About Us

We believe in the value of all human beings.
Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council, Inc. (SMOC), is a private non-profit, 501(c)3 Community Action Agency. SMOC was incorporated in July, 1965 to assist and serve the needs of low-income persons in Southwestern Minnesota, specifically in the counties of Nobles, Rock, Murray and Pipestone. Although these counties receive most of our attention, SMOC does provide specific program offerings in as few as one, and in as many as 15 counties.
SMOC’s mission is “Strengthening our communities through opportunities and service.” To accomplish this mission, SMOC currently employs about 100 compassionate and dedicated staff that deliver quality services to children and families in need.
SMOC is not a government or political entity.  The operations and policies guiding SMOC’s actions are governed by a fifteen member Board of Directors. It is a tri-partite board comprised of one-third elected officials, one-third private sector representatives, and one-third community representatives.

SMOC Board of Directors

Public Sector

Roger Zins
Murray County Commissioner
 
Gene Metz
Treasurer 
Nobles County Commissioner
 
Robert Paplow Chair 
Nobles County Commissioner
 
Jody Reisch 
Vice Chair 
Rock County Commissioner
 
Dan Wildermuth
Pipestone County Commissioner

Private Sector

Louella Voigt
Rock County
 
Jay Vargas
Nobles County
 
Leticia Rodriguez
Secretary 
Nobles County
 
Tammy Stahl
Pipestone County
 
Irineo Diaz
Nobles County

Community Sector

Vacant
Rock County
 
Evan Schiller
Pipestone County
 
Jennifer Nelson
Murray County
 
Mary Engidaw
Nobles County
 
Vacant
Murray County 

Darci Goedtke – Executive Director