News from the Noteworthy from Opportunities for Otsego Inc.

OFO Navigating Transitions, Executive Orders

The political transition over the past several weeks has been a challenge for many nonprofit agencies that rely on federal funds to deliver essential services to the residents of Otsego County.

In January, there was a government pause which froze many local nonprofits’ ability to access federal monies that are essential to their ongoing operations. Those funds are used to pay staff salaries for those dedicated to service delivery, pay for direct client services such as rents and food supports, and agency operational expenses such as electric, supplies, and vehicle operation, among many other daily expenses that are necessary to run our organizations. While it was short lived, with temporary injunctions, it certainly sent a ripple through our agency and concerned many staff, clients, and residents in Otsego County.

While a knee jerk reaction would have been to temporarily stop services to clients and lay off staff, with no guidance on how long the pause would be nor what grants it would impact, Opportunities for Otsego Inc. did not follow suit as many agencies across the state shut down. We, in essence, took a pause ourselves and a deep breath and watched the day unfold after the announcement. Within 24 hours, access to the funds was restored, our clients continued to receive vital resources and support, and our staff remained in place to deliver quality services across the county. We continue to monitor the new legislation as released, educate ourselves on its impact, and pivot to meet the new requirements enacted.

Our core purpose remains the same. We will embrace all communities within Otsego County with compassion, professionalism, and expertise to directly benefit the children and families we serve. Our staff will remain diligent in our core values of acceptance and support as we uphold the heart of community action in our service delivery. That will not change. It is with impactful programs, practical solutions, and measurable results that community action and nonprofit agencies demonstrate the effectiveness and accountability of funds spent.

That Executive Order was the first of many to be signed, and I surmise that there will be many more to come. We will continue to adjust and evolve to be compliant with ever-changing regulations and stand ready to advocate, empower, and support our community in the changing tides. We are dedicated to helping Otsego County families and individuals achieve self-sufficiency and stability through innovative solutions. This is the core of OFO’s mission from its inception in 1966 and still holds true.

Opportunities for Otsego Inc. has been through some major transitions in the last few months. Our Chief Executive Officer, Daniel Maskin, after decades at the helm of the agency, retired as our leader. In addition, our former CEO, Cheri Albrecht, sadly passed away in September. Their legacies truly made a difference in the lives of the less fortunate across Otsego County and left very large shoes for me to fill as the new CEO.

Some of you may remember me from my tenure at “The Daily Star,” but for roughly the last 15 years, I have been part of the management team here at Opportunities for Otsego, handling the fiscal responsibilities for the agency. While not in direct service, the chief financial officer can only truly be supportive to clients, program staff, and senior management by understanding the programs administered, goals and deliverables for clients, and regulations behind the money. With predominantly state and federal funding, each with its unique requirements, narratives, and systems, there was never a dull moment to ensure compliance in safeguarding those funds for the success of those we support and serve. In this supportive role, collaborative efforts are the backbone to ensure that funding is in the right bucket to support program objectives and client outcomes.

So the question is, now what? How do I effectively make the transition from CFO to CEO? Well, the first focus for me is to get out in the community and make those personal contacts with leaders, other providers, and established partners, so everyone can put a face with my name. While I am not shy in outreach, I am quite humbled by the things I need to learn. I am surprised that after 58 years in the community, OFO and its programs are not widely known, so we have work to do there! In the coming months, I hope to connect with many of you and absorb and leverage your thoughts, suggestions, criticisms, and experiences with our agency. That insight will be invaluable to our organization as we start our new chapter.

OFO’s mission is to be the leader in developing innovative solutions that promote healthy lives, thriving families and caring communities. I can only strive to continue the efforts of my predecessors through collaborative partnerships and support of the staff for the ultimate success of our clients. While it will be no small task, it is my privilege to lead the OFO team as we strive to foster economic stability and social just for all!

Tanya Shalor is the chief executive officer of Opportunities for Otsego Inc.