Local Activities

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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!

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.

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.

At The Master Heo's Tae Kwon Do After School Martial Arts Program (M.A.P.), we understand that children are the future and they deserve to receive a top-notch education. That's why we strongly believe it's important for home, school, and our after school program to work in unison to provide a comprehensive learning experience for our kids. We strive to equip them with the necessary skills to become responsible citizens with humanity, humility, and confidence. At M.A.P., we recognize that children are the hope for tomorrow and they should have access to the best education possible. We strongly believe that when parents, schools, and after school programs collaborate, our children can experience a well-rounded education that will set them up for success. We are committed to helping our kids develop the qualities needed to become upstanding members of society, such as humanity, humility, and self-confidence. At The Master Heo's Tae Kwon Do After School Martial Arts Program (M.A.P.), we know that our youth are the future of our nation and they should be given the tools to succeed. We believe that when home, school, and after school programs work together, our children can receive an all-encompassing education that will stay with them for life. We are dedicated to helping our children grow to become responsible citizens with compassion, humility, and self-assurance.

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.

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.

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.

Boys & Girls Clubs provide millions of children and teens with a safe and nurturing environment where they can develop into responsible members of society. At Boys & Girls Clubs, we strive to provide a safe, constructive, and fun environment for children and teens when school is out. We are present in small towns, large metropolitan areas, public housing communities, Native populations, and U.S. military installations worldwide. Our goal is to help children and teens reach their fullest potential and become responsible citizens. We understand the importance of creating a nurturing environment for kids and teens. That’s why our professional staff is dedicated to helping them develop the skills and confidence they need to succeed in life. The programs we offer in small towns, large cities, and even on military bases, are designed to provide a safe and stimulating space for kids and teens to learn and grow. At Boys & Girls Clubs, we’re committed to helping children and teens reach their full potential and become responsible members of their communities. With the support of our dedicated staff and programs, we’re providing a safe and enjoyable environment for kids and teens to learn and grow.

The Holyoke Youth Baseball League was founded in 1950 by a group of men in Springfield, MA. The league was designed for 8 to 10-year-old children, providing teams with complete uniforms and the best equipment. The league was sponsored by businesses, civic organizations, social clubs, and fraternal organizations. Additionally, each team was to be overseen by an adult supervisor. Since its inception, the Holyoke Youth Baseball League has been providing children in the area the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of the game and to develop their skills. The league has been growing steadily over the years and is now open to children from 8 to 18 years of age. The program provides young athletes with the opportunity to not only learn the game, but to have fun and make friends too. The Holyoke Youth Baseball League has been a staple in the community for over 70 years. It provides a safe and fun environment for children to learn and develop their baseball skills. The league is open to children aged 8 to 18 and offers complete uniforms and the best equipment available. Teams are also supervised by adults to ensure everyone plays safely and respectfully.

At Kids' Place, children are provided with quality child care services that are based on sound educational philosophies. The teachers are carefully selected and trained, and the curriculum is carefully planned to create a warm, nurturing environment that encourages kids to feel accepted for who they are. Kids' Place also helps challenge children to grow socially, emotionally, and cognitively. The staff at Kids' Place is known for their collaborative approach to creating policies and practices. They take great pride in seeing the children they taught come back and want the same quality of education for their own children. This shows the dedication and commitment of Kids' Place to providing top-notch care and education. Kids' Place is all about providing quality child care in an environment that is safe, supportive, and stimulating. The staff works together to ensure that the educational philosophies are sound and that the teachers are properly trained. Even after the children leave, the staff at Kids' Place still take pride in the success of their students, as many of them come back looking for the same quality of care and education they once received.

At The Kids’ Place, our mission is to provide quality child care services that are based in sound educational philosophies. Our teacher selection, training, and curriculum planning are designed to create a warm, nurturing environment where children can develop socially, emotionally, and cognitively. We’ve been dedicated to this mission since 1982, when our first location opened in West Springfield, Massachusetts. Over the years, we’ve grown to include six locations throughout western Massachusetts, and our staff is a cornerstone of our success. We’re proud to have seen many of the children we’ve taught come back looking for the same quality of education they once received to provide now to their own children. Our staff collaboration at all levels has been key in developing policies and practices that keep us true to our mission.

Wing Chun is an ideal self-protection and fighting system for people of all ages and abilities, including those who may not be naturally aggressive or physically dominant. It is a perfect choice for both men and women looking to gain realistic self-defense skills. With Wing Chun, brains not brawn are what give it its effectiveness. At The Massachusetts Wing Chun Kung Fu Council, students can learn a comprehensive self-protection plan that covers the psychological and physical aspects of personal security, such as assertiveness, awareness, avoidance, and escape. In the event of physical assault, the plan also teaches students to hit first, hit hard, overwhelm, and then escape. The academy is housed in a 5,400 sq. ft. facility in Holyoke, MA, and its instructor J. E. Fernández is certified by the Wing Chun Kung Fu Council’s board of standards and practices, through Master Heimberger and Grand Master Ip Ching.

At our Club, we strive to provide a world-class experience for all of our members. Our goal is to ensure that success is within reach for every child who enters our doors. We work to help our members stay on track to graduate high school, while also teaching them the importance of demonstrating good character and citizenship and living a healthy lifestyle. Through the activities we provide and the mentorship we offer, we want to ensure that all of our members have the opportunity to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. We are committed to helping all of our members, particularly those in need, to realize their aspirations. Our Club is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing environment in which our members can learn and grow. We strive to create a space where all of our members can reach their goals and discover new paths to success. We strive to offer an experience that is world-class, and are proud to provide our members with the support they need to graduate high school and develop good character and citizenship, while also encouraging them to lead healthy lifestyles.

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 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.

At The Music Academy of Holyoke, MA, we believe that music can bring joy and enrichment to a child’s life. That’s why we’re offering both in-person and remote music lessons for piano, voice, guitar and bass. With our experienced instructors, your child can learn to play their favorite songs and develop a lifelong love of music. In-person music lessons are held in our comfortable, well-equipped studios. Our instructors will provide personalized instruction tailored to your child’s individual needs and interests to ensure that they make the most of their music lessons. Our remote music lessons are just as engaging as our in-person lessons, and they’re perfect for those who may not be able to come into the studio. With our remote lessons, your child will get the same quality instruction from our experienced instructors, without having to leave the comfort of their own home. No matter which option you choose, we’re confident that your child will gain invaluable skills and knowledge that will stay with them for life. Contact The Music Academy of Holyoke, MA today to get started!

For the past 55 years, HCS Head Start Inc. has been devoted to giving children and families in Western Massachusetts the best possible start in life. Our early childhood education services provide a safe and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow, while also supporting families as they strive to achieve their goals. Our locations span many cities and towns, including 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. At HCS Head Start Inc., we understand that the first few years of a child's life are incredibly important for development and growth. That's why we've been dedicated to providing high-quality early childhood education services for over half a century. Our experienced staff members create a safe and nurturing environment that gives children the opportunity to learn, explore, and develop important skills. At HCS Head Start Inc., we don't just recognize the importance of early childhood education—we believe in the power of families to reach their goals. Our staff provides support and resources to families seeking to succeed in their personal and professional aspirations. With our support, we have seen families make great strides in achieving their goals. Since 1965, HCS Head Start Inc. has been providing top-notch early childhood education services to children and families in cities and towns located in Western Massachusetts. Our locations span 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. We are devoted to giving children and families the best possible start in life.

At the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet, children of all ages can explore the beautiful art of ballet. Located in Holyoke, MA, the Academy emphasizes classical ballet technique, musicality, artistry, and creativity. Their classes are based on the Russian syllabus, a training method that has produced some of the most renowned ballet dancers in the world. The Academy also offers a program for non-professional students and adults who are looking for high-quality ballet training and artistic education. So, if you’re looking for a place for your child to explore the beauty of ballet, the Massachusetts Academy of Ballet is a great choice.

. At TDS, we pride ourselves on creating a fun and creative atmosphere for our students. Our classes are small, so that each student gets the individual attention they need. Instructors take the time to ensure that each student receives quality instruction and proper technical training. Our goal is to help foster a safe learning environment and to give each student the opportunity to explore their creativity and express themselves through the art of dance.

At Master Heo’s Tae Kwon Do in Holyoke MA, we are passionate about fostering growth and development in our community’s youth. Our Tae Kwon Do program encourages our students to develop self-control, perseverance, integrity, courtesy, and an indomitable spirit. We provide a safe and engaging environment for children ages 2.9 - 5 through our preschool program, as well as Before and After School Programs for K-7th grade students. Transportation is available for both programs, making it even easier for children to reach their fullest potential. To learn more about our program, please visit the About Us tab on our website.