Our History

The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, Inc. was formed in March, 1965 and incorporated in October of that same year as a private non-profit Community Action Agency. The Commission on Economic Opportunity for the Greater Capital Region, Inc. is part of a larger system of Community Action Agencies across New York State and across the country. Community Action Agencies are independent non-profit public and private organizations established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to help people to help themselves in achieving self sufficiency. CEO is an “umbrella” agency that provides the overall leadership, policy guidance, coordination, and support necessary to successfully deliver a wide range of human services.

The programs at CEO are designed to empower individuals and families to build self-sufficiency in all life areas, obtain assets and to rise out of poverty. CEO works in partnership with 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 comprised of three service area divisions, including Early Childhood Services, Community-Based Services and Housing Services.

Through our centralized intake process, CEO ensures that each customer receives comprehensive intra- and inter-agency referrals to address identified needs, as well as coordinating services for efficiency and effectiveness. Within CEO, each customer enters our continuum of care and is able to access all services they are eligible for in order to build assets and move forward toward self-sufficiency.