About Us
Opportunities, Inc., a Community Action Agency based in Watonga, Oklahoma. As a 501C(3) non-profit, we have the goal of removing obstacles and solving problems experienced by low-income families. With the goal of helping these families be self-sufficient, we offer a variety of services.
Our History
In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson took on the War on Poverty by creating the Economic Opportunity Act. In response, Opportunities, Inc was formed. We started with 70 support staff members and an office in Watonga, OK. By 1969, we had expanded to the five surrounding counties. Today, our agency serves 13 counties in Northwest Oklahoma and we have offices in Watonga, Clinton and Woodward.
The following counties benefit from our services:
- Alfalfa
- Beaver
- Blaine
- Cimarron
- Custer
- Dewey
- Ellis
- Harper
- Kingfisher
- Major
- Texas
- Woods
- Woodward
- Alfalfa
- Beaver
- Blaine
- Cimarron
- Custer
- Dewey
- Ellis
- Harper
- Kingfisher
- Major
- Texas
- Woods
- Woodward
Although we’ve grown, the basis of our mission remains the same. The purpose and function of Opportunities, Inc. shall be to:
Assist in developing, executing and coordinating plans and programs authorized under the Community Service Block Grant, and subsequent amendments made to that act, and other Federal, State and local laws and programs which tend to alleviate and eradicate poverty within the counties and the area of operation of this foundation, exclusively for educational and charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954, or as hereafter amended.
Work with three significant groups in the community; that is, the low-income sector, the public sector and the private sector, to seek out, identify and eliminate the causes of poverty within these communities.
Make the entire community more responsive to the needs and interests of the low-income sector by mobilizing available resources and bringing about a greater institutional sensitivity.
Plan and develop a system of priorities among projects, activities and areas as needed for the most effective and efficient use of resources.
Who We Are
Our agency consists of a Board of Directors with 12 members. One-third of the members represent the low-income population, another third represents private organizations, and the remaining third represents public entities.
The board handles the federal and private funds and contracts used by the agency. Furthermore, the board sets agency and staff priorities based on a needs assessment. We work hard to meet the needs of the surrounding communities.
Volunteer
Erika Moth
Volunteer
John Rothawen
Volunteer
Rodica Erika
What We Offer
Our organization runs off of government grants and donations from local communities. Thanks to our funding, we are able to offer multiple services to low-income individuals in our 13 counties. These services include:
- Prescription Program (Rx)
- Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP/SMP/MIPPA)
- Emergency Assistance with rentals and utilities
- Community Lending Closet (Lends wheelchairs, medical equipment, etc.)
- Food Pantries (Watonga and Clinton locations only)
- Thrift Store (Watonga location only)
- Tax preparation assistance
- Housing
- Affordable Housing (HUD & USDA)
- Emergency Assistance
- Food and Clothing Pantry
- Outreach Services (Located in Watonga, Clinton and Woodward)
- Prescription Program (Rx)
- Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP, MIPPA)
- Retired Seniors Volunteer Program (RSVP)
- Tax assistance and basic preparation (VITA)