Who we are
Community Action of Etowah County is a private, non-profit 501(c)(3) organization under the umbrella of the National Community Action Partnership created by the federal government in 1964. There are 19 other Community Action Agencies in Alabama, serving all 67 counties, and over 1,000 throughout the United States.
Our Mission and Purpose
In order to reduce poverty in its community, 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.
Mode of operation
We carry out our purpose and 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 and (f) partnerships with other community-based organizations to eliminate poverty. We involve the low-income population that we serve in the planning, administering and evaluation of our programs.
Why we are unique
Community Action Agencies are Unique because most poverty-related organizations focus on a specific area of need, such as job training, health care, housing, or economic development. 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.
How we are set up and funded
A Community Action Agency has a tripartite board structure that is designed to promote the participation of the entire community in the reduction or elimination of poverty. 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.
Community Action of Etowah County has received designation as a Community Action Agency from our local county government under the provision of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964; is recognized as an eligible entity as defined in the CSBG Act and receives 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.
The Community Action Promise
“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”
Please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or if you would like more information regarding our services.
Currently Funded By:
U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
(Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
(American Rescue Plan – Supplemental Funds)
(Community Services Block Grant)
Federal Emergency Management Agency
(Emergency Food and Shelter Program)
Alabama Power
(Alabama Business Charitable Trust Funds)
State of Alabama
(General Fund Grant)
Spire Alabama
(Dollar Help Program)
