Purpose
The Local Officials Human Services Council (LOHSC) was established in 1975 as the human services arm of the Massachusetts Municipal Association, the statewide advocacy group providing legislative lobbying for and technical assistance to cities and towns in the Bay State. LOHSC was founded with the understanding that municipal leaders are in a unique position to assess human needs in their communities and to respond effectively.

LOHSC’s mandates are:
• To provide a coordinated response to state policies affecting local human service delivery
• To enhance the effectiveness of local human service planning and programming
• To share ideas and promote cooperation among human service officials

Advocacy
Today, LOHSC is recognized as a strong voice in Massachusetts for human services. Human services describes a wide variety of programs serving, among others, elderly, children, disabled persons, single parents, refugees and low-income families. In other words, citizens of the commonwealth. Meeting the social needs of the community is as important as street repairs or education. LOHSC provides a voice for local officials who address these needs in their communities every day.

LOHSC Officers
President: Sue Baldauf, youth and family services director, Bedford
Vice president: Cynthia Wallquist, community services director, New Bedford
Secretary: Stephanie Ackert, planning and development director, Cambridge
Treasurer: Robert Cammarata, human services director, Taunton

For upcoming meeting information, see MMA Events calendar