LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of Delaware
Opportunities Inc.

WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals that are devoted to the welfare of the community
and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of Delaware Opportunities Inc.; and
WHEREAS, Delaware Opportunities Inc. was established in 1965 as a
Community Action Agency under the provisions of the Economic Opportunity
Act of 1964; its mission is to help people achieve self-sufficiency and
attain a better quality of life; and
WHEREAS, This esteemed non-profit organization is led by a board of
directors charged with the responsibility of identifying problems and
opportunities faced by residents of Delaware County; it works to plan
and implement programs which address problems and give lower income
families and individuals access to greater opportunities; and
WHEREAS, In its first year, Delaware Opportunities Inc. sponsored a
summer Head Start program, and initiated outreach programs and neighbor-
hood centers; the agency continued to expand in the 1970s, adding the
Senior Dining program, Weatherization program, and a WIC and a small
rental assistance program limited to the Village of Walton; and
WHEREAS, During the 1980s, Delaware Opportunities Inc. started housing
rehabilitation, and a program to assist people with heating costs, which
later evolved into HEAP; in addition, it established such other initi-
atives as a food bank, a day care development and assistance program,
and a domestic violence prevention and services program; and
WHEREAS, In 1986, Delaware Opportunities Inc. was designated as a
Rural Preservation Program by the New York State Division of Housing and
Community Renewal; and
WHEREAS, Delaware Opportunities Inc. continued to expand its services
and grow as it entered the 1990s; it added respite care and service
coordination for families with developmentally disabled members and
assuming responsibility for the Parent Aide and the Big Buddy Programs;
transportation services were also significantly expanded to take people
to and from medical appointments; and
WHEREAS, Furthermore, Delaware Opportunities Inc. added a work experi-
ence job crew for people on public assistance, and provided job develop-
ment and job coaching staff to help people find and retain jobs, as well
as services for pregnant mothers; and
WHEREAS, Delaware Opportunities Inc. was designated as a Housing Coun-
seling agency by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development,
and assumed operation of the Foster Homes and Independent Living Skills
program, providing expanded services to particularly needy foster chil-
dren; and
WHEREAS, This remarkable agency has grown tremendously during its five
decades of outstanding service to the community, and by 2005 was provid-
ing assistance to more than 13,000 people; in 2014, the agency continues
to serve approximately 20% of the county's population; they have served
members of the county from all walks and stages of life; and
WHEREAS, The success of Delaware Opportunities Inc. is in direct
correlation to the efforts of its staff and volunteers, whose involve-
ment is, and always has been, characterized by an impressive commitment,
an unbridled enthusiasm, and an uncompromising standard of excellence in

all endeavors on behalf of the organization and the community it serves;
and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be recognized and applauded by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Delaware Opportunities Inc.; and be
it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to Delaware Opportunities Inc.