Going strong at 60: JCEO marks a milestone

PLATTSBURGH | This summer marks a special moment at JCEO as the community service non-profit celebrates 60 years of helping people and changing lives. 1966 was a big year that saw the television premiere of Star Trek, the births of Adam Sandler and Mike Tyson, and England's first (and only) win of the World Cup. Snack classics Doritos, Slurpees and Bugles were released nationwide. Closer to home, Clinton Community College was moving into the Bluff Point location and the Champlain Valley Hospital, which was run by the Sisters of Charity, the Grey Nuns of Ottawa, began discussing an official merger with the Physicians Hospital. Dannemora residents voted down an initial state request to merge with Saranac Central School. At the same time, Clinton County's official anti-poverty agency, the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO), was undergoing a transition to non-governmental status. A change in national regulations meant JCEO, which had been operational since late 1964, could no longer serve as an extension of Clinton County. The all-volunteer board was not willing to shutter its doors, and initiated the process of reorganizing as a new Community Action Agency, one working in partnership with, instead of under, the county. In September 1965, founding Council Chairman Edward J. Glavin told reporters how JCEO emerged as the federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 prompted local citizens and non-profit agencies to develop joint community action plans with city and county governments. "The citizens represented the Council for Community Services," he told the Press Republican. "The first step was a meeting of a committee of 15 citizens with 40 public and private agencies last fall (1964) and from this an application for federal funds for a program development grant was drafted." Glavin, a retired, decorated U.S. Army colonel and assistant to the State University College president in Plattsburgh, raised alarms about high poverty levels in Clinton County. "Our school dropout rate is high, with 67 percent of the population having failed to graduate from high school," he shared as they prepared to address poverty in 1964. "Many people have low incomes and the county welfare department aids thousands. "While the beginnings will undoubtedly be small," Glavin said, "these priority projects may well point the way for really getting at and eradicating the roots of poverty in this area." On Oct. 20, 1965, JCEO, the county and City of Plattsburgh signed a cooperative agreement. JCEO earned national recognition that year as one of the first and best examples of community action. News accounts noted that the council had provided 1,008 part- and full-time jobs; prepared 224 pre-school-aged children and their families for kindergarten through Head Start's eight-week summer program; and provided training for 34 teachers, 14 college students, and 18 Youth Corps employees. Its mission focused, the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Plattsburgh and Clinton County formally incorporated as a nonprofit organization on July 13, 1966. In the decade following the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act and Community Action initiatives, census data measured a drop in national poverty rates from 19 percent to 11.6 percent. From 1960 to 1970, Clinton County poverty rates fell from 23.5 percent to 14.7 percent. The most recent Community Needs Assessment completed by JCEO in 2024 measured poverty rates in Clinton County at 13 percent, below the New York State average, 14 percent. ...................................................................................... KEEPING PACE WITH CHANGING TIMES Sixty years later, the Joint Council for Economic Opportunity of Clinton and Franklin Counties -- with a name adjustment that came after JCEO expanded into Franklin County in 1998 -- is still committed to its original mission, addressing the root causes of poverty in community. While some of JCEO's programs evolved over the years with the needs of community, others remained constant. Head Start, one of JCEO's longest-running programs, has helped generations of children enter school ready to learn while providing comprehensive support to young families. Food assistance programs have also been a staple since the agency's earliest days, ensuring that families have access to nutritious food during times of hardship. Other programs have come and gone in response to specific community needs and opportunities. In 1978, JCEO ran a Temporary Homemaker Program, which trained domestic aides to assist people returning home from hospitals who needed short-term help with household tasks and daily chores while recovering. In 1991, in response to high rates of school drop-outs and juvenile crime, the agency formed a "Big Buddies" program, which linked mentors to at-risk children and their families. Today, the agency is developing new programs to address current challenges facing local residents. With 14 Outreach Centers, JCEO roots are grounded in community. One of the newest programs is Ride to Thrive, designed to help low-income individuals in the City of Plattsburgh overcome transportation barriers that stand between them and employment. Funded through the generous support of Excellus BlueCross BlueShield, the program will provide bicycles and safety equipment to residents who lack reliable transportation to get to work. The program will remain open until funding runs out. JCEO also recently introduced a Utility Assistance Program for families with children. Recognizing that rising utility costs place significant strain on household budgets, the program is designed to provide one-time support to eligible families struggling with energy expenses. This initiative has been made possible through the generous support of Champlain Hudson Power Express and represents another example of JCEO responding to emerging community needs. CORE MISSION The agency's core mission has remained consistent for six decades. Whether helping a child prepare for school, ensuring a household has enough food, connecting a homebound senior with volunteer visitors, providing transportation to medical appointments, or helping families manage utility costs, JCEO's work is rooted in the understanding that poverty is complex and that lasting solutions require addressing the challenges that keep some Americans from thriving. This year, JCEO celebrates its history and the countless individuals, families, staff, volunteers, community partners and advocates who have contributed to its mission for 60 years. The agency's story is one of adaptation, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to helping people and changing lives. A 60TH CELEBRATION JCEO is hosting an anniversary celebration on July 10 at 1UP Arcade & Pub at 14 Margaret St. in Plattsburgh. A raffle with prizes will support JCEO's Backpack Program; there will be live music and special 1UP Arcade menu items. Celebrate 60 with JCEO from 12 noon until 7:30 p.m., all are welcome. Reporter's note: This news feature was supported with extensive historical research and content provided by JCEO Chief Development Officer Ellie Jent.

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Going strong at 60: JCEO marks a milestone

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