The Peru Gazette

Peru JCEO Coordinator Betsy Ero

By John T. Ryan

Peru – On September 9, 2016 Betsy Ero became the Coordinator at Peru’s JCEO Outreach Program. Ero has years of experience in an array of community service programs and she’s very happy to be working in the community where she resides. She commented, “When the job opened, I immediately applied.” Ero succeeded Coordinator Pat Holmes who is hopefully enjoying a fruitful retirement.

JCEO’s food shelf is undoubtedly its best known program; however, it provides many other services including accepting applications for the Clinton County Christmas Bureau, the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), medical transportation and emergency services.

Betsy Ero said providing transportation to medical appointments is a constant need. She explained, “We especially need more volunteer drivers to transport people to medical appointments. The volunteers are paid mileage. Sometimes we provide as many as 15 rides a week. Plattsburgh, Burlington, Saranac Lake and Malone are the primary destinations.”

Donations of healthy food items,  personal care items (toilet paper, shampoo, etc.) and even plastic bags to pack the donated foods are always appreciated. Thirty to sixty Peru families come in for assistance each month.

As temperatures drop, many people are applying for the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). This year Ero has to inform applicants about HEAP’s new ID requirements. A social security card and one other valid ID must be submitted. Previously only a social security number was required. The normal household income requirements remain in force.

JCEO also assists people with one-time financial emergencies. Sometimes people need help with a rent, utility or insurance payment. Ero said, “When we grant the assistance, we fill out a budget worksheet and try to put them back on track.”

Given her 16+ years of experience Ero is well-versed in referring people to the agency equipped to meet specific needs. The most common referrals involve Medicare Advantage, Social Security and Food Stamps.

This week Ero will be distributing Thanksgiving meals. A few days ago the Peru Community Church donated all the foods necessary for 35 turkey meals, the Peru Democrats donated 14 turkeys and Boy Scout Pack 49 brought in 686 food items. The Peru office typically provides 80 meals each Thanksgiving.

Betsy Ero’s office is located at the lower level of the Peru Town Hall. It is open Monday – Friday from 8:30 to 4. Ero is sometimes out of the office so she advised, “Please call before you come.” The office phone number is 643-8455.