Lewis County Opportunities is a Community Action Agency dedicated to respectfully supporting low income families and providing compassionate assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. We’re honored to be able to help our community. Opportunities offers many programs, most of which are a hand-up instead of a hand-out. The following synopsis of 2011 is sobering; as it turns our friends and neighbors into statistics. Please remember that the following statistics are faces of men, women, and children who struggled in 2011.   

Food is an essential need that many of us take for granted. Some families are not so fortunate. The pantry network served 5,587 individuals in 2011; a 13% increase from the prior year. This trend is disturbing as we are talking about something as basic and essential as proper nutrition.  Please support your local food pantry in 2012!      

Basic transportation problems can become a major barrier to getting to and from work. During 2011, our transportation programs helped over 100 families with vehicle loans, major repairs to keep vehicles safe and roadworthy, and numerous insurance, tire replacement, and other minor concerns. In addition to repairs, certified techs provided local parents with 101 car seats to ensure safe travel for our littlest county residents. During 2011, the agency witnessed obliteration of most funding revenues for transportation services. The United Way of Northern New York helped us continue our transportation services for working families, and as the year progressed, served as our sole remaining lifeline of funding as Federal and State funding dried up. Given the United Way's support of this important program, we encourage you to learn more about the effect United Way of Northern New York has in our community by visiting their website, and to support their annual campaign drive which occurs in the autumn. 

The agency was able to weatherize 96 homes in 2011. In 2011, the agency also finished the multi-year American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) grant. A total of 126 homes were weatherized over the course of nearly three years with these ARRA funds brought into Lewis County.

The cost of housing is always a major concern for families. Opportunities maintained 1,392 rental vouchers in 2011; facilitating payment subsidies totaling over $6.5 million to landlords in Jefferson and Lewis County. The agency also partnered with Jefferson County DSS to assist 39 participants through Shelter Plus Care, a program designed to provide affordable housing and supportive services for homeless individuals or families who have mental health and/or substance abuse issues.  Also in Jefferson County, the agency assisted with the Veteran Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) program, with up to 25 housing vouchers to provide safe, affordable housing for homeless veterans.   

Domestic violence and sexual assault services are vital to our community. In 2011 the agency provided 363 protected nights at the safe dwelling to 7 adults and 13 children, coordinated 6,722 hours of coverage for the 24 hour hotline, performed 965 counseling services, and provided numerous outreach activities for the community.  The program provides crisis response to many people throughout the year. The operation of a live 24/7 Hotline (376-HELP) requires the help from our 16 active volunteers; who we thank very much for their time and commitment.   

Christmas Sharing is a large-scale community response to spread giving to those in need during the holidays. In 2011 over 1,250 children received Christmas items and over 700 food boxes were distributed to Lewis County residents. This project is a joint venture of many donors, businesses, and agencies in Lewis County. We sincerely thank all of those who helped with Christmas Sharing for their generosity.

One huge new announcement in 2011 was the start of our Opportunity Knocks Thrift Store! The second hand store officially opened in October and has been getting better ever since. Located in the Crystal View, it has now grown to include both floors of the building. Credit goes to resourceful employees and an awesome volunteer base which makes the store possible. Proceeds from the store are used to further our mission. Please stop in and visit this newest project. We welcome your comments and suggestions for improvements to this fledgling endeavor.

2011 is in the history books now. There are many more challenges that will be tackled in 2012. Our success is made possible through the interaction of our diligent Board members, hard-working employees, numerous dedicated volunteers, and various local partner agencies. The community is a huge part of our family as well; providing material and monetary donations, encouragement, and good wishes. Without the combined efforts of this community, Opportunities wouldn’t be able to make the impact that is felt by our consumers.  Thank you!