Community Action Services and Food Bank is part of America’s largest poverty fighting network. We are one of more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies across the country that are working to fulfill the Promise of Community Action. Community Action Programs first came about following the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964 by President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Learn more about Community Action nationwide.
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.
The History of Community Action Services and Food Bank
Community Action Services and Food Bank is a non-profit organization that has served the low-income population of the Mountainland area since 1967 and has extensive experience in the operation of poverty programs. The agency’s purpose is to assist the disadvantaged in meeting critical basic needs (food, housing, etc.) while working with families on a long-term basis to help them to increase their potential for financial and social self-sufficiency.
The agency has provided a wide variety of services to low-income persons and has been a pioneer in the development of publicly and privately sponsored programs designed to address the needs of the disadvantaged. The organization has a trained staff with vast community contacts to help low-income persons evaluate their problems and lead them to resources, which can help in solving those problems both within the organization as well as within the community.
The Community Action Services and Food Bank Board of Trustees provides direction and guidance to staff regarding community needs, future planning, fiscal oversight, etc. The Board is a tri-partite board, which consists of 1/3 public, 1/3 private, and 1/3 low-income representatives; thereby giving low-income residents a significant opportunity to provide input to agency programs and operations. The agency’s annual budget exceeds $1.5 million. Independent audits are conducted annually.
Several local autonomous organizations had their start at Community Action Services and Food Bank, including Information and Referral, the Volunteer Center, Crisis Line, and others. The agency has also served as a catalyst to coordinate efforts and to encourage other organizations to deliver needed services. The agency is recognized locally for their leadership capabilities, expertise in regard to poverty issues, and the ability to provide quality services.
