Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River (EOC) welcomes new board member

As the Economic Opportunities Council of Indian River County (EOC) celebrates its 60th Anniversary, the board of directors welcomes Ms. Patti Gibbons. Her appointment to the board is special, as she is joining the team in honor of her daughter, Emily. Emily was a local Head Start teacher at EOC for 8 years, stationed at Douglas, Highlands, and St. Helen’s. Patti often volunteered with her daughter’s classroom, especially for holiday parties, developing a special place in her heart for the children and this important cause. Emily had a passion for teaching preschool aged children, making learning fun in a safe and welcoming environment.

After fighting health complications, Emily passed away in 2016, just after her birthday. Her mother, Patti, is now carrying on Emily’s legacy by serving in a leadership role as a member of EOC’s board of directors and fundraising committee. Patti has formed “Team Emily” to raise funds that will support EOC’s life-changing programs through its signature fundraising event, Motown & Mingle. Taking place on Sat., Oct. 4, 2025, this 60th Anniversary event will be an exciting celebration for all who attend in person and in spirit.

Now retired, Ms. Gibbons brings a wealth of nonprofit experience from her previous roles at Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institution and the Montachusett Opportunity Council. In addition to her expertise, Gibbons brings a passion that is contagious.

“I wanted to be part of this incredible organization because it was so important to my daughter,” proclaims Ms. Gibbons. “I am honored to be part of EOC’s work, helping thousands of families through Head Start, REACH, LIHEAP, and self-sufficiency assistance programs.”

About Economic Opportunities Council (EOC)

Since 1965, the Economic Opportunities Council (EOC) has been the leader in community action in Indian River County. Understanding that lasting change is not created in a vacuum, EOC’s role includes coordinating and facilitating community partnerships where collective resources are used wisely and services are not duplicated among clients. It takes all of us working together and focused on the goal before us: transitioning individuals and families from poverty to self-sufficiency. When accomplishing that goal in a meaningful way, we are truly helping people and changing lives. More details at: www.eocofirc.net

About Early Head Start/ Head Start
The Early Head Start/Head Start Program supports and strengthens parent-child relationships and engages families around children’s learning and development. Each year, this free early learning program provides high-quality early childhood education to over 350 children from low-income families in Indian River and Okeechobee Counties.

Research demonstrates that, for children to thrive, they must have a healthy, stable home environment. Family engagement is a critical piece of our Early Head Start/Head Start program. A family assessment, communications between the teacher and parents, and home visits engage parents in their child’s learning and development. Parents are supported in achieving their own goals. They receive training and referrals for community resources. Early Head Start/Head Start strives to improve and promote parent/family engagement to achieve positive outcomes, resulting in children who are healthy and ready to learn. Over the past 60 years, EOC has prepared over 16,000 children for kindergarten. To learn more about the program or sign up for free childcare, visit our website (https://eocofirc.net/head-start-vpk/) or call the office (772-562-4177).

Treasure Coast Business is a news service and magazine published in print, via e-newsletter and online at tcbusiness.com by Indian River Media Group. For more information or to report news email news@indianrivermedia.com