36.8

million Americans were living below the official poverty line in 2023.

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.

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

02.11.2025 - Wear Orange Day: Help the Violence Intervention Program raise awareness and show support for the 1:3 teens who will experience physical, sexual, or emotional abuse by a partner before they become adults. 

02.17.2025 - Agency Closed: OFO will be closed for President’s Day.  The Emergency Housing Assistance Program and Violence Intervention Program 24-hour shelters and hotlines will still be available for those with a need.

05.03.2025 - Building Healthy Families Annual Community Baby Shower: Festivities will again be held at The Southside Mall in Oneonta

05.31.2025 - Head Start Carnival: This free community event is being held from 10AM-1PM at the Oneonta Boys & Girls Club in Oneonta.

REMINDER: Opportunities for Otsego IS NOT a HEAP Certifier and cannot process applications for benefits. Households receiving other benefits from DSS (e.g. FA, SN, SNAP, or Code A SSI) should contact their caseworker. All other households may apply online or reach out to DSS or Office for the Aging. Click here for an overview of HEAP benefits and eligiblity.


This website is supported by Grant Number 02CH011436 from the Office of Head Start 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 and the Office of Head Start.

What's Happening...

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NOW ENROLLING! Head Start is enrolling for the 2024-2025 program year. Children must turn three years old by December 1st begin in a Head Start classrooms in the Fall.  Support is also offered 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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BLOWER DOOR TESTING: OFO’s Energy Services Division is an Otsego County approved contractor for blower door testing. Schedule an appointment today by calling 607.433.0444 ext 102.

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

Annual Report

$5,590,890reinvested into the local economy through employee salaries and program services. (FY2023)

News & Events



Opportunities for Otsego is delighted to announce the hiring of Tammy Loucks as Head Start Director.
Local Head Start programs will now consider housing costs in determining eligibility for Head Start preschool and homebased services. Additionally, Social Security benefits, veteran’s benefits, and alimony are no longer considered in calculating household gross income.
OFO Board of Directors and staff extend its condolence to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mary Cheryl “Cheri” Albrecht. For nearly 20 years, Cheri lead OFO as its first female Executive Director, leaving a legacy that truly made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate across Otsego County.