedicated to community outreach, a mission that has endured to this day. However, VOC has grown significantly since its inception. Now, VOC offers over 30 programs in a variety of areas, including food and nutrition, energy assistance, education and child care, youth and adult programs, and community outreach. VOC is one of 23 Community Action Agencies in the state and continues to serve as a beacon of hope for those in need.

For over fifty years, the mission of HCS Head Start Inc. has been to provide high-quality early childhood education services to children and families in communities throughout Western Massachusetts. Our programs are designed to promote school readiness, enhance social and cognitive development, and provide comprehensive health, nutritional, and social services to children from birth to age five. We strive to ensure that all of our students have access to the same educational opportunities and resources, regardless of race, ethnicity, or family income. Our dedicated staff works hard to ensure that our programs are culturally sensitive and responsive to the needs of each community we serve. Since 1965, HCS Head Start Inc. has been providing comprehensive early education services to children and families in the towns and cities of Western Massachusetts. Our programs are designed to ensure that all students have equitable access to the same educational resources, regardless of their background. We serve Brimfield, Chicopee, East Longmeadow, Granby (Shared with Community Action), Hampden, Holland, Holyoke, Indian Orchard, Longmeadow, Ludlow, Monson, Palmer, South Hadley (Shared with Community Action), Springfield, Three Rivers, Wales, and Wilbraham. Our mission is to promote school readiness, enhance social and cognitive development, and provide comprehensive health, nutritional, and social services to children from birth to age five. Our staff is committed to creating a culturally sensitive and responsive learning environment for each of the communities we serve. We strive to ensure that all students have access to the same educational opportunities and resources, regardless of race, ethnicity, or family income.

At the Print Shop in Holyoke, the community has access to a wide variety of resources to help them create and innovate. With access to computer workstations, industry-leading software, commercial printers, and even a 3D printer, the possibilities are endless. To help get the most out of the Print Shop, classes are offered covering design software and printing and making processes. For those looking to explore, experiment, and innovate, the Print Shop has everything you need. From a color copy machine, laminator, and stapler to a paper trimmer and cutter, the Print Shop is fully stocked with basic office tools as well. Plus, for those looking to ship their creations, there is a UPS/USPS shipping center on-site. Schedule a tour today and come see how you can make the most out of the Print Shop in Holyoke. With access to so many resources and classes, you can create whatever you can imagine!

At the Y, we are dedicated to strengthening communities and helping families stay healthy and connected. Our programs are designed to help people of all ages and backgrounds develop healthy habits and foster meaningful relationships. From swimming lessons to youth sports, our programs provide families with the opportunity to come together and be active. The Y is also a leader in health and well-being. We offer a variety of classes and programs that focus on nutrition, physical activity, stress management and other topics to help people of all ages and backgrounds achieve greater health and well-being. From yoga to Zumba, there’s something for everyone at the Y. At the Y, we are committed to providing our communities with the support and resources they need to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. We know that when families come together and get active, great things can happen. We look forward to continuing to serve our community and helping families live healthier lives.

As the largest and most diverse Community Action Agency in the region, VOC has been recognized by the federal government as a leader in providing comprehensive services to individuals and families striving to become self-sufficient. Their network of support and collaborative services is designed to empower their community members to achieve their fullest potential. VOC is committed to helping all members of their community reach their goals and live life to the fullest. Through their innovative programs and services, VOC is working to ensure that everyone has the tools they need to become self-sufficient and build a better future for their families.

At Parents Magazine, we believe computer science education should be accessible to all children. That's why we offer free workshops for anyone to attend. Computers are now a part of our everyday lives, so it's important our kids understand how they work. Computers are becoming more and more essential for success in the future. Knowing how to code could lead to a lot of potential opportunities for children.

In 1981, a group of local women opened the Girls Club of Holyoke in the former Tommy’s Taxi Building. In 1990, when the national office of Girls Clubs of America changed their name to Girls Inc., the Girls Club of Holyoke followed suit and became Girls Inc. of Holyoke. Now known as Girls Inc. of the Valley, the organization has been providing services to the community for over 150 years. From our grandmothers to our mothers and now our daughters, Girls Inc. of the Valley stands as a proud resource for young women in the area. Girls Inc. of the Valley is an independent organization, part of the national Girls Inc. network, with 84 sister affiliates across the U.S. and Canada. From California to New Hampshire and Alberta to Ontario, Girls Inc. of the Valley is proud to be a part of this network of organizations dedicated to the health and well-being of young women everywhere.

At The Kids’ Place, we understand how important it is to provide quality child care services that are based in sound educational philosophies. We have been proudly serving the greater western Massachusetts area since 1982, and have grown to include six convenient locations. Our staff is our most valuable asset, and many of our policies and practices have been a result of their collaboration. We utilize the Creative Curriculum©, which encourages learning through play, and age and developmentally appropriate classrooms. We strive to foster a warm, nurturing environment where children can grow and develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively.

Families across Western Massachusetts and Connecticut have been given a chance to write their own life story, thanks to the hard work of three young activists in the 1960s. Bill Seretta, Kathy Townsend, and Art Bertrand founded CHD with the goal of bringing life-saving services to homes, schools, workplaces, and community centers, instead of sending people away for help. The introduction of community-based care revolutionized the system and provided more than 80 programs and services to help people struggling with hunger, homelessness, and healthcare needs. CHD has been fighting for families for nearly 50 years and they continue to work hard every day to ensure that all individuals have the opportunity to lead healthy and fulfilling lives. CHD doesn’t back down in the face of adversity. They strive to find solutions to the toughest problems and they never give up. With their hard work and dedication, CHD has been able to give hope to thousands of families across Western Massachusetts and Connecticut. Thanks to their efforts, everyone now has the chance to write their own life story.

At Master Heo’s Tae Kwon Do After School Martial Arts Program (M.A.P.), we believe that children are our future and they deserve the best education. We strive to provide a safe, nurturing environment in which children can learn and grow together, regardless of race, nationality, religion, gender, or any other factor. Here, our children will gain a better understanding of the concept of “a sound mind in a sound body”, developing both physically and mentally in a balanced way. At M.A.P., we understand that a successful approach to education involves the home, school, and after school program working together. We are dedicated to helping our children become responsible citizens, with humanity, humility, and confidence. We are committed to providing the highest quality education, so that our children can reach their full potential.

Parents in the Greater Hampden County area have the Valley Opportunity Council, Inc. (VOC) to thank for providing their low- and moderate-income neighbors, families and friends with the opportunity to achieve greater independence and a higher quality of life. VOC is devoted to eliminating poverty and has created education and training programs designed to help individuals and families to develop the skills needed to become self-sufficient. With the help of VOC, families in the area can access the resources they need to pursue a better future.

The National Association for the Education of Young Children is a leading organization dedicated to advocating for the needs and interests of young children. NAEYC Program Standards provide early childhood educators with guidelines for working with children from birth to age 8. With standards like these in place, NAEYC Accreditation assures that programs for young children are founded on the most up-to-date child development and early childhood education research. At our centers, we make sure to meet these standards so that your child is in a safe and healthy environment, with teachers who are well-trained and have access to quality teaching materials. We also strive to provide an appropriately challenging and developmentally sound curriculum for your child.