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Our Reach

Opportunities for Otsego has been an important part of our community and instrumental in improving the lives of low-income families in Otsego County since 1966. From homelessness to domestic violence, from sexual assault to home energy improvements, from early childhood education to supplemental nutrition, Opportunities for Otsego has lead the charge in developing innovative solutions that promote healthy lives, thriving families and caring communities.

Over the years the face of poverty has changed, and during these difficult economic times, the problems faced by low-income households have multiplied. Most families served by Opportunities for Otsego are employed and struggling to make ends meet. They work in our supermarkets, school districts, local businesses and local governments and are the backbone of our community.

Over the period October 2023 through September 2024, Opportunities for Otsego supported 3,026 individuals nearly 1,000 households residing in communities across Otsego County.

Our Impact

A summary of client outcomes achieved through the support of OFO programs:

• Forty-four homeless households were provided safe, temporary housing at the agency homeless and domestic violence shelters.
• The Violence Intervention Program assured the safety of 191 victims of crime.
• Warm winter coats were gifted to 276 low-income children.
• 236 Infants, toddlers, and preschoolers were up-to-date on recommended well child visits and obtained recommended immunizations, and dental care.
• 63 Preschoolers were deemed developmentally ready to begin kindergarten after participation in Head Start and UPK.
• 486 Caregivers exhibited improved parenting skills and family functioning.
• 24 Low-income households had reduced energy costs, increased disposable income and improved health as a result of energy efficiency and weatherization measures.
• 963 children and adults had improved physical health through access to adequate nutrition.

During FY2024, Opportunities for Otsego successfully secured additional funding to enhance programming to benefit the community:

• Combining awards from the Mary Kay Ash Foundation and The Women's Fund of the Community Foundation of South Central New York, the Violence Intervention Program purchased a new vehicle to replace the aging, unreliable safehouse minivan; ensuring victims of violence have access to supports and resources to help them realize safety and a life free from abuse.
• Stewart's Shop Holiday Match program awarded funds for Head Start Bee CALM Backpacks designed to support the mental health of young children.
• OFO resurfaced Opportunity House family homeless shelter playground with funds from The City of Oneonta Community Initiative Program and volunteers from Kappa Sigma Fraternity at Hartwick College.
• NBT Insurance Agency/NBT Bank donated $5,000 to jumpstart a fundraising campaign benefiting Opportunity House
• Head Start was selected as a recipient of the NYSEG Community Give-Back program.

Help us reach our goals

 

This website is supported by Grant Number C1002760 from the Office of Community Services and Grant Number 02CH013070 from the Office of Head Start both within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of Opportunities for Otsego, Inc. and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families, the Office of Community Services, and the Office of Head Start.