CSO Connections

CSO Community Action Agency 2020

CSO Connections Newsletter

September is National Recovery Month

Recovery Month works to promote and support treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery, in all its forms, possible.

The REBOOT program at the PA CareerLink^® believes the same. Working with you to help you, support your employment path, and find you the resources you need to achieve your career goals and dreams.

Call today: Lycoming/Clinton Counties: 570-360-8134 or Northumberland/Snyder/Union/Columbia/Montour Counties: 570-988-7300

Check out the National Recovery website and Facebook page.

Estee's Story

Estee was referred to Reboot by Clean Slated, an outpatient medication addiction treatment center. By using a trauma-informed approach, staff learned Estee used opioids for years before seeking help.

Estee and Reboot staff worked together since December 2019. Through assessments, careful research, and self-discovery, she established a goal to pursue a degree in Business Management. Estee started school after being approved for an Individual Training Account funded through Reboot.

The Vivitrol^® Program

The Vivitrol^®Program is a program for inmates in Northumberland County with a repeated history of opioid and alcohol abuse. When administered, this extended-release injectable decreases the urge to use. The program is designed to reduce inmate relapses upon release, reduce recidivism rates among those with addictions, and to create a safer and healthier community.

This program year (which ended 6/30/2020) 13 inmates enrolled in the program, 80 received education about the program, and only two reoffended and returned to prison.

Volunteers needed!

Fall is the perfect time of year to consider participating in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program as an income tax preparer. By volunteering your time, you can ensure individuals and families receive the tax credits they are entitled to, avoid costly fees, and receive the money they deserve.

Now is the best time to start. Get your training and certification done and be ready to start when tax season rolls around. Get more information by contacting Sandy Winhofer 570-644-6575 ext. 148 or by email.

This volunteer opportunity runs from January 2021 until April 2021. The commitment time is about three hours each week over those 13 weeks.

UPDATE on Rent Relief Program

Still Time to Apply!

Renters who were financially impacted by the economic slowdown related to the coronavirus pandemic can now get CARES financial assistance to help with the payment of past-due rent. People who lost income due to the pandemic-related economic slowdown may be eligible for rent assistance to help them stay in their homes.

Renters who qualify the CARES Rent Relief Program may receive assistance equal to 100% of their monthly rent up to $750 a month for a maximum of six months of assistance for the period between March 1 and December 31, 2020. Payments will be made to their landlord on their behalf. Renters or landlords can apply for rent relief for apartment tenants, but renters are responsible for submitting all the documents needed to ensure their eligibility.

CSO has been designated the lead agency by both the Northumberland County and Columbia County commissioners for processing applications for their counties’ residents.

The three applications you need are available on our website: Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc. You will have to provide proof of income and residence.

You can get an application checklist and a Frequently Asked Question sheet so you know what to have on hand while applying.

All materials must be submitted together and can be mailed to:

Central Susquehanna Opportunities, Inc., 2 E. Arch St., Shamokin, PA 17872

Learn more about the program by visiting the PHFA website.