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First State Community Action celebrates diamond anniversary

First State Community Action Agency Executive Director Bernice Edwards receives tributes during the 60th anniversary celebration. Shown are (l-r) Rep. Kerri Evelyn Harris, D-Dover; Edwards; Rep. Alona Berry, D-Milton; Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner, R-Georgetown; FSCAA Board President Anne Farley; and Sen. Dave Wilson, R-Lincoln. DAN COOK PHOTOS
Dan Cook
November 19, 2025

First State Community Action Agency celebrated 60 years of impact Nov. 17 at Delaware State University.

Nearly 300 people enjoyed dinner and music, and celebrated First State Community Action Agency tributes from politicians as well as awards to its members. 

The keynote address was given by Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend, former lieutenant governor of Maryland and the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy.

First State Community Action Agency presented the Stanford L. Bratton Award to Ruthi Adams-Joseph. The Legacy of Courage Award was presented to to Ruth Sakalowski. The Community Partner Award recipient was the Delaware Community Foundation. 

First State Community Action Agency was the first community action agency in the state of Delaware. It was formed in 1965 as the Sussex County Community Action Agency by a group of concerned citizens. It has grown to encompass the entire state, offering a diverse array of programs that target the root causes of poverty.

“It was such a nice evening,” said First State Community Action Agency Executive Director Bernice Edwards. “Each county was represented, and I want to thank our sponsors, partners and community champions from across Delaware. We are not just celebrating the first 60 years, but we are also building for the next 60.”

Proceeds and donations allow First State Community Action Agency to continue youth leadership programs, workforce and culinary training, housing support and financial empowerment, community development and neighborhood revitalization, food access, family stability initiatives and more. 

For more information, go to www.firststatecaa.org. 

 

The keynote address is given by Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend, former lieutenant governor of Maryland and the daughter of Robert F. Kennedy.
FSCAA board member Tesha Miller serves as mistress of ceremonies for the event.
FSCAA Executive Director Bernice Edwards welcomes attendees to the celebration.
Georgetown Mayor Bill West has a conversation with former Lt. Gov. Bethany Hall-Long.
FSCAA Board President Anne Farley presents the Community Partner Award to the Delaware Community Foundation. Shown representing the Delaware Community Foundation are (l-r) Mike DiPaolo, Chanta Wilkinson, Stuart Comstock-Gay and Farley.
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Matt Heckles, Paul Calistro, and Maria and Nadab Bynum.
Having a great time at the event are (l-r) Tyreik Hicks, Tammy Edwards, Nash Valentin, Will Edwards, Christa Edwards and Gerald Mitchell.
Sen. Chris Coons sent a video congratulating Bernice Edwards and the rest of the FSCAA team.
FSCAA Board President Anne Farley introduces the board members and award winners.
Sen. Lisa Blunt-Rochester sends her congratulations via a video presentation.
Congratulating Bernice Edwards are (l-r) Bethany Hall Long, Jack Young, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Delaware Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay, Sam Beard and Tesha Miller.
Enjoying the event are (l-r) Chanta Wilkinson, Sarah Gilmour and Dana Paskins.
A silent auction raises funds for the FSCAA.
Rosalyn Winder makes a bid at the silent auction.
Lt. Gov. Kyle Evans Gay offers congratulations to FSCAA.
Rep. Valerie Jones Giltner, R-Georgetown, delivers a proclamation from the House of Representatives.
Rep. Dave Wilson, R-Lincoln, gives congratulations to FSCAA.
FSCAA board member Jack Young introduces the keynote speaker, Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend.
Jaime Sayler offers congratulations from U.S. Rep. Sarah McBride.
FSCAA Executive Director Bernice Edwards, right, presents the Legacy of Courage Award to Ruth Sakalowski.
Posing with Bernice Edwards are (l-r) Marty Rendon, Gail Launay and the Rev. Jamaal Bivins.
New Castle County Executive Marcus Henry speaks at the event.

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Dan has worked for the Cape Gazette for more than 30 years as a photographer and reporter, covering high school sports and happenings around eastern Sussex County. He won a photography award from the National Newspaper Association, and numerous awards from the Maryland, Delaware, D.C. Press Association. A Delaware native, Dan graduated from Cape in 1972 and returned as a teacher and coach in the 1980s. He retired from the classroom in 2016. He was inducted into Cape High’s Legends Stadium in 2016. In his spare time, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife, two sons, grandchildren and dogs. 

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