Office of Enrollment
Purpose
The Office of Enrollment will serve as a centralized, people-first hub that helps residents access, enroll in, and maintain essential public programs and local services. Many Schenectady residents qualify for benefits but are blocked by paperwork, fragmented systems, or lack of guidance. This office removes those barriers and ensures public resources reach the people they are intended to serve.
Mission
To increase benefit participation, reduce administrative waste, and improve quality of life by making enrollment simple, accessible, and proactive.
Core Functions
Centralized Enrollment Assistance
Provide in-person, phone, and online support for enrollment in SNAP, WIC, HEAP, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, rental assistance, utility relief, municipal programs, and workforce development services.
Proactive Outreach
Operate mobile enrollment clinics across neighborhoods, libraries, schools, shelters, and community spaces. Services will be multilingual, accessible, and delivered in partnership with nonprofits, faith institutions, and community organizations.
Retention and Renewal Support
Prevent benefit loss by assisting with renewals, deadline tracking, and documentation. Offer case navigation to resolve denials, errors, and interruptions.
Data Coordination and Efficiency
Coordinate across city, county, and state agencies to reduce duplication, identify enrollment gaps, and guide evidence-based policy decisions through anonymized reporting.
Why Schenectady Needs This
Eligible residents are leaving millions of dollars in state and federal benefits unclaimed
Families lose assistance due to paperwork and system complexity
City resources are strained by avoidable emergencies tied to unmet needs
Increased enrollment strengthens household stability and circulates dollars locally
Structure
Director of Enrollment
Enrollment Navigators
Data and Outreach Coordinator
Internship and volunteer pipeline with local colleges and training programs
Funding Strategy
Initial funding may be provided through reallocated administrative budgets and performance-based reimbursements. Long-term sustainability will be driven by external funding tied directly to enrollment outcomes.
Grant Opportunities
The Office of Enrollment is well positioned to leverage existing state and federal grant programs, including:
Federal Opportunities
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services outreach and enrollment grants for Medicaid and public health coverage
USDA SNAP and WIC outreach and modernization grants
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grants supporting housing stability and homelessness prevention
Administration for Children and Families grants focused on family stability and economic mobility
State of New York Opportunities
New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance outreach and enrollment funding
New York State Department of Health grants supporting coverage expansion and health equity
New York State Homes and Community Renewal programs addressing housing access and stability
Workforce development grants aligned with job placement and training enrollment
Philanthropic and Partner Funding
Healthcare systems and insurers investing in preventive enrollment to reduce uncompensated care
Foundations focused on poverty reduction, health equity, and community resilience
University and nonprofit partnerships supporting staffing, data infrastructure, and outreach
Grant funding will be pursued to support staffing, technology upgrades, mobile enrollment units, multilingual services, and data integration, reducing reliance on local tax dollars.
Accountability and Transparency
Quarterly public reports detailing enrollments, outcomes, and funding sources
Clear performance benchmarks tied to grant compliance
Independent audit and program evaluation after two years
Long-Term Impact
Higher benefit participation and reduced poverty
Improved health and housing stability
Lower emergency service and crisis response costs
Increased trust in city government
Conclusion
The Office of Enrollment represents a modern, efficient, and compassionate approach to governance. By simplifying access to public programs and aggressively pursuing grant funding, Schenectady can strengthen families, reduce costs, and bring significant outside dollars into the local economy while ensuring government works for the people it serves.