What is a Community Action agency?
Community Action is unique!
Virtually every county in the United States has a Community Action agency - which is a local organization charged by the federal government with the sweeping mission of fighting poverty. We help ensure a safety net for low-income individuals and families, but even more importantly, we create opportunities for people to move from poverty to independence. We address local causes and conditions of poverty with input from our entire community, including the low-income people we serve.
We are distinct from other local organizations and nonprofits in several ways.
First, we are governed by a volunteer tripartite Board of Directors. Our Board has equal representation from the low-income community, local elected officials, and a wide array of public and private community stakeholders.
We conduct a comprehensive assessment of needs in our community, which then guides our decisions about programs and services. This assessment identifies the causes and conditions of poverty in our region, along with the barriers to self-sufficiency, and innovative ways to address these issues. As a result, we provide a holistic and comprehensive response to the full range of challenges facing low-income people.
Everything we do is through partnerships with numerous public and private sector organizations. We know that local communities benefit from a broad but coordinated range of resources and initiatives, which also include volunteers donating their time and talent.
We are a trusted organization with long-standing relationships and deep roots in our community. Our flexibility and close ties to the community make us able to respond quickly to emergent needs.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Tri County Community Action is to build on the strengths and resources available, provide solutions for complex issues, and empower individuals, families, and communities to move out of poverty.
OUR VISION
That we all live in a community free from poverty.
OUR PROMISE
Community Action changes peoples’ 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.
