It is no surprise to anyone that the past 2 years have been very challenging economically.  In Cortland, unemployment has consistently been between 9-11%.  The number of people receiving food stamps in the County increased  21% between 2007 and 2009.  Many people who had never needed to access community resources to help their families meet their basic needs, found themselves in need of this type of support.  The challenges have been many.  But, there has been good news along the way.

CAPCO has been proud to be the source of a number of increased resources for our community during this challenging time.  As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funding was made available to all states and most cities and counties.  These resources were meant to stimulate the economy as well as address emergency needs of people.   In addition to addressing crises and immediate needs, these resources will also have long term positive effects on Cortland County.

The additional resources available to Cortland include substantial increases through the CAPCO Weatherization Assistance Program.  Between December, 2009 and September 2011, more than $1.9m in ARRA funds will be used in this community to weatherize homes.  This includes energy audits to determine where energy is escaping from a home, insulation, heating systems, hot water tanks, air sealing, inspecting combustion appliances, testing efficiency of refrigerators, installing CO and smoke detectors, and a health and safety check of the home.  These measures can save homeowners up to 25% on their monthly heating bills.  Homes are safer and more energy efficient.  Eligibility includes homeowners or renters at or below 60% of state median income, TANF, HEAP or SSI recipients.  These additional resources meant creating and hiring more than eight new positions.  It will allow CAPCO to weatherize an additional 300 home.   For more information or to find out if you are eligible, contact CAPCO Energy Services at 607-753-6781. 

Additional resources are available through the CAPCO Family Development Program.  Funding to address the challenges of the economic downturn was made available through Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds.  These funds are being used to support local food pantries that have seen significant increases in the number of families seeking assistance.   CAPCO implemented a SnackPack program in six elementary schools providing food for the weekend for children and families that were having problems providing this basic need.  More than 100 children are currently benefitting from this resource.  A Family Development Advocate (FDA)  was hired to address health and nutrition needs.  Classes are being taught to help people learn how to cook and eat healthily.  Gardens have been planted in Marathon, McGraw and Cortlandville and bucket gardens were given to a number of families in an effort to teach people how to grow their own food.  A second FDA has focused efforts on assisting people with understanding and strengthening their finances.  There are programs available for low income people to participate in educational opportunities while learning how to save money and earning rewards for doing so.   In collaboration with Marathon Schools, CAPCO started a Family Resource Center (FRC).  Located in the High School for easy access, the FRC is providing education, support, emergency assistance, activities for children, access to computers for adults seeking employment and other supports.  These resources created 7 new jobs.    

As part of ARRA funding, CAPCO also received resources to start an Early Head Start Program in Cortland County.  This program will provide educational, social, health and nutrition supports and resources to 72 infant and toddlers and pregnant women.   Classes begin in July.  More than 20 new jobs were created as a result of this funding.  With ARRA funding, renovations were made to several head start sites and classrooms.  This included the addition of a “green” playground at the YMCA. 

Because of the current economic climate, the challenges have been and continue to be many.  But, there have been additional resources made available o our community to respond to some of these challenges.  For more information and to find out if you are eligible for any of these resources, please contact CAPCO at 607-753-6781.  

Lindy Glennon is the Executive Director of CAPCO and a member of the PR.Com Work Group of CACTC.