Our Mission here at OVO

Mission Statement:

"Opening doors to a better quality of life through individual comprehensive services and community partnerships."

Our History:

Ohio Valley Opportunities, Inc. (OVO) is a Community Action Agency; a nonprofit corporation founded and incorporated in 1965 under President Lyndon B. Johnson's "War on Poverty".

Since its inception 45 years ago this year, OVO has provided services such as Head Start, Even Start Financial Literacy, Energy Assistance, Energy Education, Weatherization, Home Owner Occupied Rehab, Childcare, Family Support, Section 8 rental assistance, housing counseling, affordable housing projects, transitional housing, La Casa Amiga bi-lingual services, emergency assistance and education and training programs.

OVO serves over 4,000 households a year and has partnerships with 173 other service providers.

A hallmark of the agency since its inception has been its governance model: the agency board of directors must consist of one-third public officials, one third from the private sector and one-third representatives of its eligible resident community. This has ensured a diverse stakeholder partnership throughout the agency's existence.

For forty-five years, OVO has been a catalyst for change and a vital part of the effort to address the issue of poverty for the families and individuals who live and work in our southern Indiana community.

OVO is a member of the Community Action Association (CAA) of Indiana. CAA's are independent, nonprofit organizations that are community-based and locally controlled by boards composed of one-third people experiencing or representing those in poverty, one-third local elected officials, and one-third community and business leaders.

All members of OVO, whether board members or staff, are committed to creating economic opportunities and community based solutions to poverty. In 2010 over 4,500 individuals and families built assets, developed knowledge and skills, increased economic self-sufficiency, obtained quality child development services, and family support and/or met basic needs through the resources provided by OVO.

We are also a resource and referral agency, providing information and contact numbers for other service providers in the area who may be able to assist in breaking down the barriers that exist for low income individuals and families.