News / Events
February 2018:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - February 16, 2018
Camden County OEO Receives $5,000 Grant from Investors Foundation to Help a Low-Income Family Achieve the Dream of Homeownership
Camden, NJ – Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. (Camden County OEO) recently received a $5,000 grant from Investors Foundation. This grant will help further Camden County OEO’s mission of providing services and resources to low-income individuals in order to achieve self-sufficiency.
“Camden County OEO is pleased that Investors Foundation is providing this grant to support our Individual Development Account (IDA) Program. With this grant, Investors Foundation will enable a family with low-income to achieve the dream of homeownership and begin to create wealth," said Arnold N. Byrd, Executive Director of Camden County OEO.
The IDA Program targets local individuals and families who live at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines to provide financial literacy classes, case management, business/technical planning assistance, and a 200% match of savings accumulated by each participant. Their total savings will in turn be used for assets such as acquiring a home, attending post-secondary classes, or even starting a business.
Camden County OEO’s dual purpose is arranging for and providing material assistance that gives immediate relief to low-income persons in emergency circumstances. In addition, the agency provides programs and services to help clients achieve self-sufficiency. Camden County OEO has helped several thousands of men, women, and families throughout the years.
For income eligibility guidelines, go to www.camdencountyoeo.com or to enroll, contact Camden County OEO at 856-962-6911 x27.
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October 2016:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 12, 2016
Camden County OEO Establishes Scholarship Fund to Help Low-Income Camden County Residents Attend College or Trade School
Camden County, NJ ─ Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. (Camden County OEO) hosted a Clean Comedy Contest on April 15, 2016 to raise funds to start a scholarship fund. The scholarship fund has a total of $5,000, which will be awarded to two (2) Camden County residents with low incomes to assist with the costs of college or trade school. Camden County OEO is proud to announce that the agency is accepting applications for the Step Up Scholarship Fund.
Eligible applicants must be a resident of Camden County. One award will be allocated for a Camden City resident due to the high rate of poverty in one of the poorest cities of America. Applicants must have the following: a C+ or better grade point average, a completed 1-page scholarship application, an acceptance letter from a college or trade school, a combined parents’ annual income of less than $60,000, a brief essay explaining why the applicant should receive the scholarship, and a high school diploma or equivalent.
“The Step Up Scholarship is a product of the Clean Comedy Contest we held earlier this year. Camden County OEO is proud to use this scholarship fund to help students with their post-secondary education costs. This scholarship directly supports the agency’s mission by uplifting Camden County residents with low incomes so they can become self-sufficient,” said Arnold N. Byrd, Executive Director of Camden County OEO.
Camden County OEO, a private, non-profit agency dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Camden County to achieve self-sufficiency through a range of programs and services, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016.
For the Step Up Scholarship Fund application and more information, visit www.camdencountyoeo.com.
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Click here for the article in the Anointed News Journal.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - October 12, 2016
Camden County OEO Establishes Scholarship Fund to Help Low-Income Camden County Residents Attend College or Trade School
Camden County, NJ ─ Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. (Camden County OEO) hosted a Clean Comedy Contest on April 15, 2016 to raise funds to start a scholarship fund. The scholarship fund has a total of $5,000, which will be awarded to two (2) Camden County residents with low incomes to assist with the costs of college or trade school. Camden County OEO is proud to announce that the agency is accepting applications for the Step Up Scholarship Fund.
Eligible applicants must be a resident of Camden County. One award will be allocated for a Camden City resident due to the high rate of poverty in one of the poorest cities of America. Applicants must have the following: a C+ or better grade point average, a completed 1-page scholarship application, an acceptance letter from a college or trade school, a combined parents’ annual income of less than $60,000, a brief essay explaining why the applicant should receive the scholarship, and a high school diploma or equivalent.
“The Step Up Scholarship is a product of the Clean Comedy Contest we held earlier this year. Camden County OEO is proud to use this scholarship fund to help students with their post-secondary education costs. This scholarship directly supports the agency’s mission by uplifting Camden County residents with low incomes so they can become self-sufficient,” said Arnold N. Byrd, Executive Director of Camden County OEO.
Camden County OEO, a private, non-profit agency dedicated to helping economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Camden County to achieve self-sufficiency through a range of programs and services, is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2016.
For the Step Up Scholarship Fund application and more information, visit www.camdencountyoeo.com.
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Click here for the article in the Anointed News Journal.
August 2016:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 23, 2016
Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity Presents “Community Day” in Cooper River Park on Saturday, August 27
Founded in 1966, the private, non-profit agency is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ ─ Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc., a private, non-profit agency celebrating its 50th anniversary, is hosting “Community Day” ― an event featuring a day of fun-filled activities for persons of all ages, live entertainment, a classic car showcase, and a variety of food vendors ― in Cooper River Park (Stadium), on Saturday, August 27, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry to the event is free and open to the general public.
Other activities include a performance by the Universal Dance & Drum Ensemble, singers, a DJ, dancing, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, and facial makeup makeovers. Limited transportation is available to the stadium.
“Camden County OEO is hosting Community Day in Cooper River Park as an opportunity for people to spend time together with their families, friends and community and enjoy a day of fun and to learn more about Camden County OEO’s programs and services,” says Arnold N. Byrd, Camden County OEO’s Executive Director.
Since its founding in 1966, Camden County OEO has provided comprehensive financial, educational and housing services to over a half-million clients and produced more than $500 million in services to the local economy. The agency’s 50th anniversary theme is also its slogan ― “Creating Opportunities and Making a Difference” ― for providing a range of programs and services to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency.
Based in Camden City and with offices in other townships and boroughs in Camden County, Camden County OEO is observing its 50th anniversary with a variety of events. Besides sponsoring Community Day, the agency’s Urban Women’s Center is coordinating a winter coat drive in December.
About Camden County OEO
In addition to providing programs and services to help clients achieve self-sufficiency, Camden County OEO offers material assistance to low-income persons in emergency circumstances. The agency’s comprehensive programs and services include: Community Action Services; Weatherization (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) LIHEAP & ENERGY; New Jersey (Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services) SHARES; (Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric bills) PAGE Program; Housing Construction and Rehabilitation; Emergency Services; Youth Employment and Training; Youth Activities; Homeless Prevention; Services to Homeless; Supportive Housing; Grandparents’ Support Group; Urban Women’s Center; Literacy Training; GED Training; Adult Basic Education; and Dollar-To-Dollar Individual Development Account (IDA) Program.
For additional information about Camden County OEO and the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration, contact Sam W. Pressley (sampress@sampress.com; phone 609-634-6369 or 856-582-3836), or Barry Smith (bsmith@cccoeo.com) at 856-964-6887.
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Sam W. Pressley, M.S., ODL
Creative Director
Sam W. Pressley Communications
www.sampress.com / 856.582.3836
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – August 23, 2016
Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity Presents “Community Day” in Cooper River Park on Saturday, August 27
Founded in 1966, the private, non-profit agency is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
CAMDEN COUNTY, NJ ─ Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc., a private, non-profit agency celebrating its 50th anniversary, is hosting “Community Day” ― an event featuring a day of fun-filled activities for persons of all ages, live entertainment, a classic car showcase, and a variety of food vendors ― in Cooper River Park (Stadium), on Saturday, August 27, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Entry to the event is free and open to the general public.
Other activities include a performance by the Universal Dance & Drum Ensemble, singers, a DJ, dancing, an inflatable obstacle course, face painting, and facial makeup makeovers. Limited transportation is available to the stadium.
“Camden County OEO is hosting Community Day in Cooper River Park as an opportunity for people to spend time together with their families, friends and community and enjoy a day of fun and to learn more about Camden County OEO’s programs and services,” says Arnold N. Byrd, Camden County OEO’s Executive Director.
Since its founding in 1966, Camden County OEO has provided comprehensive financial, educational and housing services to over a half-million clients and produced more than $500 million in services to the local economy. The agency’s 50th anniversary theme is also its slogan ― “Creating Opportunities and Making a Difference” ― for providing a range of programs and services to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency.
Based in Camden City and with offices in other townships and boroughs in Camden County, Camden County OEO is observing its 50th anniversary with a variety of events. Besides sponsoring Community Day, the agency’s Urban Women’s Center is coordinating a winter coat drive in December.
About Camden County OEO
In addition to providing programs and services to help clients achieve self-sufficiency, Camden County OEO offers material assistance to low-income persons in emergency circumstances. The agency’s comprehensive programs and services include: Community Action Services; Weatherization (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program) LIHEAP & ENERGY; New Jersey (Statewide Heating Assistance and Referral for Energy Services) SHARES; (Payment Assistance for Gas and Electric bills) PAGE Program; Housing Construction and Rehabilitation; Emergency Services; Youth Employment and Training; Youth Activities; Homeless Prevention; Services to Homeless; Supportive Housing; Grandparents’ Support Group; Urban Women’s Center; Literacy Training; GED Training; Adult Basic Education; and Dollar-To-Dollar Individual Development Account (IDA) Program.
For additional information about Camden County OEO and the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration, contact Sam W. Pressley (sampress@sampress.com; phone 609-634-6369 or 856-582-3836), or Barry Smith (bsmith@cccoeo.com) at 856-964-6887.
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Sam W. Pressley, M.S., ODL
Creative Director
Sam W. Pressley Communications
www.sampress.com / 856.582.3836
Camden County OEO Celebrates 50 Years
of Strengthening Families to Achieve Self-Sufficiency
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July 2016: Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc., a private, non-profit agency dedicated to serving and uplifting economically disadvantaged individuals and families in Camden County, is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
Since 1966, Camden County OEO has provided comprehensive financial, educational and housing services to over a half-million clients and produced more than $500 million in services to the local economy. The agency’s 50th anniversary theme is also its slogan ― “Creating Opportunities and Making a Difference” ― for providing a range of programs and services to helping clients achieve self-sufficiency.
Based in Camden City and with offices in other townships and boroughs in Camden County, Camden County OEO is observing its 50th anniversary with a variety of events. Planned anniversary activities include Camden County OEO Community Day, a Walkathon and a Health Fair in Cooper River Park on August 27, 2016. The agency’s Urban Women’s Center is coordinating a winter coat drive in December. Earlier, Camden County OEO presented a “Clean Comedy Contest” in April at the Collingswood Theater and Ballroom for aspiring local comedians.
The celebration will culminate in a program and dinner at a special meeting of the Camden County OEO Board of Directors on Tuesday, September 27, 2016, at 5:30 p.m., at Nicolosi Catering, 1 Hessian Avenue, in West Deptford, N.J.
To mark the occasion, Camden County OEO is also producing a commemorative booklet: Camden County OEO Retrospective: 1966-2016. The four-color booklet, complete with photographs, will feature the history of the organization and highlight its 50 years of service, achievements and milestones.
“Camden County OEO is very pleased and thankful to be able to observe a half-century of uplifting low-income individuals and families in Camden County and strengthening them to achieve a level of independence,” says Arnold N. Byrd, Camden County OEO’s Executive Director. “Through strategic planning and proactive program procedures Camden County OEO utilizes resources available from federal, state and local sources to make a broad scale attack upon poverty with a view toward eliminating poverty as a destructive force in the lives of our clients as well as in our society.”
Byrd, the recipient of numerous awards for his accomplished leadership role at Camden County OEO, has served as executive director of the award-winning organization since 1984.
Under Byrd’s visionary leadership, Camden County OEO has constructed 66 units of single-family homes in the Cramer Hill section of Camden, and purchased and renovated 130 units at the Sheridan Apartments Complex in the Centerville section of Camden. Also, about a dozen new housing constructions are planned for startup in July 2016
In addition, the agency has renovated several childcare centers throughout Camden County, opened the Urban Women’s Center, and created several other housing facilities and educational and job training centers. The facilities are noted for having made a positive and tremendous impact on the Broadway-Kaighn Avenue corridor, a main residential and business area in Camden City.
Camden County OEO Clean Comedy Contest
Camden County OEO has organized its 1st Clean Comedy Contest. The fundraiser will be held April 15, 2016 at the Scottish Rite Theatre in Collingswood, New Jersey. Special guest comedienne "Chocolate" will host our night of laughter. This event will give up and coming comedians the opportunity to showcase their talents to their local communities while simultaneously raising money to start a scholarship for Camden County residents to attend college or a trade school. Buy your tickets now so you can laugh in the best seats in the house! Camden County OEO welcomes you to join us for a night of laughter! Visit the Clean Comedy Contest Website for more information and where to Buy Tickets!
February 2016: Camden County OEO received additional funding to continue the Youth Achievement Program for youths ages 16 to 21 who have dropped out of school. The program offers classroom training and work experience. Click here to view an article in the Courier Post. Call 856-365-8989 for info to join the program.
January 2016: Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. (Camden County OEO) has been awarded $130,725 from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to administer the Homeless Prevention Program. The Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) began this past August and ends on July 31, 2016. Eligible Camden County residents must have a summons or warrant of removal from a landlord-tenant court that is no more than 6 months old, gross income at or below 80% of the area median income, have resided at the housing unit for at least three months without incurring arrears, and currently has the ability to pay monthly housing costs after receiving HPP assistance. Camden County OEO is continuing to accept applications for the HPP program. Click here for a press release and article in the Anointed News Journal regarding HPP. Contact our office at 856-964-6887.
January 2016: Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity, Inc. (Camden County OEO) has been awarded $130,725 from the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs to administer the Homeless Prevention Program. The Homeless Prevention Program (HPP) began this past August and ends on July 31, 2016. Eligible Camden County residents must have a summons or warrant of removal from a landlord-tenant court that is no more than 6 months old, gross income at or below 80% of the area median income, have resided at the housing unit for at least three months without incurring arrears, and currently has the ability to pay monthly housing costs after receiving HPP assistance. Camden County OEO is continuing to accept applications for the HPP program. Click here for a press release and article in the Anointed News Journal regarding HPP. Contact our office at 856-964-6887.
August 2015: The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey hosts a weekly radio program called the "Empowerment Hour" on 920AM The Voice. John Harmon, the President and CEO, interviewed Camden County OEO’s Grants Manager Ms. Mujiba Salaam Parker regarding the agency’s programs and services. Click here to download the mp3 file recording of the interview. Ms. Parker’s interview begins midway through the recording.
February 2015: The City of Camden has awarded Camden County OEO an additional $94,000 to help prevent homelessness and the disconnection of utilities for Camden residents with low incomes. The funding must be spent by April 30, 2015. Click here for the press release, flyer, and requirements for the City of Camden Emergency Solution Grant (ESG). Click here to see the article in the Courier Post and another in the Anointed News Journal. The ESG grant is first-come, first-served. Contact our office at 856-964-6887.
January 2015: Camden County OEO is thrilled to announce that our Financial Empowerment Network Program (an IDA Program) has been approved for $100,000 by Camden County. Funded by the NJ Department of Children and Families, the new matched savings program begins this month and ends in December 2015. Camden County OEO will target Camden County individuals/families at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines for financial literacy classes, case management and a 100% match of savings accumulated by the participants. The total savings amounts will be used to acquire a home, start a business, or attend post-secondary classes. Click here for the income eligibility guidelines. For more info or to enroll, contact us at 856-962-6911 x27.
November 2014: Camden County OEO is pleased to announce that the agency has been awarded a generous grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund on behalf of our South Jersey Pride Baseball Club. This grant will be used to support the youth enrolled in this mentorship program to receive much needed baseball equipment and uniforms. Click here to see the press release about the grant. On November 4, 2014, the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote an article about the grant as well as the Courier Post (click here). Also, the Anointed News Journal posted an article regarding the grant.
October 2014: The Youth Achievement Program provides adolescents with an opportunity to create and reach their professional aspirations by improving their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills in addition to their academic success. If you or someone you know is interested in this valuable program, call us at (856)-365-8989 or click here for more information.
October 2014: October 1, 2014 marks the start of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application season, which will continue until April 30, 2015. LIHEAP is a federal energy assistance program designed to help low-income families and individuals with their home heating costs. Please note that the LIHEAP application is also the application for the Universal Service Fund (USF), a New Jersey program that makes natural gas and electric bills more affordable for low-income households. For those who need additional information about the LIHEAP and USF programs, go to our Pennsauken office at 5287 Route 70, call (856) 910-1180 or click here.
September 2014: Camden County OEO has been approved for Social Services for the Homeless (SSH)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant funds. If you (or someone you know in Camden County) need assistance for back rent/mortgage or utilities, come to the office at 538 Broadway or 900 Broadway in Camden to complete an application. (Click here to see the required information for these grant funds).
July 2014: Camden County OEO is administering grant funds for the City of Camden Emergency Solutions Grant to provide financial assistance for rental payments (back rent, security deposit, and monthly rent), motel/hotel payments, utility payments (security deposit and monthly utility), and relocation payments. Call our Camden office located at 538 Broadway at 856-964-6887 for more information.
July 2014: Our Youth Achievement Program is dedicated to promoting academic and professional excellence within the community. The goals of this program include successfully passing the GED, enrolling in an accredited post-secondary educational institution and willfully gaining employment. Since its inception in September 2012, the program has assisted 39 students towards successfully attaining these goals. In the 2013-2014 calendar year alone, 10 clients have gained employment or enrolled in post-secondary education programs, 3 clients have passed the GED test, and 10 enrolled in the TABE (Tests of Adult Basic Education). Further, as the 2014-2015 year approaches, we hope to increase the number of youth we can guide on the path of education and growth.
June 2014: Camden County OEO has been approved for Social Services for the Homeless (SSH)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant funds. If you (or someone you know in Camden County) need assistance for back rent/mortgage or utilities, come to the office at 538 Broadway or 900 Broadway in Camden to complete an application as soon as possible. The application must be submitted by June 30, 2014. (Click here to see the required information for these grant funds). Also, click here for a flyer about the grant funds.
June 2014: Mr. Antonio English, Maintenance Staff Member, has been employed with Camden County OEO for 38 years. Also, Mr. English was recognized by Cooper University Hospital for 30 years of service as a full-time employee. Congratulations!
February 2015: The City of Camden has awarded Camden County OEO an additional $94,000 to help prevent homelessness and the disconnection of utilities for Camden residents with low incomes. The funding must be spent by April 30, 2015. Click here for the press release, flyer, and requirements for the City of Camden Emergency Solution Grant (ESG). Click here to see the article in the Courier Post and another in the Anointed News Journal. The ESG grant is first-come, first-served. Contact our office at 856-964-6887.
January 2015: Camden County OEO is thrilled to announce that our Financial Empowerment Network Program (an IDA Program) has been approved for $100,000 by Camden County. Funded by the NJ Department of Children and Families, the new matched savings program begins this month and ends in December 2015. Camden County OEO will target Camden County individuals/families at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines for financial literacy classes, case management and a 100% match of savings accumulated by the participants. The total savings amounts will be used to acquire a home, start a business, or attend post-secondary classes. Click here for the income eligibility guidelines. For more info or to enroll, contact us at 856-962-6911 x27.
November 2014: Camden County OEO is pleased to announce that the agency has been awarded a generous grant from the Baseball Tomorrow Fund on behalf of our South Jersey Pride Baseball Club. This grant will be used to support the youth enrolled in this mentorship program to receive much needed baseball equipment and uniforms. Click here to see the press release about the grant. On November 4, 2014, the Philadelphia Inquirer wrote an article about the grant as well as the Courier Post (click here). Also, the Anointed News Journal posted an article regarding the grant.
October 2014: The Youth Achievement Program provides adolescents with an opportunity to create and reach their professional aspirations by improving their interpersonal and intrapersonal skills in addition to their academic success. If you or someone you know is interested in this valuable program, call us at (856)-365-8989 or click here for more information.
October 2014: October 1, 2014 marks the start of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application season, which will continue until April 30, 2015. LIHEAP is a federal energy assistance program designed to help low-income families and individuals with their home heating costs. Please note that the LIHEAP application is also the application for the Universal Service Fund (USF), a New Jersey program that makes natural gas and electric bills more affordable for low-income households. For those who need additional information about the LIHEAP and USF programs, go to our Pennsauken office at 5287 Route 70, call (856) 910-1180 or click here.
September 2014: Camden County OEO has been approved for Social Services for the Homeless (SSH)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant funds. If you (or someone you know in Camden County) need assistance for back rent/mortgage or utilities, come to the office at 538 Broadway or 900 Broadway in Camden to complete an application. (Click here to see the required information for these grant funds).
July 2014: Camden County OEO is administering grant funds for the City of Camden Emergency Solutions Grant to provide financial assistance for rental payments (back rent, security deposit, and monthly rent), motel/hotel payments, utility payments (security deposit and monthly utility), and relocation payments. Call our Camden office located at 538 Broadway at 856-964-6887 for more information.
July 2014: Our Youth Achievement Program is dedicated to promoting academic and professional excellence within the community. The goals of this program include successfully passing the GED, enrolling in an accredited post-secondary educational institution and willfully gaining employment. Since its inception in September 2012, the program has assisted 39 students towards successfully attaining these goals. In the 2013-2014 calendar year alone, 10 clients have gained employment or enrolled in post-secondary education programs, 3 clients have passed the GED test, and 10 enrolled in the TABE (Tests of Adult Basic Education). Further, as the 2014-2015 year approaches, we hope to increase the number of youth we can guide on the path of education and growth.
June 2014: Camden County OEO has been approved for Social Services for the Homeless (SSH)/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) grant funds. If you (or someone you know in Camden County) need assistance for back rent/mortgage or utilities, come to the office at 538 Broadway or 900 Broadway in Camden to complete an application as soon as possible. The application must be submitted by June 30, 2014. (Click here to see the required information for these grant funds). Also, click here for a flyer about the grant funds.
June 2014: Mr. Antonio English, Maintenance Staff Member, has been employed with Camden County OEO for 38 years. Also, Mr. English was recognized by Cooper University Hospital for 30 years of service as a full-time employee. Congratulations!