Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council (E.O.C.)

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Family Development Credentialing

The Community Services Department is composed of many programs. These programs are funded through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Hunger Prevention and Nutrition Assistance Program (HPNAP) funds, Federal Emergency Management funds (FEMA), agency fundraising activities and private donations. In kind donations, community partnerships and volunteer support are also vital to the success of this department.

Below is a brief description of the major components of the Community Services Department.

Crisis Intervention Services: Crisis intervention is a short-term helping process to address the individual/family's emergency needs. The focus is on the resolution of the immediate problem through the use of personal, social, and environmental resources. An individual/family assessment is developed to determine the nature of the crisis and a formalized service plan is negotiated between the family and the crisis intervention worker.
Some common types of crisis situations we address include:

Housing - pending evictions, landlord/tenant relations, pending utility shut off
Financial - customers in financial crisis
Domestic violence
Drug and alcohol
Mental Health

Family Development: Family Development is a strength-based, long term helping process in which the individual/family works with EOC on a weekly basis to address reaching their personal goals. An individual/family assessment is completed to determine the needs and a formalized service plan is developed. The individualized service plan addresses goals such as affordable housing, education and training, financial stability, employment, health, and effective parenting. Each service plan is individually tailored to meet the client's needs.

Emergency Food Pantry: The pantry is located at 40 New St., Saratoga Springs, NY. Current operating hours are 1:00 p.m. – 3:45 p.m., Monday, Wednesday, & Friday. The pantry is closed on all federally recognized holidays.
Every individual and family coming to the food pantry will complete an initial intake form and will be assessed for crisis intervention services.
Families receive a 3-day supply of food which is packed by volunteers. The order is appropriate to family size, dietary needs, and cooking facilities. Assistance is available to bring the groceries to the individual/family's car if needed.

Extra Helpings: This is a food-buying club sponsored by the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern NY. EOC acts as a host site for this cooperative. Food units may be purchased with cash or food stamps. Payments for food units are collected at EOC office from the 1st through the 10th of each month. The distribution day is the 4th Thursday of each month. Distribution site is the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs.

Soup Kitchen: Lunch is served 6 days a week Monday - Saturday 11:45 – 1:00 p.m. It is open to the general public and the only information collected is the number of meals served each day. This program is located in the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church, 24 Circular St., Saratoga Springs, NY. Free Baked goods and breads are available most days.

Rural Food Delivery: This service is a bimonthly delivery of food to customers that are elderly and/or disabled and homebound. Customers to this program are referred by different sources and accepted into the program by the Director of Community Services. EOC runs this project in collaboration with the Presbyterian New England Congregational Church from our Soup kitchen program and community volunteers make deliveries 2 Sundays per month.

Summer Youth Feeding: This project provides a nutritious lunchtime meal to low-income children during the summer months when there is no school. In collaboration with the Saratoga Springs Housing Authority, bag lunches are disbursed at the Jefferson/Vanderbilt Terrace Monday-Friday, between July 1 and August 31.
This project is run through our Soup Kitchen and is staffed by volunteers. EOC also collaborates with Cornell Cooperative Extension to provide nutrition education to customers during the lunchtime meal.

House to Home: Provides refurbished mobile homes to low-income Saratoga County residents in need of affordable, permanent housing, for a minimal price. Eligibility: Must be credit worthy, working and have transportation.

Walworth/Waterbury Apartments: This is an affordable housing initiative which maintains 4 apartments for low-income families. These apartments are locating in Saratoga Springs and are Section 8 approved. This is an informal transitional housing program. Eligibility: HUD qualified and participates in a Family Development process during residency.

Family Development Credentialing Training: This program provides a strength based training for frontline family service workers and family members throughout Saratoga and surrounding counties. This training program is administered through Cornell University. Eligibility: Fee based. Click here to find out more information.

Thanksgiving Baskets: EOC provides a full Thanksgiving meal to families in need in Saratoga County. Families receive a basket based on family size. Eligibility: Families of 2 or more, income at or below 185% of poverty level.
Holiday Meals: A full prepared holiday dinner is also served at our Soup Kitchen on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter. Home delivery of meals is available.