Our mission
The leader in developing innovative solutions that promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities.
About OFO
Opportunities for Otsego is one of 1,000+ Community Action Agencies across the nation that serve to meet our local community needs. Since 1966, we have helped families and hard-working residents across Otsego County improve their own lives. Today, Opportunities for Otsego continues to serve its original purpose – helping aspirational working families become self-sufficient by mobilizing resources and developing solutions that offer hope and unlock opportunities.
Annually, Opportunities for Otsego serves over 3,000 individuals from nearly 1,000 households living in communities across Otsego County. To see our impact, we invite you to view our Annual Report.
Agency Vision
Our preferred future is a community that strives to alleviate poverty through collaborations that foster economic stability and social justice.
Leadership Team
Tanya Shalor, Chief Executive Officer
Working in Community Action is a calling. At OFO, our work makes a difference in the lives of our clients and community by connecting resources, passion, and commitment to strengthening its foundation. I am privileged to lead this charge in Otsego County alongside my dedicated and talented team in this vital role to advocate and assist children and families thrive and succeed.
Email Tanya or reach out by phone at 607.433.8000
Caroline Longo, Controller
I started my career working at CPA firms, but soon made the switch to nonprofits. I’ve worked at OFO since 2003, working my way up from Accounts Payable Clerk to Controller. I’ve seen the many ways OFO helps people in need, and I love that we’re always looking for new ways to help.
Email Caroline or reach out by phone at 607.433.8010
Lydia Bell, Human Resource Director
I came to Opportunities for Otsego because I believe in what we do. Human Resource at a Community Action Agency is rewarding—I support a mission-driven workforce fighting poverty, handle diverse HR functions, influence strategy, and foster engagement in a people-first culture. It’s impactful, meaningful work, and no two days are the same!
Email Lydia or reach out by phone at 607.433.8008
Megan Martin, Planning & Research Director
After years of working for OPWDD-sponsored agencies, I found Community Action. Through Community Action I have had the opportunity to meet amazing people, offer hope during times of need, and improve our communities by securing resources to alleviate barriers that perpetuate poverty and hinder individuals from realizing their full potential.
Email Megan or reach out by phone at 607.433.8028
Ally Porack, Executive Assistant
I choose to work in Community Action because of one quote: “Helping one person might not change the world, but it could change the world for one person”. I am inspired every day by the resilience of those we serve and by the dedication of my colleagues. I take tremendous pride in contributing to a mission that is determined to build a united community.
Email Ally or reach out by phone at 607.433.8000
Ed Cope, Energy Services Director
When you work for a For-Profit company helping the client is a requirement but making a profit is the most important goal. When you work for a Not-For-Profit helping the client is the most important goal. That is why I work for a Not-For Profit.
Email Ed or reach out by phone at 607.433.0444 ext 101
Tammy Loucks, Head Start Director
I work at Opportunities for Otsego because I’m dedicated to improving my community. It’s fulfilling to contribute to meaningful, positive change that has a lasting impact on children and families, helping to create a stronger, more supportive community for everyone.
Email Tammy or reach out at 607.433.8055
Heather Brown, WIC Coordinator/Program Manager
Why do I work in Community Action? I want to make a difference to those in our community that need it most, even if it is a small part. I love watching how our WIC participants grow, getting to know them, and knowing I’m making a difference.
Email Heather or reach out by phone at 607.433.8071
Treena Halstead, Building Healthy Families Manager
A love of childhood and a venue for innovation brought me here. Opportunities to grow and work hours that evolved with family life retained my interest. I value the many avenues to create, to learn, and to partner with exceptional staff and remarkable clients, and I’m blessed with the meaningful task of growing happy kids and healthy families.
Email Treena or reach by phone at 607.433.8018
Toya Lane, Emergency Housing Assistance Program Manager
I wanted to be a part of the work Opportunities for Otsego was doing in the community. The best way to describe working here would be in the lyrics of Mahalia Jackson, “If I can help one person along the way, then my living will not be in vain.”
Email Toya or reach out by phone at 607.433.8335
Karen Johnson, Emergency Housing Assistance Program Residential Supervisor
I chose OFO because they take an approach to addressing poverty by offering a range of services. OFO gives me the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the families we serve, who are struggling with poverty. I believe in empowering people to take control of their own lives.
Email Karen or reach out by phone at 607.433.8335
Taylor Schulte, Violence Intervention Program Manager
I work in Community Action to build a stronger community. The stronger the community, the more resilient its residents are to the effects of violence. In my work with The Violence Intervention Program, I have seen firsthand the difference supportive measures make in the life of a survivor.
Email Taylor or reach out by phone at 607.433.8038
Patti Olmstead, Violence Intervention Program Residential Supervisor
I am proud to be a member of the OFO team, helping to provide a safe place of support and guidance to our community members as they work to overcome adversity.
Email Patti or reach out by phone at 607.432.2588
Tom Reardon, Facilities Supervisor
I applied to Opportunities for Otsego for a maintenance position not really knowing what they did in the community. After being hired, I quickly came to realize the impact OFO makes in the community. Through my role, I have witnessed firsthand how the agency helps people – adults and children alike – and it is just awesome. I’m glad I answered the Help Wanted ad years ago.
Email Tom or reach out by phone at 607.433.8011