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%
of Indian River County residents live in poverty
young family walking on street
%
of Okeechobee County residents live in poverty
%
of Indian River County children live in poverty
Sad Child
%
of Okeechobee County children live in poverty
%
of Indian River County children are food insecure
woman looking at grocery bill
%
of Okeechobee County children are food insecure
Community Action Partnership Logo

Since 1965, the Economic Opportunities Council (EOC) has been the leader in community action in Indian River County. Understanding that lasting change is 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 individuals and families from poverty to self-sufficiency. In accomplishing that goal in a meaningful way we are truly helping people and changing lives.

Head Start - Indian River & Okeechobee Counties

The Head Start program promotes school readiness by enhancing the social, physical and cognitive development of children. Children from low-income families are given the “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:

  1. Help our clients achieve long-term self-sufficiency
  2. Provide Emergency Assistance
  3. Help our clients better manage income and expenses
  4. Educate clients on understanding poverty and building resources for a better life
  5. Help our clients secure and maintain housing
  6. Provide client support and case management
  7. Prepare at-risk children for success in school and in life
  8. Educate parents on early childhood development
  9. Identify children’s disabilities at an early age
  10. Connect families with community resources
  11. Improve health and nutrition
  12. Create linkages among anti-poverty programs

Head Start VPK

Early Childhood Development Program
for 3 and 4 year olds
Find Out If Your Eligible For The Program
learn more

REACH

Indian River County
Self-Sufficiency Program
Find Out If Your Eligible For The Program
learn more

LIHEAP

Indian River & Okeechobee Counties Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
Find Out If Your Eligible For The Program
learn more

Early Bird

Indian River County Early Childhood Development Program for 2 year olds
Find Out If Your Eligible For The Program
learn more

Partnership Projects

Indian River & Okeechobee
We're Working On Many Projects
learn more

Emergency Assistance

Indian River County
Find Out If Your Eligible For The Program
learn more
young hand holding older hand

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.

You are invited to J.McLaughlin on Thursday, March 28, 2024, from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. for a Spring fashion sales event.

Come and enjoy drinks while you shop.  It will be a fun day of shopping and socializing with friends. Part of the proceeds is to benefit the Economic Opportunities Council of IRC.