Services for Seniors

Foster Grandparent Program

The Foster Grandparent Program is a truly symbiotic program: it provides low-income seniors aged 55 and older the opportunity to share their wealth of experience and skills with children 21 years of age and under who have special needs. Tutoring, mentoring, and self-esteem building are all part of a Foster Grandparent’s contribution. CEO administers the program in more than 40 sites throughout Rensselaer, Albany, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington counties.

Food Pantry

CEO's Food Pantry, located at 2328 Fifth Ave., Troy, provides emergency assistance to individuals and families that would otherwise go hungry. The emergency provisions provide wholesome, nourishing foods to families in need. The food pantry bridges the gap until a long-term solution can be arranged.

Hours: M, W & F, 8AM - 4PM; Tu & Th, 8AM - Noon

Extra Helpings offered by the Regional Food Bank of Northeast NY, allows anyone to buy nutritious food at a lower-than-retail price. There’s no age or income requirement, everyone is welcome to take advantage of this opportunity to save money on groceries. Orders must be pre-paid and placed with CEO by the first week of the month and are ready for pick up around the 22nd of the month. See Extra Helping Menu for exact ordering and pick-up dates.

Supplemental Homeless Intervention Program (SHIP)

CEO’s Supplemental Homelessness Intervention Program (SHIP) provides families with the ongoing support to retain safe, affordable and permanent housing. We work with eligible families to ease the threat of eviction; prevent utility shutoffs; provide help and support in obtaining and keeping adequate employment; assist with child care services; provide education and counseling for family income budgeting; obtain counseling, resolve transportation issues and secure housing rehabilitation and energy reduction services.

VITA program

As one of the free VITA sites in the Capital Region, CEO offers free Income Tax preparation service. The VITA program (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) helps working families across the nation access the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), and many other credits.

Workforce Development

Using a blend of instructor-led and self-directed methodologies, the Workforce Development Program is designed to prepare or enhance the skills and knowledge needed for employability in these difficult economic times. Course and workshop offerings will include résumé and cover letter development, modern job search skills, financial literacy, job etiquette, and other work readiness skills.

If you or a family member is in need of assistance, please call us at 518.272.6012, Ext. 229 or email ceo_centralizedintake@ceo-cap.org

Hope. Opportunity. Success.

A Second Family at the Foster Grandparent Program

Cheryl and Del both had challenging lives. Cheryl spent much of her childhood in foster care and an orphanage. Before a life-threatening stroke, Del worked two jobs for most of his life. After the stroke, he was forced to re-learn nearly all of his basic functions. Most people their age, and with their past experiences, would prefer to spend their free time relaxing and enjoying each others company. But Del and Cheryl, at ages 63 and 61, have a deep desire to give back, and they have found the perfect opportunity with CEO’s Foster Grandparents Program. And, the small stipend that is paid to them for their many hours of service helps them make ends meet during these very difficult economic times.

First learning of the program from a flyer in the Food Pantry, Del and Cheryl now cherish the Foster Grandparents Program, and view the children as their second family; and the children certainly feel the same way. It is because of people like Del and Cheryl that CEO’s programs are successful. For an organization like CEO to work it takes the dedication of special people, people who have gone through what the families we serve are experiencing, and people who want to improve the lives of others through service. No two people fit this description better than Del and Cheryl.