About Opportunities for Otsego

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. Interested in our services view our Agency Brochure.

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
Email or 607.433.8000

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.

Caroline Longo

Controller
Email or 607.433.8010

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.

Lydia Bell

Human Resources Director
Email or 607.433.8008

I came to Opportunities for Otsego because I believe in what we do. Human Resources 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!

Megan Martin

Planning & Research Director
Email or 607.433.8028

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.

Ally Porack

Executive Assistant
Email or 607.433.8000

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.

Ed Cope

Energy Services Director
Email or 607.433.0444 ext. 101

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.

Heather Brown

WIC Program Manager
Email or 607.433.8071

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.

Treena Halstead

Building Healthy Families Program Manager
Email or 607.433.8018

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.

Mandy Erwood-Dumond

Emergency Housing Program Manager
Email or 607.433.8335

I chose to work for Opportunities for Otsego because I believe deeply in the power of community action and the importance of supporting individuals and families who face barriers. I wanted to be part of an organization that doesn’t just provide services, but works to create long‑term change by addressing the root causes of hardship.

Karen Johnson

Emergency Housing Shelter Supervisor
Email or 607.433.8335

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.

Taylor Schulte

Violence Intervention Program Manager
Email or 607.433.8038

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.

Patti Olmstead

Crisis Shelter Supervisor
Email or 607.432.2588

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.

Tom Reardon

Facilities Supervisor
Email or 607.433.8011

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.

Board of Directors

One tenet of Community Action is maximum feasible participation by persons benefitting from agency resources. As such, each Community Action Agency is governed by a tripartite board of directors composed of equal parts of local elected officials, the low-income community, and public and private community stakeholders.

Meet Our Board of Directors