Community Action Agencies

Foothills is a Community Action Agency, or CAA. We operate with a board that includes local leaders, public officials, and community members, making sure everyone has a voice in fighting poverty.

Our goal is to understand local needs and help address the root causes of poverty. Foothills is one of 23 Community Action Agencies in Kentucky and part of a nationwide network of about 1,000 agencies.

Click here to read more about Community Action Kentucky

Click here to read more about the National Community Action Partnership

Many organizations focus on one area of need, like job training, health care, housing, or economic development. Community Action Agencies, or CAAs, take a bigger approach. They work with low-income individuals and families to address multiple needs at once.

CAAs build partnerships with other local organizations, involve clients in planning and decision-making, and run a variety of programs designed to make a real difference in reducing poverty.

Qualifications of a Recognized Community Action Agency

Has official designation from the local or state government under federal and state laws.

Meets the requirements to receive state funding through the Community Services Block Grant.

Maintains a governing board made up of at least one-third low-income representatives, one-third public officials, and the rest from business, industry, labor, faith, or other community groups.

A Community Action Agency carries out its mission by:

• Looking at the community to find needs and strengths.

• Creating plans and strategies to fight poverty.

• Providing many types of direct services.

• Gathering financial and other resources to support programs.

• Speaking up for the needs of low-income individuals and families.

• Partnering with other local organizations to reduce poverty.

CSBG, the Community Services Block Grant, is the backbone of what we do. It gives us the flexibility to meet people where they are, respond to local needs, and create programs that fit the strengths and challenges of our communities. With this funding, we offer a wide range of services that help families and individuals gain stability, opportunity, and independence.

In Kentucky, CSBG supports 23 Community Action Agencies. It helps coordinate emergency assistance, connect people with critical services, and build programs that create lasting change. CSBG also helps us bring in other public and private resources, multiplying its impact across the state.

At Kentucky River Foothills, CSBG helps us:

• Provide utility and rental assistance for families in crisis
• Support workforce development and job readiness
• Expand access to food, transportation, and housing
• Offer case management, financial coaching, and goal planning
• Deliver recovery support and reentry services
• Create safe and stable spaces for children, older adults, and individuals with special needs

CSBG also strengthens our ability to listen. Through community assessments, planning, and board leadership that includes people with lived experience, we make sure our services focus on what matters most to the people we serve.

Every dollar of CSBG makes a difference. It connects basic needs to long-term goals, removes barriers, and helps our neighbors build stronger, more secure futures. CSBG makes this work possible and strengthens communities from the ground up.