About Us

Please find the CEO and You: Winter 2010 Newsletter here.

The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region (CEO) is an “umbrella” agency that provides the overall leadership, policy guidance, coordination, and support necessary to successfully deliver a wide range of services. The programs at CEO are designed to empower individuals and families to build self-sufficiency in all life areas and rise out of poverty. CEO works in partnership with the individuals, families, and the larger community to improve the quality of life for all community members by addressing their social, emotional, economic and educational needs.

CEO is part of a larger system of Community Action Agencies across New York State and across the country. Community Action Agencies are independent, not profit, private and public organizations established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.

Hope. Opportunity. Success.

Indaba

“Indaba” is a Zulu word for “gathering to listen and to discuss”. It invokes the spirit of collaboration and community. It refers to a gathering or forum for sharing ideas…seeking not necessarily solutions, but understanding.

We at CEO are seeking solutions, but we feel strongly that in order to find the right ones we must all have a better understanding. We must have a better understand of

those in poverty and the obstacles they are up against on a daily basis;
what each organization has to offer;
and, how we can all come together with our strengths to build a better community for the people of Rensselaer County.

We have embarked on an effort to increase our awareness of the differences and the obstacles that can be overcome through specific strategies. Earlier this year, we offered the “Bridges Out of Poverty” symposium to our staff and to many others in the community.

The "Bridges" approach views individuals living in poverty as problem solvers who have the capability to exercise choice and the power to design their own futures. In order for us to succeed in moving people out of poverty we must help them attain the tools they need to become self-sufficient and be successful in this world.

The Bridges Out of Poverty symposium was just the first step. We plan to continue on our path, and hopefully to engage the entire community in this effort of Commitment and Collaboration resulting in a more sustainable Community.