Write a commentLong time Oswego County Opportunities (OCO) employee Cristy King has been named the agency’s director of Crisis and Development Services. King joined OCO in 2000 as the Services to Aid Families SAF House manager and was named SAF Services coordinator in 2009.
Most recently King served as the Intervention Services coordinator where she oversaw SAF’s residential and non-residential domestic and sexual violence services, homeless programming for runaway homeless youth, adults and families, as well as the OCO crisis hotline that provides emergency assistance to victims of crime and the homeless 24/7/365. She was also instrumental in procuring funding for programs, establishing and strengthening collaborations with community partners and the implementation of several initiatives.
Under King’s supervision OCO’s SAF program worked with several community and government agencies to expand services and increase accessibility to victims of domestic and sexual violence throughout Oswego County. Partnerships with SUNY Oswego, Fulton, Oswego and Hannibal school districts emphasized providing immediate and confidential access to services for students and addressed the issue of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence and stalking through the development of policies and procedures and prevention programming. In addition, collaborations with the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County, Oswego County Department of Social Services, and the Oswego County Youth Bureau also expanded and enhanced outreach, training, and response to sexual exploitation and trafficking of youth in our community.
“As a 17 year plus OCO employee, I am pleased to have Cristy step up to the director of Crisis and Development Services,” said Deputy Executive Director Patrick Waite. “She brings to the position a wealth of experience and a passion for our programs and those we serve. Cristy’s enthusiasm and openness to new ideas and initiatives will greatly enhance the efforts of our Crisis and Development Services.”
“I’m excited to have this opportunity,” said King. “It allows me work with community partners on a multitude of levels across all of Crisis & Development programs, to continue to grow personally and professionally and to expand my ability to ensure that services provided by C&DS continue to thrive and remain consistent for those in need of assistance. As director I will focus on identifying and securing resources to maintain current programming as well as look for opportunities to expand services through local, state and federal funding, work with partners and other community leaders to decrease barriers for individuals in need of services, and ensure the needs of each individual consumer are being met.
“OCO is an integral part of our community. We provide services to those that are struggling to find hope for the future. Every employee of the agency, including myself is invested in this work because we want to be a part of the positive changes happening in Oswego County. I am fortunate to have been selected for this opportunity and I am proud to be a part of OCO!” said King.
A private, non-profit agency, OCO’s many programs touch the lives of approximately 20,000 Oswego County residents each. One of Oswego County’s largest employers, OCO employs nearly 600 people and boasts a volunteer force of 1200. OCO strives to improve the quality of life in Oswego County by helping people, supporting communities and changing lives. For more information, visit OCO's website at www.oco.org.
