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NYSCAA is a 20 year old association providing services and advocacy that strengthen the ability of its members to improve the quality-of-life for low-income people throughout New York State.
- Developing broad-based community partnerships to efficiently implement human services;
- Spearheading innovative macro and micro approaches to economic development;
- Expanding opportunities for affordable and energy-efficient housing;
- Stabilizing families by providing emergency assistance; and
- Empowering children, adults, and seniors through strength-based programs and activities.
For more than 40 years, New York’s Community Action Agencies have been the proven local, grassroots, federally-designated network of anti-poverty agencies in New York State. New York State’s Community Action Agencies are a catalyst for change, testing new initiatives and developing innovative methods to eliminate the causes and effects of poverty.
With a network of 52 organizations located throughout the Empire State that can reach every New Yorker, Community Action Agencies form a statewide service delivery system that connects individuals and families to the services they need to achieve economic security. When it comes to moving folks from poverty to self-sufficiency, Community Action Agencies know what works. Community Action Agencies achieve positive results that change lives and strengthen communities. |
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| ( click here to see this month's featured agency ) |
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44 West Main Street
Norwich, NY 13815
nsmith@ofcinc.org |
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Staff paid 100% by CSBG |
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$0 |
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Volunteer Hours - Program |
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90,045 |
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Volunteer Hours - Board |
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500 |
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| - This is a story pulled at random from Opportunities For Chenango, Inc.'s files: |
| Mr. D entered the Working for Success job skills training less than enthusiastically. He was willing to do what he was asked but was very low on the self-esteem scale. His literacy levels were at a 2nd grade level and he had recently come out of jail due to a misdemeanor of breaking and entering. His mother had recently died and he was living at her place. He had a cousin who would give him messages and occasionally help him out, but for the most part, Mr. D. felt very alone in the world.
The job skills training helped him learn communication skills, computer skills, and some work ethics. He was too shy to give a good appearance in a job interview and lost one or two jobs because of it. He also felt he was unable to be effective in anything he did. His goal was to get his CDL license and drive truck. He certainly felt very inadequate in filling out job applications or other paperwork and was self-conscious of his lack of literacy skills.
The family advocate for OFC worked with him to help him budget and find ways to pay his bills, particularly his car insurance and electric bill. Through the Community Action Family Development, he was able to get on Power Partners and stay on top of his bills.
After the Working for Success classes, where he learned computer, communication, on-the-job skills and life skills, he began working with a tutor twice a week. He was mandated by Social Services to take GED classes but because of his low level, he was not showing much gain in those classes. With his literacy volunteer tutor, he began to show gain in comprehension and retention of ideas. In eight months time he had conquered the CDL book and was ready to take his exam. Due to finances, however, he has had to wait on taking the exam. However, his literacy skills have improved to a 3.9 grade level and he is now applying and interviewing for jobs on his own. His demeanor is more positive and he seems to feel better about himself. He has realized his inability to keep a house going on his own and has applied for Section 8 rental assistance through the OFC Housing Dept. Mr. D. has shown tremendous improvement in the 15 months he has worked with OFC and with other agencies. Perhaps the most noticeable improvement has been the confidence he is now showing and his ability to begin to plan and advocate for himself.
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