Pinellas Opportunity Council

The Community Action Program helps participants move towards self sufficiency through family case management. Participants are provided life skills training, financial literacy classes, job search and job placement services, post secondary education/training and financial assistance, small business start-up assistance and referral and resource mobilization assistance. The Individual Development Account (IDA) program matches participants savings 2:1 for major asset investments. Emergency assistance services include limited financial assistance on a one-time basis to alleviate utility, fuel/oil, rent/mortgage, food, license fees, uniforms, and childcare. The youth development program helps youth become aware and involved in productive extracurricular activities in the community year round. During the summer, youth are provided training in: social/emotional development, workforce readiness, leadership and community involvement, entrepreneurship, employability and life management skills; along with job placement, a one day business field trip, and a monetary stipend upon successful completion of the program. Community Action Program services are provided throughout the County from south St. Petersburg to Tarpon Springs at six program service centers. Total clients served was 1,795.

Emergency Assistance Program: Elderly Clients - Provides financial assistance to households for heating and cooling emergencies with persons 60 years and over in crisis. Non-Elderly Clients - Provides assistance on a one-time basis to alleviate utility, fuel/oil, rent/mortgage, food, transportation, childcare, and other emergency situations. Emergency Services Program services are provided throughout the County at three of our six program service centers. In-kind program office space is donated by public and private entities while our agency pays related utility and phone costs. Total clients served was 1,588.

The Chore Services program provides heavy household cleaning and yard work to frail elderly residents age 60 and above enabling them to maintain a safe, sanitary environment, avoid or delay pre-mature institutionalization and help them maintain their independence. Service teams include agency staff and contracted temporary Goodwill workers who must meet Level II background screening requirements. Services are provided countywide. Cleaning services include general cleaning, washing windows, screens, blinds, walls, and floors; cleaning base boards, ceiling fans, bathrooms, kitchens, all appliances, porches, and shampooing of carpets. Yard work includes mowing, trimming, weed-eating, edging, and trash removal as required; lifting and moving furniture, appliances or heavy objects, household repairs which do not require a permit or specialist and household maintenance. The program carries out the services outlined above by providing all of the cleaning materials, supplies, and equipment necessary to perform the work. The program rents a warehouse-type facility which serves as program staff office space and storage space for program vans, cleaning and lawn equipment and supplies. Total clients served was 236.