37.2

million Americans were living below the official poverty line in 2020.

Head Start has openings in classrooms across Otsego County

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Community Action Agencies are helping to remove barriers and create solutions to ensure equitable access to COVID-19 resources and supports. Visit OFO's one-stop COVID-19 Resource page for information on testing options, vaccine and booster appointments, and other essential resources.

About Opportunities for Otsego

Founded in 1966, Opportunities for Otsego helps alleviate poverty and fosters self-sufficiency through comprehensive and holistic client-centered services. The Agency focuses its attention on specific problems affecting the community, mobilizes resources, and creates solutions to unlock opportunities for low-income individuals and disenfranchised families. Our services encourage economic stability, social justice, and the promotion of healthy lives and families for residents of Otsego County.

Agency Mission

The leader in developing innovative solutions that promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities.

Agency Vision

Our preferred future is a community that strives to alleviate poverty through collaborations that foster economic stability and social justice.

Upcoming Events

04.29.2023 - Community Baby Shower: Join Building Healthy Families for their 9th Annual Community Baby Shower event. This free, family-friendly event has everything new and expectant parents want to know about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding, fatherhood, babies, and beyond.  There will be gifts, games, prizes and presentations too. 

05.20.2023 - Spring Carnival: Early Head Start and Head Start invite the community to join them from 10AM-Noon for a morning of free games and activities, including face painting, BJ the Clown, Car Seat Safety Checks, and Safe Kid ID station. Plus free popcorn, snowcones, and treats from Starbucks.  The carnival will take place at the 6th Ward Booster Club Field in Oneonta.  ​​

Open Enrollment:  Early Head Start and Head Start offer year-round enrollment for families from pregnancy to preschool. To enroll in the center-based Head Start program, children must turn 3 years old by December 1st of the current school year or may enroll after their 3rd birthday. For more information, contact Heather or start an application online.

What's Happening...

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Dietz Street Lofts Now Accepting Applications: Kearney Realty Group is accepting applications until January 17, 2023 for their new affordable rental property in Oneonta. Click here for more information.

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Now Enrolling! Head Start is still enrolling for the 2022-2023 program year. Children must be three years old to start in the Head Start classroom.  Head Start also provides support to prenatal mothers and children up to three years old through Early Head Start. Apply online, or for more information call 607.433.8055 or visit our Eligibility page.

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Utility Assistance: If you have a past due utility bill, contact your provider ASAP and consider these assistance programs:

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Tenants Rights: Valuable resources are available for those facing eviction or other housing crises on our Housing Services page.

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Annual Report

$4,965,745reinvested into the local economy through employee salaries and program services. (FY2022)

News & Events



OFO Awarded Over $4 Million for Head Start Program
Rep. Marc Molinaro (NY-19) contacted Opportunities for Otsego to share that its Head Start program was awarded $4,350,804 through its refunding application to support continued Head Start and Early Head Start programming.
OFO Awarded Historic HUD Funding
US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Region II Regional Administrator traveled to Oneonta to announce OFO was awarded $716,456 to address rural homelessness in Otsego County.
OFO to Lead Local Point in Time Homeless Count
In partnership with the Southern Tier Homeless Coalition, Opportunities for Otsego will lead the local PIT count of unsheltered homeless Otsego County.