Who we are and what we do
Community Action Agencies are private non-profit or public organizations that were created by the federal government in 1964 to combat poverty in geographically designated areas. Status as a Community Action Agency is the result of an explicit designation by local or state government.
Who We Are
A Community Action Agency has a tripartite board structure that is designated to promote the participation of the entire community in the reduction or elimination of poverty.
What We Do
Community Action Agencies seek to involve the community including elected public officials, private sector representatives and especially low-income residents, in assessing local needs and attacking the causes and conditions of poverty.
How We Work
A Community Action Agency works to better focus available local, state, private, and federal resources to assist low-income individuals and families to acquire useful skills and knowledge, gain access to new opportunities and achieve economic self-sufficiency.
WHY COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCIES ARE UNIQUE
Community Action Agencies reach out to low-income people in their communities, address their multiple needs through a comprehensive approach, develop partnerships with other community organizations, involve low-income clients in the agency’s operations, and administer a full range of coordinated programs designed to have a measurable impact on poverty.
The Promise of Community Action
“Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”
HOW WE MAKE AN IMPACT
A Community Action Agency:
- has received designation as a Community Action Agency either from the local government under the provisions of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, or from the state under the Community Services Block Grant Act of 1981, as amended;
- is recognized as an eligible entity as defined in the CSBG Act and can receive funding from the state under the Community Services Block Grant
- has a governing board consisting of at least one-third democratically selected representatives
- low-income people, one-third local public officials or their designees, and the remainder representatives of business, industry, labor, religious, social welfare, and other private groups in the community; and
- belongs to a national network of similar agencies, the majority of which received their initial designation, federal recognition and funding under the amended Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.
MODE OF OPERATION
A Community Action Agency carries out its mission through a variety of means including:
(a) community-wide assessments of needs and strengths
(b) comprehensive antipoverty plans and strategies
(c) provision of a broad range of direct services
(d) mobilization of financial and non-financial resources
(e) advocacy on behalf of low-income people
(f) partnerships with other community-based organizations to eliminate poverty.
We are here for the Alabama community. Let us know how we can help.
MEET OUR BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Meet the leaders of our Community Action Agencies. They help to change people’s lives, embody the spirit of hope and improve communities.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
BOARD OF DIRECTORS