Program areas at Opportunities for Otsego
See schedule ochild and family development programs include head start, a federally funded educational care program for income-eligible 3 and 4 year-old children. Early head start services are provided to expectant parents and parents of children under 3 years of age through home visits and center based services, including child development education, health/wellness education for parents and children, ongoing support and referral to other sources in the community. The agency also provides daycare and universal pre-kindergarten services. A children's center is located in the county office building and provides a place where young children can participate in age-appropriate activities as an alternative to sitting through interviews at dss, or being present for court activities. Opportunities for Otsego also operates wic (women, infants, and children), a federally funded program for pregnant women and families with children under the age of 5 that stresses nutrition education and gives families vouchers to purchase formula and nutritious food. Opportunities for Otsego also operates "building healthy families," a family development program home-based model in which families are encouraged to set goals based on their strengths. Opportunities for Otsego also offers eligibility screening for those seeking health insurance and assistance with health care options.
Energy services - programs are available to assist residents with their utility and home energy needs based on their income or categorical eligibility. Home energy assistance provides fuel, utility, emergency, furnace repair, and replacement assistance. Weatherization is available to income-eligible home owners and renters and is designed to make their home more energy efficient.
Crisis intervention and support services - Opportunities for Otsego provides an array of services to assist homeless and at-risk households in maintaining safe, affordable, and permanent housing. Services include emergency shelter, rental subsidies, housing location assistance, access to support services, and individual case management. Opportunities for Otsego is also the main provider of services for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and violent crimes in Otsego county. Services include a 24-hour hotline, group and individual counseling, advocacy, legal and medical accompaniment, emergency and transitional housing, referral to support services, and case management.
Other human services - Opportunities for Otsego assists individuals in becoming competitive in the labor force by working with our employment counselors and local employers in transitional employment and wage subsidy programs. Opportunities for Otsego's wheels to work program provides transportation assistance to support households in acquiring safe, reliable transportation so adults may acquire and maintain employment.