First State Community Action Network marks 54 years of service

2020 marks the 54th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty.

More than 1,000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors making communities stronger and helping families across the U.S. thrive. This year, First State Community Action Agency, a proud member of the Community Action Network, will also commemorate 54 years in service helping low-income families in Delaware.

“Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact First State Community Action Agency and our network have had on families of low income,” said Bernice Edwards, executive director of First State Community Action Agency. “Last year alone, we served over 5,100 families in Delaware, and over 15 million across the country with immediately needed services such as comprehensive case management, re-entry, culinary arts, seniors programs, after-school programs, fatherhood programs, emergency services, housing, financial literacy, community development and also long-term solutions like education and job placement.”

Community Action Agencies serve 99 percent of all American counties with life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability. All agencies are locally controlled and represented by the private, public and low-income sectors of the community.

“We are proud of our communities’ participation in the development and oversight of our programs,” said Edwards. “Their engagement helps us to be more effective in our approach by determining what Delaware needs.”

First State Community Action Agency’s mission is to work toward the elimination of poverty and lessen the effects of poverty on people of low income.

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