Opportunities for Otsego

10/14/2026

💙 October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month! 💙

Spina bifida is a birth defect that develops very early in pregnancy, often within the first 28 days, before someone may even know they’re pregnant. Getting enough folic acid before and during early pregnancy can help reduce the risk of spina bifida and other neural tube defects.

🥦 Where can you find folic acid? Folic acid is a B vitamin (vitamin B9) that can be found in many foods, including:
🥦 Broccoli and other green vegetables
🫛 Peas and beans
🍚 Brown rice and other whole grains
🥣 Fortified cereals and grain products

If you’re planning to become pregnant, talk with your healthcare provider about taking a prenatal vitamin with folic acid. Experts recommend that women who could become pregnant get 400 micrograms of folic acid each day from supplements and/or fortified foods, in addition to eating a healthy diet.

🤰 Planning for pregnancy? WIC is here to support you! Our food benefits and nutrition education can help you get the nutrients you and your growing baby need for a healthy pregnancy.

💙 Show your support for World Spina Bifida Day on October 25 by wearing teal and helping spread awareness!

Have questions about WIC or nutrition during pregnancy? Reach out at 607.433.8071 or [email protected]. We’re here to support you and your family! 💕

10/14/2026

Have extra yarn? Put it to good use!

Help your fellow community members stay safe and comfortable this winter with your handcrafted projects. The library is accepting donations of handmade hats, scarves, gloves/mittens, and blankets of any size. Donations will also be accepted at Sybil's Yarn Shop in Cooperstown.

The donations will be displayed at the library and will be free to take for anyone in need, no questions asked.

10/14/2026

❤️ Today is National Stop Bullying Day! ❤️

Today, we’re choosing kindness, compassion, and respect — not just today, but every day.

Sometimes, the smallest acts can make the biggest difference. A kind word, checking in on someone, including someone who feels left out, or simply choosing to speak up can help create a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and supported. ❤️

✨ One small act of kindness can start a ripple. Let’s make it a big one.

What’s one act of kindness you can share today? ❤️

📞 Need support? The Violence Intervention Program is available 24/7 at 607.432.4855.

10/13/2026

❤️ The Salvation Army of Oneonta has supported our Yellowjacket families and neighbors for years, and we’re sharing their Christmas assistance information for families who could use some extra help this holiday season.

Applications will be accepted Monday, October 19 through Friday, November 6, 2026. Assistance includes toys and gifts for children ages 12 and under and a food box for Christmas dinner.

📌 Please see the flyer for details on where to apply and what to bring. Questions can be directed to the Salvation Army at 607-432-5960.

10/13/2026

💙 Behind every Head Start classroom is a team of dedicated people who care deeply about children, families, and our community.

At Opportunities for Otsego, we’re proud of our incredible Head Start staff who show up every day with compassion, expertise, and a commitment to helping children and families thrive. 🌟

From our teachers and family partners to our bus drivers, cooks, program leaders, and support teams, every person plays an important role in creating positive experiences and lasting impact for the families we serve.

This Head Start Awareness Month, we say "THANK YOU" to our amazing Head Start team. ❤️ Your dedication, hard work, and heart make a difference every single day.

We’re grateful for each of you and proud of the work you do for the children and families of our community! 🌱✨

10/12/2026

Does your pet need their vaccines updated? 💉An exam to ensure they are healthy? 🤔 Check out Kitchie’s Wellness Clinic! 🩺

This low-cost program is available to those who have fallen on hard times and/or need financial assistance to care for their pet. 🐶🐱 Participants will be asked to provide proof of participation in public assistance programs like Medicaid, HEAP, SNAP, or others to be eligible for clinic services.

🌟 Pet owners are welcome to inquire and learn more about signing their pet up for vaccines, wellness exams, and other preventative care by visiting: https://www.sqspca.org/get-help/

If you have additional questions after visiting our website or need additional assistance, please give us a call at 607-547-8111. 🐾💜

10/10/2026

💜

Domestic violence advocates show up when survivors need support - sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes in court, sometimes while helping someone find a safe place to stay, and often for months or years after an immediate crisis.

They listen. They safety plan. They connect survivors with resources. They help navigate systems that can be overwhelming, especially during a crisis.

This week, we're recognizing the people behind New York's domestic violence response and the breadth of work they do every day.

10/09/2026

CLOSED MONDAY: OFO offices will be closed this coming Monday, October 12th in recognition of the holiday. The Emergency Housing and Violence Intervention Program 24-hour hotlines and shelter will still be available to those in need:
☎️ Emergency Housing: 607.433.8318
☎️ Violence Intervention Program: 607.432.4855

10/08/2026

🌟 The impact of Head Start goes far beyond the classroom.

For generations, Head Start has helped children take their first steps toward a bright future, while empowering families to pursue goals, build opportunities, and strengthen their communities. ❤️

And the impact continues to grow. Today, Head Start alumni are educators, entrepreneurs, health professionals, public servants, parents, and community leaders - making a difference in communities across the country.

✨ This Head Start Awareness Month, OFO celebrates the lasting impact of Head Start and honors the incredible journeys of the children, families, and alumni who have been part of its story.

Because when children and families have a strong start, the whole community benefits. 🌱💫

Learn more at www.ofoinc.org/hs

10/07/2026

🎀 Breast Cancer Awareness Month 🎀

October is a great time to remind the moms in our WIC community to take care of themselves, too! 💗

Know your body, learn about your breast cancer risk, and talk with your healthcare provider about when breast cancer screening is right for you.

As busy moms, it can be easy to put your own health last - but you matter, too! 🩷

WIC is here to support you and your family through all of life’s challenges. If you have questions about WIC or the services available to you, reach out at 607.433.8071 or [email protected].

💕 Take care of yourself, mama. Your health matters.