Opportunities for Chenango thrives under pandemic pressure
CHENANGO – Opportunities for Chenango has found ways to ensure a continuity of services to families while following health and safety guidelines.
Executive Director Mark Silvanic contributes their ability to maintain programs to the board of directors and their investment investment in technology.
“We were kind of lucky in the fact that our board of directors invested money into our technology so we are in a very strong position,” said Silvanic. “We have almost 100 laptops that staff are using to reach out to families.”
Due to government mandates, the Head Start facilities are closed. However, the staff of the early childhood education program are providing families with learning materials they can use at home with their children. Silvanic said that the staff are checking in on the families of the Head Start program to guide them through the learning process with their children.
The Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is still being provided to eligible families. Silvanic stated that the government has waived the monthly in person visit required to receive benefits, and benefits can be loaded remotely.
“As far as the community goes we're seeing a steady use of services. A lot of our clients are not having services changes, their just receving them remotely.” said Silvanic
Staff are checking in with families of all programs to see how they can assist them during the coronavirus pandemic.
We're trying to asses the current needs for families and work with them one on one to get them connected to resources and supplies.” said Silvanic
Currently, out of the 200 staff that work for Opportunities for Chenango and Opportunities for Broome, only 11 are working in office. Silvanic states the agency is still able to pay their entire staff.
To be able to take an agency of 200 and have our work from home continuity plan, I think both our communities are able to benefit from that,” said Silvanic. The main goal for our staff is for them to keep on their toes, keep contacting families, and be role model for the community by staying home.”
Executive Director Mark Silvanic contributes their ability to maintain programs to the board of directors and their investment investment in technology.
“We were kind of lucky in the fact that our board of directors invested money into our technology so we are in a very strong position,” said Silvanic. “We have almost 100 laptops that staff are using to reach out to families.”
Due to government mandates, the Head Start facilities are closed. However, the staff of the early childhood education program are providing families with learning materials they can use at home with their children. Silvanic said that the staff are checking in on the families of the Head Start program to guide them through the learning process with their children.
The Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is still being provided to eligible families. Silvanic stated that the government has waived the monthly in person visit required to receive benefits, and benefits can be loaded remotely.
“As far as the community goes we're seeing a steady use of services. A lot of our clients are not having services changes, their just receving them remotely.” said Silvanic
Staff are checking in with families of all programs to see how they can assist them during the coronavirus pandemic.
We're trying to asses the current needs for families and work with them one on one to get them connected to resources and supplies.” said Silvanic
Currently, out of the 200 staff that work for Opportunities for Chenango and Opportunities for Broome, only 11 are working in office. Silvanic states the agency is still able to pay their entire staff.
To be able to take an agency of 200 and have our work from home continuity plan, I think both our communities are able to benefit from that,” said Silvanic. The main goal for our staff is for them to keep on their toes, keep contacting families, and be role model for the community by staying home.”
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