Weekly Insights: Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County
In Indian River County, 11% of the population lives in poverty. Since 1965, the Economic Opportunities Council of IRC (EOC) has been a leader in community action in Indian River County. The EOC works to transition at-risk individuals and families from poverty to self-sufficiency through agency programs and public/private partnerships. Their vision is to be a partner in the creation of a community wherein low-income individuals and families, especially at-risk populations, will have the opportunity to become educated, self-sufficient, improve the conditions in which they live, and achieve their full potential.
The EOC program goals are to:
- Help clients achieve long-term self-sufficiency
- Provide emergency utility assistance
- Help 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
Weekly Insights works in conjunction with Indian River Indicators. Indian River Indicators was launched in June 2021 and originated after the completion of the 2019 Indian River Community Needs Assessment. It provides key data and information about our community that is updated annually and can be used to support and sustain proven programs. It can also be used by community leaders to develop policy, promote promising practices and inspire innovation that can lead to solutions to persistent community challenges. Indian River Community Foundation holds informational sessions on the first Tuesday of every month at 4pm via Zoom to introduce the community to this new resource. Please email Director of Philanthropy, Chiaka Nwosu at chiaka@ircommunityfoundation.org to attend a session.
To learn more visit www.ircommunityfoundation.org and click “Indian River Indicators” or contact a member of the Community Foundation’s team at 772.492.1407.