What is a Community Action Agency? - Kentucky River Foothills

Committed to fostering self-reliance and community engagement.

In 1964, the federal government took a significant step toward empowering communities and promoting economic opportunity. This legislation laid the groundwork for local control over initiatives aimed at addressing poverty and supporting self-sufficiency.

Community Action Programs (CAPs) across the nation are managed by local boards representing a mix of low-income individuals, the public, and private sectors. These programs were designed to address the unique needs of each community, with the federal government providing some funding while encouraging local communities to leverage additional resources to develop and implement effective solutions.

Purpose & Mission

Foothills is a designated Community Action Agency (CAA). Operating under a tripartite board structure, we actively involve the entire community in addressing and reducing poverty. Community Action Agencies, including Foothills, aim to engage elected public officials, private sector representatives, and, crucially, low-income residents in identifying local needs and tackling the root causes of poverty. Foothills proudly stands as one of Kentucky’s 23 Community Action Agencies (CAAs), contributing to a nationwide network of approximately 1,000 agencies.

Click here to read more about Community Action Kentucky

Click here to read more about the National Community Action Partnership
Unique Structure
While many organizations addressing poverty concentrate on specific needs like job training, health care, housing, or economic development, Community Action Agencies (CAAs) stand out. CAAs actively engage with low-income individuals in their communities, taking a comprehensive approach to address multiple needs. They build partnerships with other community organizations, include low-income clients in the agency’s operations, and administer a range of coordinated programs aimed at making a measurable impact on poverty.

Qualifications of a Recognized Community Action Agency:
- Has earned official designation 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.
- Meets the criteria as an eligible entity as defined in the CSBG Act and is eligible to receive funding from the state under The Community Services Block Grant.
- Maintains a governing board comprising at least one-third democratically selected representatives of low-income individuals, one-third local public officials or their appointees, and the remaining members representing business, industry, labor, religious, social welfare, and other private groups within the community.
Mode of Operation
A Community Action Agency fulfills its mission through various avenues, including:
- Conducting community-wide assessments to identify needs and strengths.
- Developing comprehensive antipoverty plans and strategies.
- Offering a wide range of direct services.
- Mobilizing financial and non-financial resources.
- Advocating for the interests of low-income individuals.
- Establishing partnerships with other community-based organizations to eradicate poverty.