MAYVILLE - Ricardo Aguirre, Counsel to the Secretary of State and Director of Operations for the New York State Department of State, announced that Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. will be used as one of the premier models for community action service agencies state-wide.
The announcement was made at COI's annual dinner held at Chautauqua Suites in Mayville.
"Our office realizes the most effective way to help people transition themselves out of poverty and move toward better economic conditions is to provide them with resources to direct them toward self-sufficiency," Aguirre said.
"Chautauqua Opportunities has been very successful in documenting positive outcomes using this methodology and that's why we are including this agency among our models for our community action network across New York state."
"Creating Opportunities to Support Economic Security" was the theme of the evening with staff, elected officials, partnering agencies and board members in attendance. Chautauqua County Executive, Greg Edwards, COI Board Chairman, Dr. John Hamels and Chautauqua Opportunities for Development Chair (CODI), Judy Scheaffer also addressed the audience. They commended the professional administration and successful outcomes the agency accomplished in 2009 during tough economic times.
"The COI Board is committed to looking at new programs that assist our communities in even more ways during this economic down turn, "Dr. Hamels said. "If ever there was a time for COI to shine, this is it. Thank you for making us all proud to be part of an awesome group of hard working individuals and groups who are making a difference for children and adults alike."
COI Executive Director, Roberta Keller thanked her staff for their hard work and dedication towards meeting the agency's goals in 2009. "I'd like to take this opportunity to recognize my staff and thank them for their daily efforts in making COI an agency that is one of the top models for community action organizations across New York state to exemplify. We believe our approach will continue to serve as an excellent example by maximizing scarce resources and bringing better results to the individuals and households we serve."
Keller said she is looking forward to the coming year and being part of President Obama's economic recovery plan. "We will be assisting households to become more energy efficient, to better understand energy efficiencies, and to make substantial improvements in their homes. We will be administering other stimulus funds through Head Start and Early Head Start." She emphasized the importance of creating and maintaining working partnerships with the county, local towns and municipalities. "We want to ensure the best possible impact of those dollars on the overall quality of life in Chautauqua County for all residents."
COI is a community action agency leading the fight against poverty by mobilizing resources and creating partnerships to promote empowerment, economic independence and opportunities.
