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Opportunities for Otsego Remembers Executive Director

09.27.2024 - Oneonta, NY

Opportunities for Otsego Board of Directors and staff extend their condolences to the family, friends, and loved ones of Mary Cheryl “Cheri” Albrecht. For nearly 20 years, Cheri lead Opportunities for Otsego as its first female Executive Director, leaving a legacy that truly made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate across Otsego County.

Cheri’s passion in advocating for the rights of victims spearheaded the opening of Opportunities for Otsego’s domestic violence safe house in the early 1990’s and expanded Violence Intervention Program services to ensure all victims could realize a life free from abuse. Her vision did not stop there. Cheri was a true leader, bringing together partners from all sectors of the community to create opportunities. Cheri brought agency services under one roof by leading a capital campaign to construct the current administrative office in Oneonta, helped to address food insecurity by opening the Community Connections food bank, expanded early childhood services by securing funding for Early Head Start and Building Healthy Families home visiting programs, and worked alongside local and state officials to construct and open “Opportunity House” homeless shelter.

Although saddened by her passing, Cheri’s lifework carries on through the dedicated staff of Opportunities for Otsego. We are forever grateful.

Per her wishes, gifts in her memory may be made to Opportunities for Otsego.

Visitation and Memorial Service to be held Saturday, October 5th in Otego.