Since 1965, the Economic Opportunities Council of IRC (EOC) has been the leader in community action in Indian River County. Understanding that lasting changes are not created in a vacuum, EOC’s role includes coordinating and facilitating community partnerships whereby collective resources are used wisely and services are not duplicated among clients.
It takes all of us working together and focused on the goal before us: transitioning people from poverty to self-sufficiency. In accomplishing that goal in a meaningful way we are then truly helping people and changing lives.
Early Head Start/Head Start
Indian River & Okeechobee Counties
The Early Head Start/Head Start program promotes school readiness by enhancing the social, physical and cognitive development of children. Children from low-income families are given the “Early Head Start/Head Start” they need to be successful in school and society.
While most children entering the Head Start program are found to be below the average developmental scores of their peers, proven research and analysis show that they are on par with or above average when they leave Head Start.
Community Services
For many, the way out of poverty begins with a decision to live a new way. For others, an emergency has resulted in a no-way-out situation. But, for all who want to strive for economic self-sufficiency, the Economic Opportunities Council is here to help.
Our program goals are to:
- Help our clients achieve long-term self-sufficiency
- Provide emergency utility assistance
- Help our clients better manage income and expenses
- Educate clients on understanding poverty and building resources for a better life
- Provide client support and case management
- Prepare at-risk children for success in school and in life
- Educate parents on early childhood development
- Identify children’s disabilities at an early age
- Connect families with community resources
- Improve health and nutrition
- Create linkages among anti-poverty programs
Early Head Start/Head Start
REACH
LIHEAP
Step System
Septic to Sewer
Indian River County
We Need Your Help
As Federal and State dollars shrink, the number of county residents needing our help continues to rise.
Additionally, Head Start funding requires a 20% local match.
In the past, in-kind contributions from a small group of professionals and business leaders helped us to meet our community contribution goals. But now, the time has come to appeal directly to caring citizens within our community so we may continue our work.
