OFO Awards $36,000 to Two Local Nonprofits

Under the local Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI), Opportunities for Otsego awarded $35,973 in grant funding to two nonprofit organizations to address conditions of poverty for families living within the Oneonta City School District.Catholic Charities of Delaware and Otsego Counties received a Community Impact Grant to provide food boxes to 110 low-income families over the December and February school breaks.

This project addresses food insecurity by providing nutritional resources that are usually provided by the school-based free and reduced lunch program and weekend food backpack program.Family Service Association was awarded funds to administer two projects: a home hygiene program and scholarships for after school enrichment activities. Through the home hygiene program, 100 low-income households will gain access to supplies and resources, which would otherwise be cost prohibitive, to ensure healthy home environments. The scholarship program aims to promote the well-being and development of elementary students by providing funding and transportation assistance so 21 low-income children may participate in activities such as recreational sports, dance classes, and martial arts.

The Empire State Poverty Reduction Initiative (ESPRI)is a community based initiative aimed at combating poverty in cities across New York State with the highest rates of poverty. The City of Oneonta, one of sixteen cities chosen for ESPRI, designated Opportunities