EOP envisions a future
where all people of our community live with dignity and have the opportunity and ability to live economically productive and satisfying lives. To achieve this vision, EOP provides services that create positive change in individuals, families, and our community, and encourages and facilitates participating by all people who can help make our vision a reality.
By: Andrea J. Ogunwumi, CEO, Economic Opportunity Program, Inc.
At EOP, Inc., we consider it a privilege to have served Chemung and Schuyler Counties for 61 years – and counting! We are honored to provide our community with support and essential services. As we move into 2026, we embark upon a time of #TransitionAlignment, which will position us to help individuals and families thrive even more. There are many challenges that require we change and adapt to move forward.
Our strategic partnerships are foundational to our ability to serve. As one of EOP, Inc.’s valued supporters and community partners, we want to extend our appreciation to you for selflessly giving of your time, talents, and resources. Because of you, more than 5,000 lives are positively impacted. We could not do what we do without your generosity, and we are excited about the #TransitionAlignment that will light the way into 2026.
We are honored to serve our community through programs and services that span 4 Key Strategic Areas Access to Health Care Child & Youth Care, Food Security, and Housing Security Over the last year, we have implemented new strategies that resulted in even greater community impact, and we anticipate that in the year to come, that impact will be multiplied.
The ACCEL (Arnot Health, Chemung County, EOP, and LECOM) Health Screening Clinic continues to serve our community by providing preventative health care services. In addition to offering lead testing, blood pressure screenings and FoodRx referrals, the ACCEL Clinic participated in several outreach events, including the LECOM Health Fairs and Healthcare Expo, and Strong Kids Safe Kids The ACCEL Clinic was also featured nationally on Fox News
Our Birth to Five School Readiness Program reported a 17% increase in average monthly enrollment this year, which is very exciting! EOP, Inc. also continued to serve our children and youth through The Center of Excellence and Ernie Davis Community Center (EDCC), which featured several new programs.
EOP@Curbside supported our Food Security strategy by serving more than 33,000 meals this year and the CFJP Program demonstrated its professional catering ability by serving more than 1500 food items at the area’s first LECOM Healthcare Expo.
EOP, Inc.’s Housing Security support strategy involves various programs, including Anti-Displacement Weatherization (Energy Services Bureau), and the Libertad-Elmira Veteran and Family Program In the last year, we provided 15 previously homeless veterans with stable housing. The Anti-Displacement Program served around 162 new clients and the Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA) enrolled 17 individuals
Your continued support and partnership have never been more important than they are right now. As we move into a new season of #TransitionAlignment, we ask for your support for the Ernie Davis Community Center and Legends Hall project
I wish to extend my sincere appreciation and gratitude to our board, our trusted advisors, and our dedicated staff. Without you, we could not fulfill our mission and continue building a strong vision for the future. Thank you for your tireless guidance, support, and inspiration as we address poverty issues impacting childcare, the social determinants of health, housing security, neighborhood issues, food security, and more.
You are invited to continue to partner with us as we pursue our core values to do our part to build a thriving community.
• The Economic Opportunity Program Inc (EOP) of Chemung and Schuyler County has served the community for 61 years, working to empower individuals and families toward economic selfsufficiency.
• Vision: Foster positive change in individuals, families, and the broader community through comprehensive programs and community partnerships.
• Mission: Provide essential services in health care, childcare, food security, housing, education and workforces development.
During the reporting year, the ACCEL Clinic expanded its community outreach and clinical impact through participation in numerous local events and strategic partnerships. Outreach efforts included presence at the LECOM Health Fair, and Health Expo Steel Memorial Library, Wisner Park Farmer’s Market Ready Set Latch, Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival (FEJF), and Strong Kids Safe Kids events. In May, the ACCEL Clinic also received regional media recognition through a feature story on Fox News.
The ACCEL Clinic co-hosted and partnered with LECOM on several lectures, targeted health education and screening events, including a Skin Cancer Clinic and Lecture, a Women’s Health Talk and a Health Fair. The clinic facilitated a 7-week SNAP-Ed Fruit and Vegetable
Prescription class series and partnered with the Chemung County Public Health Department and the City of Elmira Lead Prevention Program for a National Healthy Homes Month event.
Since its inception, the ACCEL Clinic has provided critical preventive services to the community, including 585 lead blood tests (370 adults and 215 children), 822 blood pressure screenings (693 adults and 129 children), and 61 FoodRx referrals. Altogether, the ACCEL Clinic
has delivered 1,407 direct services reflecting its continued commitment to improving community health access, education, and prevention. The newest expanded services include the Women's Empowerment Program, Meals2Moms, and a small group cohort, underwritten by Excellus BCBS.
The 2024-2025 school year for the Birth to Five School Readiness Program was an exciting year. The staff remains dedicated to providing the highest quality education services while maintaining the health and safety of all staff, parents, and families.
The program’s classroom thrived as a result of its reduced size with 12-14 children enrolled. As children gained independence and improved skills, they graduated into preschool classrooms. This allowed older toddlers with social and emotional needs to transition into the program until they were ready for preschool.
An additional Head Start classroom opened at our Able2 location. The program enjoyed monthly animal therapy visits from Heartland Haven Farm thanks to the Community Foundation grant. The toddler program added two additional buggies and two toddler indoor climbers! Visitors and volunteers from BOCES, Corning Community College and Elmira College were able to take part in programming. Summer Early Head Start included six open toddler classrooms with the capacity to serve 60 children. In July 2025, a summer program opened for children at the Ernie Davis Family Center.
QualitystarsNY is New York’s Quality Rating and Improvement System (QRIS) for early childhood programs. QualitystarsNY provides support and resources to improve and sustain high quality across New York State. The rating system is ranked 1 to 5 stars with 5 being the best. The six sites that are currently participating have a rating of 4 stars. QualitystarsNY contributions for the year totaled $48,000 in outdoor and indoor equipment, classroom furniture, buggies, classroom supplies, technical assistance, and staff professional development.
At EOP Head Start we pride ourselves on being lifelong learners. We provide staff with hours of professional development to ensure they remain current in Early Childhood best practices and maintain professional portfolios needed for our work. We ensure staff are trained in First Aid and CPR Stop the Bleed and all other needed trainings. Many staff are also MAT trained, which allows them to provided medications for children while in our care. Our talented staff provide many hours of training in house; we also utilize online resources and outside specialists.
During this program year, over 2,600 hours of professional development were completed. This year, staff will attend the NAEYC Conference, The Woman's Empowerment Conference at CCC, and the Workforce Edge Conference. The staff reaches their full potential as educators by completing CDA certifications and associates degrees.
The B25 staff diligently tracked and submitted all required data, including cumulative enrollment, demographic information, and the total number of children and families receiving services to complete the Program Information Report (PIR) for the 2024–2025 program year. Throughout the year, an average of 242 children were enrolled each month, with annual totals of 308 children, 306 families, and 1361 individuals served
This reflects an approximate 17% increase in average monthly enrollment compared to the previous year. We are continuing to onboard staff to support this expanded capacity and push toward achieving full enrollment in the next program year.
The Family Development Credential (FDC) program continues to grow, and has expanded to serving 7 states: New York, Texas, Kentucky, Georgia, Colorado, Virginia, and Tennessee. FDC hosts weekly classes, homework, and meetings with a Portfolio Advisor.
There are plans to add another component called Empowerment Skills Leaders a 6-week course targeting managers, supervisors, and staff in leadership positions.
Through Family Engagement, parents are invited to become active in the program for special events, such as the Women’s Empowerment group, recruiting families to join Policy Council, hosting monthly parent gatherings for each site, and attending the monthly coffee hours, which allow families to get to know each other. There are Lunch and Learns providing parents with opportunities to get community resource information. Parents receive newsletters, flyers, emails, program teaching strategies, and text messages.
There are two parenting curriculums. Positive Solutions for Families focuses on helping parents and caregivers build strong bonds with their children. Parenting with Heart is a class that helps strengthen, support, and educate parents, enabling them to build upon their individual strengths, identify and deal effectively with problems, preventing other issues.
Parenting with Heart allows parents to decide what they want to learn. Parents are surveyed to gather input from families. Family Engagement organizes the annual B25 Carnival and Strong Kids, Safe Kids event.
B25 introduced a new online application system in January 2025 to further enhance accessibility and efficiency in the enrollment process. This shift supports the Head Start Performance Standards’ focus on integrating modern technology to simplify family engagement and reduce administrative burden. The newly implemented Public Intake Portal integrated within our current data system, streamlines documentation for families and allows enrollment staff to initiate contact more quickly.
The portal is mobile-friendly and can be used on phones, tablets, and home computers. With support for more than 50 languages, it greatly expands access and ease of use for families across our community.
Strengthening our workforce and bringing qualified team members on board continues to be essential as we work toward reaching full enrollment. Improved classroom staffing contributed to a 22% increase in Head Start and Early Head Start enrollment during the 2024–2025 program year, compared to the previous year.
COE provides a safe and fun learning environment for students while families are working. COE served 87 students in grades Pre-K-6th at the three sites and 26 students in the all-day summer program located at the main building of EOP.
The program works together with community partners, Simmons Rockwell Subaru, LECOM Pediatrics Club, Solo Performer Tim Collins SNAP, and volunteers with ARC, Capabilities, and many more. Over 100 winter coats and 75 pairs of sneakers and socks were given to COE and Head Start families through Operation Warm and Simmons Rockwell Subaru Staff assisted students with homework, prepared lesson plans, recreation, and served a snack daily afterschool for Riverside Diven Elementary, and Finn Academy students until 5:30 p.m.
2024-2025 Highlights
This year, 18 youth participated in the weekly Music Consortium Program Students performed at several community events, including the Elmira Downtown Holiday Parade, the Christmas Magic Event 2024, the Celebrating Black History Month 2025 Event, the Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival and Strong Kids Safe Kids Students who joined the Summer Session had the opportunity to participate in a special workshop with saxophonist, flutist, and singer & songwriter Paula Atherton, a featured performer at the Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival.
In addition to musical and performance skills, the Music Consortium Program places a strong emphasis on positive character development and academic achievement. We were proud to acknowledge and celebrate the accomplishments of several students during the 2024-2025 school year. One graduated from high school and is continuing education in pursuit of a teaching degree. A participant since 2018, she has served as Jr. Dean of Music for the last three years, leading vocal exercises and conducting the choir for several songs. One student was the recipient of the New York State Attorney General's Triple "C" Award
Another completed her first year at the Alternative School for Math and Science A student was accepted into the Alternative School for Math and Science and one was selected to compete in the World Dance Competition in New Jersey.
Design & Creation with Artist Filomena Jack: A class for both beginner and experienced sewers guided students to create their very own bucket hat—a fun and stylish project that builds confidence. They designed and created a vest or hoodie, learning techniques to customize fit and style. Finally, students applied everything they learned to sew their own shorts or dresses, bringing their personal vision to life.
This summer, a collaboration with Ag Promotions of Chemung County an organization dedicated to educating the public about the importance of agriculture through events, outreach, and a focus on the local food system was formed.
Throughout the season, community members met monthly to recruit volunteers to support local gardens, including EOP's Victory Garden. Members also launched veggie stands to expand access to fresh, local produce and engage more youth in learning about local agricultural history. The Community Garden Project supported the Garden STEMMED Club in efforts to secure both a greenhouse and a Horticulture Educator.
The collaboration strengthened community engagement while enhancing interest toward expanding educational and food-access opportunities in the community.
The Garden STEMMED Club continued its partnership with the Cornell Cooperative Extension Master Gardeners and the Community & Economic Vitality Resource Educator There were 15 students in the five-month program, which covered basic garden education, garden care, environmental awareness, food systems, planting, weeding, and harvesting. Students experienced one of the hardest lessons in gardening—you do not always reap as much as you sow.
As of the end of the 2025 school year, the program held 22 sessions with an average of 10-12 youth participants per class. Sessions focused on developing fundamental boxing skills, including basic techniques, footwork, punching mechanics, glove work, training stations, and proper nutrition. The program not only provided a strong foundation in boxing, but also emphasized discipline, fitness, and healthy lifestyle habits. Looking ahead, the hope is that some of these youth will continue to grow in their skillset and ultimately compete in a USA Amateur Boxing bout in the future.
This annual event, hosted for more than 33 years, experienced one of the largest turnouts to date with more than 200 families registering close to 600 area children in need. The children received free Christmas gifts and came to the EDCC to enjoy pictures with Santa, Christmas Music, and special activities. Face painting, LEGO robotics demonstrations, writing letters to Santa, ornament and
Chemung and Schuyler Counties supports family members living at home with developmental disabilities. The program is funded by the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD). This year, the program’s multiple activities are to promote social well-being with the delivery of Parent-Led Autism Play groups and General Recreation
The recreation activities are for ages 7 – 21, serving 60 participants and encouraging social interaction for inclusion. The activities have been focused on physical activities, team play, and skill building. The program’s activities include bowling, arcades ice cream social activities, swimming and attending community events.
snowman making stations, and a performance by our very own Music Consortium were enjoyed by all. We gave away 50 turkeys and dinner fixings to families. The event was funded by Corning Inc.-Black Employees Network (CBEN), and provided 25 volunteers to assist with the activities and gifts on Christmas Magic. The CBEN works closely with the EDCC in helping provide books from local vendors, gifts that were donated from employees and the many great staff that help make this large event happen.
This year, Literacy Volunteers experienced a notable increase in English as a Second Language (ESL) learners, largely influenced by current immigration circumstances. Our program welcomed an additional 20 non-native English speakers representing a wide range of languages, cultures, and English proficiency levels. This influx required thoughtful adjustments to instruction, scheduling, and volunteer support, while reaffirming our mission to meet learners where they are and provide inclusive, responsive literacy services.
The growth in ESL participation significantly shaped our program focus and activities. In addition to strengthening language instruction, we placed a strong emphasis on cultural orientation and community assimilation. Learners were supported not only in developing practical English skills, but also in gaining confidence in navigating daily life in their new environment.
One of the year’s most impactful achievements was our International Luncheon a celebration of culture, language, and progress. Learners prepared and shared dishes from their home countries, creating a welcoming space for connection and learning. During the event, each learner stood before attendees and delivered a short presentation in English describing their country and cultural traditions. This
moment highlighted not only their growing language skills, but also their courage, pride, and sense of belonging.
These accomplishments were made possible first and foremost by the dedication of our volunteers. In just the last three months alone, we welcomed seven new tutors, who joined our existing seven tutors, and one classroom teacher. They all stepped forward to meet the growing needs of our ESL learners. In challenging times, with funding uncertain, the continued support of our volunteers remained vital in sustaining program services and learner opportunities. Together, this collective commitment strengthened our community by ensuring access to literacy, connection, and hope.
In 2025, the CFJP Program and Bistro micro-enterprise project and served more than 33,000 meals through EOP@ Curbside. This year, the CFJP Bistro added Door Dash as part of the service to community. The CFJP program’s catering ability has been unmatched as they were able to cater and serve over 1500 food items as part of the first Southern Tier Healthcare Expo in the area to the community.
The CFJP Bistro continues to recruit students who are interested in food service careers with the end goal being Serv Safe Certification. EOP@Curbside continues to provide breakfast and dinner grab-and-go meals to address food security needs.
Where need is met, support is offered, and freedom lives.
The Libertad Elmira veteran program serves veterans and their families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. At the Libertad Apartments, 20 out of 90 units are set aside for veterans who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Upon moving into one of these 20 units, veterans are provided with a fully furnished apartment with necessities including dish sets, comforters, cleaning products, and hygiene products. 24-hour security helps the veterans feel safe and comfortable while they transition out of the homelessness cycle. Each veteran benefits from a Therapeutic Life Coach (TLC) who assists in developing both short-term and long-term goals through referrals, follow-ups, and problemsolving strategies.
The goal of this program is to assist veterans in our community who have put their lives on the line for us with stable housing, assistance with allowing them to achieve a level of selfsufficiency, and personal dignity that ends the cycle of homelessness.
This year, veterans at Libertad-Elmira participated in Christmas Magic, Libertad’s 6th birthday party baseball, football and hockey games, Juneteenth and the Ferrario Elmira Jazz Festival. Veterans attended wellness clinics, weekly support groups, and monthly lunch meetings and received assistance with daily living activities, transportation to local grocery stores and medical appointments. Veterans participated in programs, support, and services offered by EOP, including daily EOP@Curbside food distribution, clothing closet, and Anti-Displacement Supportive Services.
Over the last 3.5 years, the Anti-Displacement Program has become a cornerstone of housing stability within the community and enables us to keep residents housed and assist those at risk of homelessness in securing stable housing.
The Anti-Displacement Program, funded through the City of Elmira Community Development Program supported approximately 162 new clients providing critical assistance to help individuals and families maintain stable housing. Since its inception, the program has served more than 800 residents across Chemung County.
The Tenant-Based Rental Assistance Program (TBRA) enrolled and served a total of 29 individuals and families and includes a comprehensive case management component focused on client-driven goals and long-term stability.
In addition to TBRA services, the Anti-Displacement Program delivered a wide range of supports throughout 2025, including financial assistance for rent, assisting with Section 8 applications and annual recertifications, housing search support and application assistance, security deposits, and utility bills, and referrals to local agencies and businesses to address a variety of needs.
The Energy Services Bureau (ESB) worked with households across Chemung and Schuyler counties to make homes safer, warmer, and more energy-efficient. Thanks to both the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) funding, we were able to improve the comfort and safety of over 50 homes, including singlefamily houses, duplexes, and mobile homes.
The focus of ESB is to make homes warmer and more efficient with a wide range of improvements from attic and wall insulation to air sealing, draft reduction, and heating upgrades. Every home weatherized received important health and safety services, including carbon monixide testing, gas leak checks and repairs, smoke and CO detector installations and mechanical ventilation repairs or upgrades.
Education empowers to help households save electricity. We believe that knowledge is just as important as the upgrades themselves. Each household received personalized education on how to reduce energy use and stay safe from hazards like carbon monoxide, moisture, mold, lead paint, and radon.
Through a special pilot program—the Weatherization Readiness Fund—we were able to help households who otherwise would not qualify for weatherization due to home repair needs. This year, families received brand-new roofs, clearing the way for full energy-saving
services. We were one of a few agencies selected for this opportunity.
Through our Fee-for-Service Program we responded to urgent heating and cooling needs in the community with emergency replacements when homes had no heat, with clean-and-tune services, and air conditioners installed for clients with medical conditions who needed safe summer cooling.
The Energy Services Bureau remains dedicated to improving the health, safety, and energy efficiency of homes throughout Chemung and Schuyler counties. These services help families reduce energy costs, improve comfort, and maintain safer living environments. Every service we provide—whether a roof, a furnace, or a set of LED bulbs—helps strengthen our community one home at a time.
Herbert Smith, President
Mayor Dan Mandell, Vice President
Rick Beals, Treasurer
Georgia Verdier, Secretary
Guy Vickers, Member at Large
Evelyn Williams, Member at Large
Bruce Boughton
Martin Chalk
Rosland Geter
Carol Kane
Tanisha Logan-Lattimore
Gail Walker
Margaret Walls
Annette Ward
Michele Wasicki
Andrea J. Ogunwumi, Chief Executive Officer
Anthony Persaud, Chief Financial Officer
Bill Brodginski, Chief Program Officer
Anita Lewis, Chief Development Officer
Briana Storch, Manager, Human Resources
People living with dignity
Families and communities as the foundation for individual stability and growth
Diversity and the unique contributions of each individual
Active community participation and involvement by government, community leaders, donors, human service providers, and others in enabling people to enjoy economic stability and growth
A living wage for all individuals and families to promote financial stability
Excellence in services that create positive change in individuals and families
$18,000-$50,000
Elmira/Corning Community Foundation
Corning Incorporated Foundation
Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield
Five Star Bank
Tioga Downs Regional Community Foundation
$4,000-$15,000
Chemung Canal Bank
Arts Council of the Southern Fingerlakes
The James and Julie Boeheim Foundation
Ferrario Auto Team
Arnot Health
Guthrie Clinic
Effective and efficient use of all human, material, and financial resources
Integrity in allocating our resources and providing services
Collaborative partnerships in the community
Competent, caring staff to deliver quality services that honor people's rights to confidentiality
Recognition of staff and volunteers as our most valuable resource in carrying out the mission of EOP
Human resource development and support as a primary means for ensuring personal and professional growth With sincere appreciation, we acknowledge all who financially supported EOP. Space only allows this list, but we thank everyone for your gifts.
NASCAR Foundation
