SLIDESHOW & VIDEO: SMOC Unveils New, Renovated Offices at Former Avery-Dennison Site

The South Middlesex Opportunity Council purchased and renovated the former former Avery-Dennison factory site for $5 million this year.

Earlier this week, the Council, also known as SMOC, held a ribbon cutting ceremony, with lots of local and state officials and community partners for its new home at 7 Bishop St.

SMOC’s mission is “improve the quality of life of low-income and disadvantaged individuals and families by advocating for their needs and rights; providing services; educating the community; building a community of support; participating in coalitions with other advocates and searching for new resources and partnerships.”

With an annual operating budget of $80 million, SMOC employees more than 650 individuals and provides services to more than 65,000 people. James Cuddy is the executive director of SMOC and acted as MC for the ceremony n Tuesday afternoon.

The new headquarters features offices for Voices Against Violence, Women’s, Infants & Children, educational classrooms, and more

“‘Having been in the old facility and now this facility, the one thing that makes a difference, is the brightness, the light,” said Framingham Selectman Cheryl Tully Stoll, speaking at the ceremony Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 21.

“SMOC has been a cornerstone institution in Framingham and throughout the MetroWest helping families in times of need,” said State Rep. Tom Sannicandro, who represents Framingham, along with State Rep. Chris Walsh, who read a proclamation on Tuesday afternoon.

“The new facility that we are celebrating today will further their terrific work and their commitment to our community,” said Sannicandro.

“SMOC has been a great community partner. And they work so hard with so many people, who have so many disadvantages,” said Stoll, who added doing this work in in this kind “of setting brings so much dignity to the process.”

SMOC was incorporated in 1965.

PHOTO: Margaret Davitt, who been employeed for SMOC for almost five decades helps cut the ribbon with a handful of politicians, including Framingham state reps Chris Walsh and Tom Sannicandro and SMOC Director Cuddy.

Photo credit: Susan Petroni