Welcome to Washington County Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. (L.E.A.P.)
Washington County EOC, Inc., doing business as L.E.A.P. (Learning, Employment, Assistance, Partnership),
is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community action agency located in Washington County, New York. Since its establishment in 1965,
L.E.A.P. has worked to improve the lives of low-income individuals and families through education, job training, early childhood programs,
emergency assistance, and community partnerships.
π Mission & Vision
L.E.A.P.'s mission is to provide pathways to self-sufficiency, economic stability, and community well-being by offering compassionate,
inclusive, and effective services. The agency envisions a community where all residents have access to the tools and opportunities
necessary to thrive.
π Locations
- Main Office: 383 Broadway, Suite B010, Fort Edward, NY 12828
- Additional locations: Hudson Falls, Cambridge, Granville, Whitehall, and other Washington County communities
- Phone: 518β746β2390
π Core Services & Programs
- Head Start & Early Head Start: Early childhood education and care for children aged 0β5 and pregnant women
- Employment Assistance: Job training, GED classes, resume support, and youth workforce programs (ages 16β24)
- Emergency Services: Food pantry, eviction prevention, utility support, and crisis assistance
- Transportation Services: Free non-medical rides for seniors and disabled residents across the county
- Community Engagement: Seasonal drives (diapers, food, school supplies), composting programs, environmental awareness
- Volunteer Support: Community volunteering opportunities to help with food distribution, events, and outreach
π’ Impact & Outreach
- Provided support to over 3,100 individuals annually, including 500+ families
- Over 50,000 pounds of food waste composted in partnership with Adirondack Worm Farm
- Offers free parenting classes, GED courses, and virtual workshops for community development
- Promotes energy efficiency, sustainability, and food security through local partnerships
- Hosts annual coat and toy drives, school readiness programs, and back-to-school events
π§βπ€βπ§ Organizational Structure
- Executive Team: Oversees day-to-day operations and strategic planning
- Board of Directors: Provides governance, accountability, and fiscal oversight
- Program Directors: Lead specific initiatives in early childhood, employment, transportation, etc.
- Volunteers & Interns: Integral to program delivery, outreach, and special events
π Financial Transparency
L.E.A.P. follows a rigorous financial review process. Annual audits are conducted by independent Chartered Accountants.
Internal audits are conducted periodically to ensure program efficiency and fiscal accountability. Funding sources include:
- Federal & State Government (including NYS Office of Children and Family Services)
- Corporate donors and private foundations
- Local community grants and regional partners
Funds are allocated according to annual work programs aligned with funding schedules to ensure maximum resource utilization.
π€ Community Partnerships
- Adirondack Worm Farm (composting & environmental sustainability)
- CAPTAIN Community Human Services
- Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York
- New York State Community Action Association (NYSCAA)
π How to Get Involved
Community members can contribute by:
- Donating funds or essential items to the food pantry and seasonal drives
- Volunteering at events, schools, or administrative offices
- Participating in parenting workshops and advocacy campaigns
- Partnering as a business sponsor or service provider
π£οΈ Testimonials
βL.E.A.P. helped me find a job, get my GED, and finally become independent. I canβt thank them enough.β
β Maria T., Fort Edward
βThe food pantry and transportation services are lifesavers for my elderly parents.β
β James R., Cambridge
π
Stay Connected
- Sign up for newsletters and updates via the official website
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Summary
washingtoncountyeoc.com was previously associated with Washington County EOC, now branded as L.E.A.P.,
which continues to be a leading force in community support and anti-poverty efforts in upstate New York. Through diverse services,
transparent governance, and inclusive community outreach, L.E.A.P. remains a trusted resource for families in need.