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Wednesday, August 18 2010 — Troy, NY
Matt Connolly, a 15-year old student who will be a junior at La Salle Institute in Troy this fall, decided he wanted to invest his time and effort in a worthwhile service project. Realizing that many people have gently used children’s books they no longer needed, he felt that this would be a great way for people to give back by recycling something they no longer use, but are very much needed by other children. Matt distributed flyers throughout neighborhoods in the Troy/Brunswick area, then went back and collected the books, making it convenient for people to donate.
Thursday, May 20 2010 — Troy
The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) announced Shantel Nichols, a senior at Lansingburgh High School, as the recipient of their $1,000 A Step Up Scholarship. She accepted her scholarship at CEO’s Annual Community Action Day Luncheon, with her mother, grandmother, school guidance counselor, and a friend all present to witness the receipt of this very exciting award.
Nichols exemplifies the type of individual CEO hopes all CEO Head Start children grow up to be. As a young adult, Nichols is involved in both school and community activities. However, she does not let her involvement in extracurricular activities effect her time spent with school work: not only has Nichols been recognized for high honor roll, she has also received an award for attendance. A true role model, Nichols encompasses the compassion, work ethic, and intelligence CEO wishes for all CEO Head Start children. Nichols plans to attend Hudson Valley Community College for Individual Studies this fall with hopes of one day becoming a veterinarian.
Shannon Nichols, Nichol’s mother was acknowledged by CEO many years ago while Shantel was attending Head Start. She was recognized for her perseverance and hard work in building a self-sufficient life for herself and her children. Shannon Nichols completed her high school equivalency and also obtained a medical assistant certification while Shannon was in Head Start. She is now employed by the NYS Health Department and is, obviously, a wonderful role model for her children.
Also on hand at the luncheon to assist in handing out the scholarship award was Annmarie Lanesay, a former CEO Head Start graduate who helped raise money for this year’s scholarship. Lanesay, who attended Head Start in the 1980s, went on to obtain both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from RPI and is currently an adjunct professor at RPI and the University at Albany. She also owns her own technology company and is helping form an alumni group for CEO Head Start graduates. This illustrates that graduates of CEO’s Head Start truly grow to continue to give to the community that gave to them, creating a cycle of generosity and contributing toward self-sufficiency.
Friday, May 7 2010 — Troy
The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region,
Inc. (CEO) has honored 21 young men and women who recently completed the
seven-month YouthBuild program.
“Without YouthBuild, these 21 young people we honored would not have a
future nearly as bright, nor would they be preparing to begin
productive, self-sufficient lives as contributing members of our
society,” said Karen Gordon, CEO’s Executive Director. “Furthermore,
because of their hard work and effort these past seven months, a
low-income family in our community will soon have a new house, a home
they perhaps never would have been able to afford. This is a win-win;
the students win and the community wins!"
YouthBuild provides Troy residents between the ages of 16 – 24 who
dropped out of high school the opportunity to work toward their GED.
Program participants prepared for their GED, and at the same time
learned job skills and leadership skills while constructing an
affordable home at 722 Fourth Avenue, Lansingburgh. This building will
be sold to a low-income family in need of a safe and secure home.
YouthBuild, which has been offered by CEO since 1998, places a strong
emphasis on leadership development and community service.
Friday, April 2 2010 — Troy
The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) received a generous donation of 21 Easter baskets from Morrison Senior Dining at The Eddy Memorial Geriatric Center. Kara Gamble (l), Food Pantry Coordinator, was on hand to accept the baskets from Vicki Santorella, who was one of 50 Dining Services employees to contribute time, money and effort to the holiday gifts. The Easter baskets, filled with candy and toys, will be distributed to children of families in need this holiday weekend.
Thursday, February 11 2010 — Troy, NY
Averill Park's Drama Club -- Off-Broadway Players -- delivered food worth over $400 and a check for over $900 to the Commission on Economic Opportunity's food pantry. The donations were collected in lieu of an admission fee to their production, "Winter One-Acts". Pictured (l to r) (Front Row): Ryan Newhouse, Michelle Benevento, Amelia Bryans, and Kelly Moak; (Back Row) Megan Hoffay, Renatta Gwodzd, CEO's Food Pantry Assistant, Kara Gamble, CEO's Food Pantry Manager, John Lantz, Peter Keller and Stephanie Horton. This is the second year that the drama students made a donation to CEO's Food Pantry and this year's donation was double what was donated last year!
Wednesday, January 13 2010 — Troy, NY The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region (CEO) is looking for volunteers from all walks of life to serve as mentors for students in its YouthBuild program.
YouthBuild helps participants – high school dropouts, ages 16 to 24 – learn work skills while they complete their GED prep work. It teaches leadership and teamwork, and provides young people with the life tools necessary to become successful, self sufficient contributing members of the community. To help them prepare, CEO hopes to match each student with a mentor to assist them in making life and career decisions.
Many of the students do not continue in the construction field, but learn many valuable life and work skills that can be applied in any career field. It is CEO’s hope to match each student with a person involved in their area of interest -- in fields such as criminal justice, nursing, social work, cosmetology or accounting. Being a mentor does not necessarily require a large time commitment for an individual. For example, a "job shadowing" opportunity could help a student determine if a particular career is right for him or her.
Individuals interested in learning more about this mentoring opportunity should call Annalene Antonio, Director of Community Services at 518-272-6012, Ext. 239.
Tuesday, December 22 2009 — Troy, NY
The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) were the recipients of a $5,000 holiday donation from KeyBank. However, the children who attend CEO's Head Start and Early Head Start programs were the true recipients as the money was used to help buy coats, hats, gloves and toys for the children during the holiday season. Pictured (l to r): Standing behind the children are Mildred Williams, a CEO Foster Grandparent volunteer; Lori Childs, Vice President, KeyBank Retail Area Leader; Karen Gordon, CEO's Executive Director is accepting the check from Ellen Sax, Vice President, KeyBank's Community Development, and Bryce Cutler, Keybank Branch Manager/North Greenbush.
Thursday, December 17 2009 — Albany, NY
Wells Fargo Advisors Albany, NY Complex announced their support of the Adopt a Family project with the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO). The Wells Fargo Premier Services Team in conjunction with The Virginia Diner is donating hams to help feed families in need on Christmas. A $7,000.00 grant from The Wachovia Wells Fargo Foundation has been provided to leverage their efforts.
Wednesday, December 16 2009 — Troy, NY
Saturday, December 12 2009 — Troy, NY
Santa delivers toys to the children at the Commission on Economic Opportunity's Family Resource Center in Troy. Santa's helpers include (l to r) Jean Brooks, Rensselaer County Youth Outreach Coordinator and Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen Jimino. The young man receiving the present from Santa is Kody Bayash. All of the toys for the Head Start and Early Head Start programs at the 5th Ave and Old 6th Ave sites were donated by Rensselaer County IDA and Unified Services.
Monday, December 7 2009 — Troy, NY
The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, Inc. (CEO) announced today that they have received $1.1 million dollars from the Federal government in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to expand their Early Head Start program.
Monday, November 30 2009 — Troy, NY
The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) has once again provided coats, hats and mittens for all of the children in its Head Start and Early Head Start programs thanks to area organizations including Rensselaer County Unified Family Services and Industrial Development Agency; Capital Communication Federal Credit Union and an anonymous donor from Washington, DC. Lodges Department store of Albany also helped out with some holiday spirit by providing the coats at a very reasonable price for the more than 500 coats, hats and mittens.
CEO is still in need of additional sponsors in order to provide a small toy for all of the children in the Head Start and Early Head Start programs. If you would like more information or you would like to make a donation towards CEO’s toy drive, please contact Nancy Rice for further details at 272-6012 ext. 274.
The children in the Commission on Economic Opportunity's Stepping Stones I Head Start Program were very happy to receive new coats this year thanks to Capital Communications Federal Credit Union. Capital Communications provided coats, hats and mittens for 140 children in the Head Start and Early Head Start Program. Pictured (l to r): Children in Classroom Six, Genesis Cooper, Jovanka Ortiz, Joshua Dedeo, Teacher-Jennifer Hernandez, Faith McBain and Xavier Debennedetto.
Tuesday, November 24 2009 — Troy, NY
The Commission on Economic Opportunity, with the support of Senator Roy McDonald, Rensselaer County Veterans Service Agency and the Veterans of Lansingburgh, is excited to announce the Rensselaer County Veterans’ Voices Survey. The survey is an opportunity for Veterans and family members to share experience with the current state of Veterans’ services in Rensselaer County, build solutions to improve existing services and shape the direction of future development of services. Participants in the survey will remain anonymous. The survey can be accessed at www.cgr.org/RensselaerVets.
Tuesday, October 27 2009 — Troy, NY
National Grid announced its support of the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) today with a donation to the CEO’s YouthBuild program aimed at fostering the development of “at risk” youth.
National Grid is supporting the program with a donation of $4,000 to be used to help purchase the building supplies needed to build a new “green” home as part of program in Lansingburgh, NY.
Wednesday, September 30 2009 — Troy, NY It is time again to announce Free training in the new Microsoft Office 2007 Word and Excel programs.
Tuesday, August 25 2009 — TROY, NY
Troy, N.Y. – The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO)’s Executive Director Karen Gordon was joined by many public officials, neighbors and prospective YouthBuild students to assist in breaking ground for the next YouthBuild home to be built by the YouthBuild students. The event was held on Tuesday, August 25th at 10:00AM at 722 Fourth Ave. in Troy (Lansingburgh). Pictured below (l to r) CEO's Board Chairperson Eileen Bagnoli, Secretary of State Lorraine Cortés-Vázquez, Troy City Council President Clem Campana, US Congressman Paul Tonko, NY Assemblymen Ron Canestrari, Rensselaer County Executive Kathy Jimino, NY Senator Roy McDonald, Hudson Valley Community College President Andrew Matonak and many prospective students for the next YouthBuild Program and YouthBuild Construction Manager Jaime Masick.
Monday, July 6 2009 — TROY, NY
TROY, NY – U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko (NY-21) held a news conference Monday to get the word out that local agencies have received funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for the Department of Energy’s Weatherization Assistance Program, and are looking for qualified homeowners to apply. Rep. Tonko was joined by Karen Gordon, Executive Director of the Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, and Kathy Cloutier of the Albany Community Action Partnership. The news conference was held at the Tuszunski residence at 8 Garden Court in Troy, which has undergone weatherization improvements performed by the Commission on Economic Opportunity through their weatherization program.
Thursday, June 25 2009 — TROY, NY
Students and staff at the Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) Troy Family Resource Center spent several weeks removing graffiti and painting a mural on their building located on Old Sixth Ave. The project included all age groups from 2 year olds to the teenagers in their Student Support Program. The handprint-flowers, located at the bottom of the mural, were painted by the younger children, ranging from 2-4 years old and the “world” was done by the older students. The staff at CEO also pitched in to add final touches and to help finish the mural by the end of the school year.
Pictured below in front of the mural is the CEO Universal Pre-K class.
Friday, June 5 2009 —
Many children in CEO's Head Start and UPK Program are celebrating the end of the year with the parents and family members. There were celebrations throughout the County at many of the different Family Resource Centers.
Thursday, June 4 2009 — TROY, NY
On Tuesday, June 2nd CEO held its YouthBuild Recognition Celebration to honor the members of this year’s program. Pictured are (l to r) YouthBuild Program Manager, Dennis Turner, Jr., Julio Carrion, a member of the 2009 class and Jaime Masick, CEO’s YouthBuild Construction Manager. Carrion was honored for his Excellence in Leadership. YouthBuild provides young adults between the ages of 16 – 24 who have dropped out of school with the opportunity to work toward their GED while learning construction and leadership skills as well as participating in community service.
Tuesday, May 26 2009 — TROY, NY
Last Thursday the Commission on Economic Opportunity recognized their Foster Grandparents at a brunch at Brunswick Greens Golf Course. The Foster Grandparents have volunteered hundreds of hours and have provided children in the Capital District with smiles, hugs and lots of support throughout the year. A few of the foster grandparents on hand for the event were Marie Daige (front), Cindy Dunham (back left) and Ruth Waterbury (right).
Wednesday, May 20 2009 — TROY, NY
The Commission on Economic Opportunity's Executive Director Karen Gordon congratulates Joshua Geren for being selected as CEO's first Head Start Scholarship recipient. Joshua is a senior at Lansingburgh High School and is planning to attend Johnson and Wales College in Rhode Island this fall. The CEO Head Start Scholarship will be offered every year to a high school senior who attended CEO's Head Start program for at least one year, is in good academic standing and is planning to attend a higher education college, university or training program.
Monday, May 18 2009 — TROY, NY
The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, Inc. (CEO) celebrated its annual Community Action Day. The day featured luncheon speaker New York State Secretary of State Lorraine A. Cortés-Vázquez and a special ceremony honoring key community partners and customers, a number of who shared heartfelt stories portraying their strength, courage and resiliency.
Monday, April 6 2009 — TROY, NY
CEO Head Start’s Father/Child Dance was recently held at CEO’s JLB site and was a great success with more than twenty father/ father figures attending with their children along with several other family members. The kids and their dads had fun dancing to tunes provided by DJ, Chris Howland, and his MC, Ashley Cross, from Power Entertainment, who very generously donated their services. Some of the more entertaining dances were the chicken dance, the hokey pokey, and a limbo, as well as some special father-child dances. Pictured in the photo is Tyleaha, age 4, dancing with her dad, Tyrell Edge. The dance was part of the Fatherhood Initiative program. This program provides opportunities for father/father figures to spend quality time with their children and encourages men to be more involved in their child’s life.
Monday, March 23 2009 — TROY, NY The Commission on Economic Opportunity (CEO) announced today that they will present a high school senior who has also attended CEO’s Head Start program (for at least one year) with a $250 scholarship.
Friday, March 13 2009 — Hoosick Falls, NY
Mackenna (age 3) sits with her dad, John Roberson as they take a well-deserved break from the morning activities. Roberson was spending the day with Mackenna as part of M.I.L.K. Day (Men In the Life of Kids) which is part of the Commission on Economic Opportunity's Fatherhood Initiative Program. This program was developed to encourage fathers/father figures to be more involved in their children's lives through quality activities and is offered through CEO's Head Start Program.
Monday, February 16 2009 — Troy, NY
Rachel Wright and Christopher Cate struggled through many hardships which included raising her two sisters, a niece and their own son, always having to place their own dreams aside. However, Chris and Rachel exchanged their wedding vows on February 15th at the Faith Lutheran Church in Troy as part of their "dream" wedding. The couple won the "most deserving couple" contest held in conjunction with The Fairest of Them All bridal show, co-hosted last April by the Commission on Economic Opportunity and Franklin Plaza. The "dream wedding" consisted of a reception at Franklin Plaza; photographs by Michael Conway Photography; DJ by Cool Cat Entertainment; videography by TR Laz of USA Weddings; limousine service provided by All Occasion Limousine and flowers provided by Floral Designs by Tammi.
Thursday, February 12 2009 — Troy, NY
Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino (left) is pictured with Karen Gordon (right) of the Commission on Economic Opportunity and presenter Gary Eagleton at the recent Bridges Out of Poverty conference held on the Hudson Valley Community College Campus. The conference was held to discuss the level of poverty in Rensselaer County as well as further the relationships between County Government and local non profit services providers in order to create strategies to help reduce the level of poverty. “The goal of this conference was to look for ways government and non profit organizations can better work together to limit the scope and effects of poverty by better understanding the challenges of those in poverty. By combining our efforts I know we can have a greater impact on those living in poverty in a more effective and efficient manner,” said Rensselaer County Executive Kathleen M. Jimino.
Monday, January 26 2009 — Troy, NY The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, Inc. (CEO) announced today that their Early Head Start and Head Start programs passed their triennial audits with flying colors. A team of experienced and committed Head Start examiners from throughout the United States was on site for a week in early December and completed the extensive field work associated with this important review.
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CEO can also use In-Kind donations of items that are needed by those who use our services such as business attire, or items that assist us in the operations of CEO such as office furniture and equipment. CEO also holds fundraisers in which items are given away as prizes or are donated as an item for auction.
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At CEO, we have a variety of programs available to the families and individuals we serve. CEO welcomes volunteers who help us in delivering those services to the community.
2331 Fifth Avenue Troy, New York 12180 Phone: 518-272-6012 Fax: 518-272-0658
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