# SMOC

> USA


## Pages

- [Energy Assistance - Copy](https://smoc.us/services-energy-assistance/): Energy Assistance Welcome to Energy Assistance! Our mission is to help households of all ages and incomes manage their heating and electric costs during the colder months. If you’re struggling to keep up with energy bills, the EAP can provide crucial support to ensure you stay safe and warm. Contact us Important Facts about the EAP Who’s Eligible? Anyone can apply, regardless of age, income type, or fuel source. Apply Early It’s best to apply before you face a past-due bill or run out of fuel. size, income, and energy costs. Flexible for Renters  If part of your rent is subsidized
- [Family Resource Center](https://smoc.us/family-resource-center/): Family Resource Center Make it easier for families to get what they need. Increase community connections for families. Build the capacity of organizations in communities experiencing inequities to create access to programs and services that support economic stability and family well-being. Promote practice, policy, and systems change at the local and state level to better support family well-being Location: 1106 3rd Ave, Worthington, MN 56187Hours: Monday-Friday Events The Family Resource Center is a trusted, community-focused hub where families effortlessly access the support, guidance, and services that simplify life and empower success. We envision a future where every family thrives through
- [Senior Employment](https://smoc.us/senior-employment/): Senior Employment At SMOC we are committed to improving the quality of life for low-income, financially eligible seniors by assigning them to temporary subsidized jobs within their community. Contact us What is the Senior Employment Program & why is help available? This is a federally funded program to recruit, train and place eligible persons in subsidized employment training to provide meaningful part-time paid work experiences to help them find employment in private industry or the public sector. Who can apply? Participants must be unemployed, 55 years or older and must meet income guidelines. The Senior Community Service Employment Program for
- [Sexual Reproductive Health Services](https://smoc.us/sexual-reproductive-health-services/): Sexual Reproductive Health Services At SMOC, we are committed to providing comprehensive and confidential sexual reproductive health services tailored to your unique needs. Our offerings are designed to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their reproductive health and well-being. Contact us Sexual Reproductive Health Services At SMOC, we provide a range of services to support your sexual and reproductive health needs with care and confidentiality. Physical Exams for Men and Women Comprehensive exams to ensure your reproductive health is in check. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) Testing and Treatment Accurate testing and effective treatment to protect your health. Pregnancy Testing
- [Nobles County Bus ](https://smoc.us/express-route/): Nobles County Heartland Express Route Service Experience convenient and affordable public transportation with the Nobles County Heartland Express (NCHE)! For just $2.50 per ride, you can catch the bus at any time or place along the route schedule. Whether you’re commuting within Worthington or traveling between communities, the NCHE is here to serve you. Contact us Centralized Dispatch for your convenience! The centralized dispatch system simplifies scheduling, proving seamless access to transportation services across Nobles County. The Transit Dispatch Center operates from 7:30 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday, ensuring timely and reliable services for residents.
- [Prairieland Transit System](https://smoc.us/prairieland-transit-system/): Prairieland Transit System The Prairieland Transit System is a dedicated public transportation service designed to meet the needs of Nobles County residents, including those in the City of Worthington. Established in 1999 through a partnership between the City of Worthington, Nobles County, and SMOC, the system aims to operate, administer, promote, and manage efficient transportation services for the community. Contact us Since 2002, Prairieland Transit System has been offering convenient, accessible public transportation through a centralized dispatch system. This innovative approach ensures that all residents have equal access to transportation options, whether it’s via discounted fares on Worthington Taxi Service
- [Head Start](https://smoc.us/head-start/): Head Start Head Start is a child development program for three- and four- year olds, including children with special needs. Head Start also offers services to the family. Parents may take part in special trainings and events that help them learn and grow. Parents and teachers work together to plan appropriate activities so children learn to accept themselves and others and explore their world. Contact us Education and Family Involvement A Holistic Approach to LearningHead Start offers an inclusive educational program that focuses on social skills, language development, physical growth, and foundational concepts. Our program supports children with diagnosed disabilities,
- [Region 8 Child Care Aware of Minnesota](https://smoc.us/region-8-child-care-aware-of-minnesota/): Minnesota’s Trusted Child Care Resource Region 8 Child Care Aware serves the counties of Lincoln, Lyon, Redwood, Pipestone, Murray, Cottonwood, Rock, Nobles and Jackson. It is the local office for child care support, including but not limited to: quality ratings with Parent Aware, Start Up and Retention Services with Wayfinder, families finding child care, and ongoing development and support for new and existing programs. Child Care Aware is funded through a Minnesota Department of Human Services grant. Contact us Child Care Wayfinder – Region 8 Wayfinder Program is a one-stop navigation network for starting and growing child care programs.Visit the
- [About Us](https://smoc.us/about-us/): 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
- [Worthington City Bus Route](https://smoc.us/worthington-city-bus-route/): Worthington City Bus Route The Worthington City Bus will travel a set path and stop at marked bus stops throughout Worthington. It may go off route 1-2 blocks upon request; However, these deviations are limited to keep the bus on schedule. Contact us The Worthington City Bus Route was approved by the Nobles County Joint Powers Transit Authority to increase access to needed goods and services through a limited public transit route service in the City of Worthington. The service is funded by MNDOT as part of the Nobles County Public Transit System and utilizes a Nobles County Heartland Express
- [Transportation](https://smoc.us/transportation/): Transportation Whether you’re heading to work, school, appointments, or just running errands, our transportation options are here to help. Everyone is welcome—children, parents, adults, and the elderly alike! Contact us SMOC receives grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Stephanie Noerenberg, Transit Director and Darci Goedtke, Executive Director manage and oversee this grant contract. To contact them, please email info@smoc.us or call 507-376-4195 Transportation Services We Offer Worthington Dial-A-RideFlexible and convenient transportation within the Worthington area. Great for special appointments and personalized pick-ups! Worthington City BusA service that stops throughout Worthington, connecting you to key destinations across the city.
- [Contact](https://smoc.us/contact/): Contact To access services or to partner with SMOC in supporting communities and changing lives, please contact your nearest office or call our main office at 507-376-4195. Our team is ready to connect you with a dedicated staff member. Office Locations Southwestern MN Opportunity Council 1106 3rd Avenue  •  PO Box 787  Worthington, Minnesota 56187-0787 Phone – Fax Phone: (800) 658-2444           (507) 376-4195Fax:    (507) 376-3636 E-mail E-mail: info@smoc.us Southwestern Minnesota Opportunity Council will not be held responsible for email transactions – the security of the email is at risk and the arrival of the email may not be as timely as a
- [Rehab Loan Programs](https://smoc.us/rehab-loan-programs/): Rehab Loan Programs The Rehabilitation Loan Program (RLP) and Emergency and Accessibility Loan Programs (ELP) offer essential financial support to low-income homeowners in Minnesota who need assistance with critical home improvements. These programs provide deferred loan financing for those unable to obtain private home improvement financing, ensuring that homes remain safe, livable, and energy efficient. Contact us Program Highlights Maximum Loan Amount: Up to $37,500 per eligible property. Loan Terms: 15 years for homes taxed as real property. 10 years for manufactured homes taxed as personal property within a manufactured home park. Forgiveness Option: Loans are forgiven if the borrower
- [Employment](https://smoc.us/employment/): Career opportunities Click the link below for SMOC’s Employment Application! SMOC Employment Application   This Employer Participates in E-Verify ~Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States. Este Empleador Participa en E-Verify ~La Ley Federal le exige a todos los empleadores que verifiquen la identidad y elegibilidad de empleo de toda persona contratada para trabajar en los Estados Unidos. If you have any questions regarding E-Verify, please contact 1-888-464-4218 or www.dhs.gov/e-verify
- [Early Learning Scholarships](https://smoc.us/early-learning-scholarships/): Early Learning Scholarships Early Learning Scholarships provide crucial financial support for families in Minnesota, offering up to $8,500 per child to help cover the costs of high-quality early care and education. These scholarships ensure that young children have access to the educational foundation needed for a successful start in school. Families can use these funds at any child care or early education program that participates in the Parent Aware Quality Rating System. Contact us Eligibility for Early Learning Scholarships To qualify for an Early Learning Scholarship, families must meet the following criteria: Residency: Must live in Minnesota. Child’s Age: Must
- [Family Planning](https://smoc.us/family-planning/): Family Planning At SMOC Family Planning, we’re dedicated to helping individuals make informed choices about their reproductive health. Our goal is to provide the resources, education, and support needed for men and women to manage their reproductive health, no matter their background or financial situation. Contact us Comprehensive Services We Offer SMOC Family Planning provides a range of essential services, including: Complete Physical Exams: Routine check-ups and preventive care, including pap smears. Contraceptive Options: Access to various birth control methods tailored to your needs. Pregnancy Testing: Reliable testing services in a supportive environment. STI Screenings: Testing for sexually transmitted infections
- [Energy Assistance](https://smoc.us/energy-assistance/): Energy Assistance Welcome to Energy Assistance! Our mission is to help households of all ages and incomes manage their heating and electric costs during the colder months. If you’re struggling to keep up with energy bills, the EAP can provide crucial support to ensure you stay safe and warm. Contact us Important Facts about the EAP Who’s Eligible? Anyone can apply, regardless of age, income type, or fuel source. Apply Early It’s best to apply before you face a past-due bill or run out of fuel. size, income, and energy costs. Flexible for Renters  If part of your rent is subsidized
- [Home](https://smoc.us/): Service Area SMOC’s primary service area includes the 4 counties of Murray, Nobles, Pipestone, and Rock. However, some of our programs serve as many as 15 counties in SW MN Program locations: Marshall Redwood Falls Pipestone Worthington Need A Ride? We offer transportation throughout Nobles County with both on demand requests and scheduled. book a ride Our Partners


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