OCO Board Member Elections Set for February 20 & 22

Oswego County Opportunities is holding its annual public election of members of its Board of Directors who will represent the low-income sector on its Board. Ballots will be available for voting to take place at various sites during the dates and times listed below.

Oswego County Opportunities, Inc. is the county’s Community Action Agency.  This designation means that it has a principal focus on eliminating the impact poverty has on Oswego County.  As a result of this designation, one-third of OCO’s Board members are required to be either Oswego County residents who are experiencing low-income circumstances themselves or representatives of this population. These individuals are required to be selected to serve on the Board through a democratic process (voting) by those they represent, individuals experiencing low-income circumstances.

Voting places, dates and times:

Fulton:

Tuesday, February 20, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Oswego County Catholic Charities, 808 West Broadway, Fulton, NY

(If you use a GPS put in 806 West Broadway—the number is so new it does not always show up!)

Mexico:

Thursday, February 22, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm

Oswego County Department of Social Services, 100 Spring Street, Mexico, NY

Oswego:

Thursday, February 22, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm

Oswego County Salvation Army, 73 West 2nd Street, Oswego, NY

Cleveland:

Thursday, February 22, 11:00 am – 1:00 pm

North Shore Bistro at Vanderkamp, 337 Martin Road, Cleveland, NY

Applicants for OCO Board of Directors:

Cate Perkins is a current OCO Board member.  Her life experiences make her a deeply compassionate person for those in need. She truly understands that life sometimes throws us curve balls and that in those times we all need a little help, understanding and compassion. Cate brings to the Board not only her personal experience but also her professional experience in managing businesses, banking and the airline industry.

Christine Hirsch left an abusive marriage with her two young daughters and $15 in her pocket.  She spent several years on public assistance while she worked hard to make a different life for herself and her daughters, eventually earning Masters and Doctorate Degrees.  Her desire is to give back to a population she understands, to help and empower those who were in situations like she was.  Christine currently works as a faculty member in the Department of Communication Studies at SUNY Oswego.                       

Nancy Deavers is the Chief Nursing Officer for the Northern Oswego County Health Services (NOCHSI). NOCHSI has a mission similar to OCO and that is to provide care to those who live in poverty.  Nancy provides direction for quality initiatives and care delivery to insure they are meeting the needs of all of their patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Her background would allow her to assist with providing guidance to the OCO leadership in supporting the mission and vision of OCO.

Lori Donahue has served on many committees and boards that serve those who are experiencing low-income situations. She has worked as an Emergency Services Coordinator where she helped people who were experiencing eviction, homelessness, energy bill disconnects and many other issues. Lori currently works as a marketing coordinator at H&R Block.            

Douglas Bower is a Residential Housing Specialist for the Oswego Housing Development Council, and is retired from the U.S. Navy Seabees.  His expertise is in Quality Assurance for the building industry, where he secures and inspects contractor work for families with low incomes throughout Oswego County to make sure their dwellings are safe. He believes in the phrase “Neighbor Helping Neighbor” and sees serving on OCO’s Board as a way to live this.

OCO Board of Directors meetings are open to the public. The Board meets on the first Wednesday of the month, except in July, August and December, at 8:00 am at the OCO main office, 239 Oneida Street, Fulton. The other exception is the Board’s Annual Meeting, held the first Wednesday of April at a location to be announced. For more information please contact OCO at 315-598-4717 ext. 1030.