What is a Community Action Agency? - Kentucky River Foothills

Committed to fostering self-reliance and community engagement.

In 1964, the federal government took significant steps to combat poverty and inequality in the United States by enacting the Economic Opportunity Act. This legislation marked the inception of local control over anti-poverty policies. The Act established local Community Action Programs (CAPs) in counties throughout the country.

Governed by a board of local residents representing low-income individuals, the public, and the private sectors, these CAPs were designed to ensure that their activities were tailored to reflect local conditions and perspectives. While the federal government provided some funding for operations, the primary goal was for local communities to leverage additional resources, implementing strategies planned by the CAPs to make a more substantial impact on poverty.

Purpose & Mission

KRFDC 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 KRFDC, 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.