Agency Timeline
Headquartered in Waterbury and the cities fourth largest employer, New Opportunities has additional offices in Meriden, Torrington, Danbury, and Thomaston for the convenience of those they serve. Annually, more than 61,000 individuals benefit from programs offered at this agency, guided by the New Opportunities staff who helped them find the way to meet their needs.
1964
President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Economic Opportunity Act on August 20th signaling the beginning of the 'War on Poverty'.
​
New Opportunities for Waterbury, Inc. is incorporated on December 11th.
1970
New Opportunities begins operation of its first childcare program.
1977
New Opportunities relocates its headquarters to its current location on North Elm Street in Waterbury.
​
The Energy Assistance program is established.
​
The Head Start, Community Services and Research, Development & Planning divisions are established.
1979
James H. Gatling, Ph.D. is named Chief Executive Officer (CEO).
1984
New Opportunities establishes the Afro-Latin-Indian Scholarship fund.
​
New Opportunities is presented with the Energy Innovation Award by the State of Connecticut and the U.S. Department of Energy.
​
The Elder Services division is established.
​
The Meals On Wheels program is established.
1986
New Opportunities Early Childhood Education division is established.
1987
The 1st Annual Holiday Toy Drive is held.
1988
The Energy Assistance program evolves and becomes the foundation of an Energy Services division.
1988
The Energy Assistance program evolves and becomes the foundation of an Energy Services division.
1989
New Opportunities celebrates its 25th anniversary.
1990
The 1st Annual Walk for Warmth is held.
1991
The Home Based Family Services division is established.
1994
The Justice and Housing Services divisions are established.
1995
The 1st Annual Bobby Bonds Memorial Scholarship Golf Classic is held.
1999
New Opportunities finalizes construction and opens the Muriel H. Moore Child Development Center.
2000
New Opportunities for Waterbury, Inc. changes its name to New Opportunities, Inc.
2005
New Opportunities establishes the Meriden Black Expo Scholarship fund.
2008
New Opportunities surpasses $500,000 in total scholarship awards.
2010
The Afro-Latin-Indian Scholarship fund celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
​
New Opportunities launches the New Opportunities Economic Development Corporation.
2011
New Opportunities Early Childhood Education celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
2012
New Opportunities Holiday Toy Drive celebrates its 25th Anniversary.
2014
New Opportunities celebrates its 50th Anniversary.
​
New Opportunities Walk for Warmth celebrates its 25th Anniversary, hosts first 5K run.