MassDevelopment issues a $1 million loan to Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. for Head Start program

Webster, MA MassDevelopment has issued a $1 million loan to the Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. (WCAC), an agency that offers a wide range of education, employment, and social service programs throughout 45 communities in Central Mass. After an exhaustive site search, WCAC signed a 25-year lease with the town of Webster to occupy a two-story, 8,400 s/f building at 116 School St. Originally constructed as an elementary school, the building most recently served as a senior center for the town. 

WCAC is currently in the process of converting the facility into classroom space for its Head Start program for South Central Worcester County. WCAC has received $1.7 million in federal and state grants for building renovations and has raised over $500,000 in capital campaign contributions for the project. The organization will use proceeds of the MassDevelopment loan to complete the proposed renovations and improvements.

“Thanks to federal, state, and community partners, the Worcester Community Action Council is well on its way to creating a new home for their Head Start program in the town of Webster,” said MassDevelopment president and CEO Lauren Liss. “MassDevelopment is proud to add to this support with a $1 million loan and help the Worcester Community Action Council bring this project to life.”

“WCAC is delighted to receive this significant support from MassDevelopment,” said WCAC Executive Director Jill Dagilis. “This loan, coupled with state, federal and private funding, helps us bring this long awaited project to fruition.”