When the pandemic hit and business shut down in March earlier this year, many businesses had to pivot their thinking and decision-making in order to survive with the economy.

Making Opportunity Count Inc. (MOC) continues to thrive and grow, regardless of COVID-19.

“Like many businesses we have allowed a portion of our workforce to function remotely,” said Kevin Reed, Executive Director at MOC. “However, we have leveraged technology and extreme safety measures to provide high quality in person services during this time when allowable by regulations.”

MOC’s mission is to empower families to achieve economic security by eliminating barriers and creating opportunities. Their non-profit services include a focus on family and children, teen and youth, emergency services, health and wellness, healthy homes, economic stability, and elder services.

“We are in the business of keeping North Central moving forward,” said Reed. “Our job is to provide those facing economic hardship, injustice, or personal struggles with the supports & tools to achieve economic security and a better life.”

Since 2018, MOC has helped over 1,000 individuals receive case management, information, and referrals through the Fitchburg Family Resource Center, over 6,077 women, infants, and children improve their health and nutrition through the North Central WIC program, and over 1,900 elders increase access to nutritious food through Elder Nutrition Services, and more. Their full annual report is available through their website at www.mocinc.org.

“Making Opportunity Count has grown over the past several years by releasing the innovation within the organization. The organization has worked to open the door for its employees to share, develop, finance, and implement ideas and visions that otherwise would have never come to fruition,” Reed said. “It is through this practice that the organization has grown to almost 300 employees, added over $6M in new revenue, and ventured into new service areas.”

Making Opportunity Count will be launching a full-service mental health clinic this year in Fitchburg and Gardner, improving access in the North Central Massachusetts area to mental health supports while testing new and innovative methods to improve the mental health of the friends and families in the local community.

“We will [also] be opening a new 18,000 square foot early education center in the City of Fitchburg and launching a Youth Innovation Center for youth to gather in a safe place to access the latest in technology to explore their business interests and put talents to great use,” stated Reed. “We are not going to stop growing.”

“We want the community to tell us what they need and what we can do. After the new Early Education Center is up and running and the Mental Health Clinic doors open, we are ready for the next project and we will be asking our friends and family in the community to help us understand what we must do next.”

Making Opportunity Count is located at 601 River St in Fitchburg, MA and is a proud member of the North Central Massachusetts Chamber of Commerce. For more information about MOC, visit their website at www.mocinc.org.