ELMIRA, N.Y. (WENY) -- Elmira's Economic Opportunity Program (EOP) has been serving Chemung and Schuyler counties for 60 years. EOP leaders want to celebrate the diamond jubilee and continue to promote diversity, dignity, and health within local communities. 

"We were incorporated in 1960, and so we have our Head Start [program that was] was started in 1970," says Anita Lewis, Chief Development Officer at Economic Opportunity Program.  We just went along. Some of the programs were already here, but Head Start, and then we have after-school programs In the 90s." 

One program that has been a cornerstone of EOP's mission is Head Start. The program provides young kids the support they need to acclimate to the classroom before kindergarten. 

Head Start is designed to help kids learn through play, interactions, and hands-on experience. The overarching goal is to set each student up for success in their academic journey once they leave EOP. 

"Our Early Head Start kids start at 18 months and go to 3 years," explains Bill Brodginski, Chief Development Officer at the Economic Opportunity Program. "Head Start goes from 3 years to 5 years, and the whole time, it's helping children to be ready for kindergarten, essentially. But it's play with a purpose. We follow a scientifically-based curriculum."

EOP has dozens of programs and focuses beyond Head Start; many surfaced and grew in the 2000s. The programs range from housing security to literary and health care needs. 

Programs also include and information can be found by clicking here :

  • Ernie Davis Community Center & Center of Excellence
  • Community Food For Jobs Program
  • Energy Services Bureau
  • Family Support Services

"We've created is in the 2000s is we have our ACCEL clinic, which is a free clinic for blood pressure, skin screenings, testing your blood for lead, and so we have our ACCEL clinic. Our newest program is a women's empowerment program that will come to support women," shared Lewis.

EOP will continue celebrating 60 years with 60 events during 2025; EOP provides the photo attached and details those events.

  Facebook/ Elmira Economic Opportunity Program

 

EOP shared an annual report on access to healthcare, food security, childcare, and housing security. The report is detailed below.

Access to Healthcare:

  • 1,070 Lead and blood pressure screenings
  • 203 B25  Children were given lead capillary or venous blood tests on or before their 2nd birthday
  • 618 Total blood pressure screenings completed at the ACCEL clinic
  • 1,273 EOP, Inc. visitors offered free health care screenings.

Food Security:

  • 25,000 Meals Served at EOP Curbside by CFJP Bistro
  • 99,700 Meals served to B25 and COE children and community families
  • 900 Meals served on Martin Luther King Jr. Day
  • 26 CFJP students enrolled; 4 achieved National ServSafe Certification
  • 230 Snack Pack deliveries 

Childcare and Youth Care:

  • 121 Students served by the Center of Excellence (COE) after-school program
  • 83 Served by Family Support in General Recreation
  • 232 Children enrolled in the B25 Program
  • 900 Children received gifts at Christmas Magic

Housing Security:

  • 277 Clients served by the Anti-Displacement Program
  • 53 Single-family homes weatherized
  • 20 Housing units serving homeless veterans at Libertad-Elmira.

EOP of Chemung and Schuyler Counties is at 650 Baldwin St., Elmira, NY, 14901. They can be reached by phone at (607) 734-6174.