CHAUTAUQUA OPPORTUNITIES, INC.
Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc.’s 2026 Community Needs Assessment is now available!
Make a difference in your child’s life by inspiring them to become better.
Call and join our Fatherhood Program TODAY!
Dunkirk – (716) 366-8176
Jamestown (716) 661-9430
Call 716-366-3335 For More Information
Or
To Schedule a Class
DONATE
COI is a Community Action Agency with a targeted mission to fight poverty and promote economic self-sufficiency. Your gift will assist COI in fulfilling its mission.
GET INVOLVED
Volunteer, or join one of COI’s virtual Community Conversations!
NEWSLETTER
“The Community” is the official newsletter for Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. and Chautauqua Opportunities for Development, Inc. It is published quarterly and distributed to partners, funders and community members.
Employment
Search our current employment opportunities. COI is an equal opportunity employer.
SERVICES
COI & CODI MISSION STATEMENTS
COI
leading the fight against poverty by mobilizing resources and creating partnerships to promote empowerment, economic independence, and opportunities.
Helping People… Changing Lives
CODI
leading the fight against poverty by mobilizing resources and creating partnerships to promote and create economic independence through business development opportunities.
Helping Businesses… Creating Opportunities
Proud Member of:
New York State Community Action Association
National Community Action Foundation
National Community Action Partnership
Upcoming Events
Events in December 2025–February 2026
December 17, 2025
Jamestown Section 8 Waitlist Sign-up–
December 17, 2025Sign-ups are held between the hours of 8:30 am -12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on the specified dates.
The following information must be available at the time of application sign-up:
- Must provide social security numbers for all household members.
- Must know the amount of your annual income.
Laughlin Community Action CenterDecember 24, 2025
Christmas Eve - Offices Close–
December 24, 2025All COI Offices will be closing to observe the Christmas Holiday.
December 25, 2025
Christmas Day - Offices ClosedDecember 25, 2025
All COI offices and Head Start Centers will be closed for the Christmas Holiday.
December 26, 2025
Christmas Holiday - Offices ClosedDecember 26, 2025
All COI offices will be closed to observe the Christmas Holiday.
Dunkirk Section 8 Waitlist Sign-up–
December 26, 2025Sign-ups are held between the hours of 8:30 am -12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on the specified dates.
The following information must be available at the time of application sign up:
- Must provide social security numbers for all household members.
- Must know the amount of your annual income.
Connections NorthDecember 31, 2025
New Year's Eve - Offices Close at 12pm–
December 31, 2025All COI offices will be closing at 12pm to observer the New Year's Holiday.
January 1, 2026
New Year's Day - Offices ClosedJanuary 1, 2026
All COI offices and Head Start Centers will be closed for New Year's Day.
January 17, 2026
First-Time Home Buyer Education Course - Jamestown–
January 17, 2026Our Homebuyer class is a 6 hour course that includes sessions on the following topics:
- Are you ready to purchase a home?
- Maintaining your budget
- Understanding credit
- Shopping for a home
- Getting a mortgage
- Keeping your home
- Fair lending
$25 Fee and RSVP due one week prior to class start date.
Contact a Navigator at 716-366-8176 or 716-661-9430.Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. is a HUD-certified housing counseling agency with skilled staff who can guide you through the home-buying process.
Laughlin Community Action CenterJanuary 19, 2026
Martin Luther King Day - Offices ClosedJanuary 19, 2026
All COI offices and Head Start Centers will be closed for Martin Luther King Day.
January 21, 2026
Jamestown Section 8 Waitlist Sign-up–
January 21, 2026Sign-ups are held between the hours of 8:30 am -12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on the specified dates.
The following information must be available at the time of application sign-up:
- Must provide social security numbers for all household members.
- Must know the amount of your annual income.
Laughlin Community Action CenterJanuary 30, 2026
Dunkirk Section 8 Waitlist Sign-up–
January 30, 2026Sign-ups are held between the hours of 8:30 am -12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on the specified dates.
The following information must be available at the time of application sign up:
- Must provide social security numbers for all household members.
- Must know the amount of your annual income.
Connections NorthFebruary 12, 2026
Community Conversations–
February 12, 2026The Early Care & Education Division will be facilitating tonight's Community Conversations meeting. Community Conversations provide a regular forum for communication between COI and the community. The forum includes community input, along with a discussion about available services and possible gaps in service. Community Conversations meetings help COI maintain a connection with customers, neighborhoods, and the community.
VirtualFebruary 16, 2026
Presidents' Day - Offices ClosedFebruary 16, 2026
All COI offices and Head Start Centers will be closed for Presidents' Day.
February 18, 2026
Jamestown Section 8 Waitlist Sign-up–
February 18, 2026Sign-ups are held between the hours of 8:30 am -12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on the specified dates.
The following information must be available at the time of application sign-up:
- Must provide social security numbers for all household members.
- Must know the amount of your annual income.
Laughlin Community Action CenterFebruary 27, 2026
Dunkirk Section 8 Waitlist Sign-up–
February 27, 2026Sign-ups are held between the hours of 8:30 am -12:00 pm, and 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm, on the specified dates.
The following information must be available at the time of application sign up:
- Must provide social security numbers for all household members.
- Must know the amount of your annual income.
Connections NorthFebruary 28, 2026
First-Time Home Buyer Education Course–
February 28, 2026Our Homebuyer class is a 6-hour course that includes sessions on the following topics:
- Are you ready to purchase a home?
- Maintaining your budget
- Understanding credit
- Shopping for a home
- Getting a mortgage
- Keeping your home
- Fair lending
$25 Fee and RSVP due one week prior to class start date.
Contact a Navigator at 716-366-8176 or 716-661-9430.Chautauqua Opportunities, Inc. is a HUD-certified housing counseling agency with skilled staff who can guide you through the home-buying process.
Connections North