- Community Action Agencies improved the lives of 659,190 New Yorkers in 2005 by:
- Developing broad-based community partnerships to efficiently implement human services;
- Spearheading innovative macro and micro approaches to economic development;
- Expanding opportunities for affordable and energy-efficient housing;
- Stabilizing families by providing emergency assistance; and
- Empowering children, adults, and seniors through strength-based programs and activities.
For more than 40 years, New York’s Community Action Agencies have been the proven local, grassroots, federally-designated network of anti-poverty agencies in New York State. New York State’s Community Action Agencies are a catalyst for change, testing new initiatives and developing innovative methods to eliminate the causes and effects of poverty. We empower struggling families and individuals and encourage them along the path to self-sufficiency. With a network of 52 organizations located throughout the Empire State that can reach every New Yorker, Community Action Agencies form a statewide service delivery system that connects individuals and families to the services they need to achieve economic security. When it comes to moving folks from poverty to self-sufficiency, Community Action Agencies know what works. Community Action Agencies achieve positive results that change lives and strengthen communities.
Community Action Agencies have a long track record of moving New Yorkers from poverty to the middle class. We know the socioeconomic framework of New York State is changing as the middle class shrinks and many transition to become part of the working poor. Those who used to be considered the working poor are finding themselves even further behind, running the risk of falling into extreme poverty. This increase of New Yorkers shifting from the middle class to the working poor is reflected in Community Action’s 20% increase in individuals coming through our doors from 2004 to 2005 with 659,190 New Yorkers receiving a hand up through Community Action Agencies last year. The typical Community Action customer is one of the working poor, struggling to reach the middle class with limited financial assets and educational opportunities. Community Action Agencies are well positioned to leverage their existing funding streams and programs to reinforce ladders to the middle class.
Community Action Agencies are experienced in leveraging other funds to increase their impact. Currently, Community Action Agencies leverage the $52 million in Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding received statewide to bring in an additional $656 million in federal, state, local public and private funding to our local communities. In addition, Community Action Agencies are highly accountable organizations, overseen programmatically and financially by the New York State Department of State, Division of Community Services, with historically low administration rates.
Community Action helps families develop personal and family assets that create depth and relative wealth for families. These assets are key to moving out of poverty and staying economically self-sufficient. From skills training, to home purchasing programs, financial literacy programs, and tax return assistance, asset development is an innovative approach to fighting poverty with Community Action at the forefront.
With decreasing numbers of affordable housing units finding their way onto the market, CAAs have stepped into the development and rehabilitation of affordable housing. In 2005, Community Action Agencies strengthened families and communities by:
- Creating 2,300 safe and affordable housing in New York State communities; and
- Preserving and improving an additional 379,573 safe and affordable housing units in New York communities through construction, weatherization, or rehabilitation via CAA activity or advocacy.
CAAs do not work in isolation; they work in partnership with the broader community. CAA boards of directors demonstrate that partnership through the mandated tri-partite structure of low-income, elected officials, and private sector representatives serving on the governing board. In addition, in 2005, Community Action Agencies strengthened families and communities with:
- 758 partnerships, developed with 5,567 local Faith- and Community-Based Organizations, to promote family and community development; and
- 1,651,353 volunteer hours, donated to Community Action, with a total value of $8,504,468 (at federal minimum wage).
Community Action supports a strength-based approach in its carried work with families. From Head Start and other child care settings, to adolescent after school programs, youth of all ages participate in CAA activity. In addition, many CAAs provide meals to seniors, housing for teen mothers, and substance abuse counseling among other services. In 2005, Community Action Agencies strengthened families and communities by providing:
- 26,930 infants and children with age-appropriate immunizations, medical and dental care;
- 13,849 pre-school aged children with opportunities to participate in pre-school activities to develop school-ready skills; and
- Over 10,000 youth and 11,000 adults with access to participation in Family Development activities.
Community Action still provides the emergency services and advocacy it has since the 1960s. Families find themselves in crisis for a variety of reasons, and CAAs are there to provide assistance. In 2005, Community Action Agencies strengthened families and communities by providing:
- 414,093 individuals and families with food assistance; and
- 30,834 households with emergency vendor payments, including fuel, rent, and energy.
These agencies work closely with Community Action Agencies. Many times, these agencies are housed inside the Community Action Agency.
Click here for information about Family Development services
Click here for information about Head Start
Click here for information about Weatherization Services
Click here for information about Community Action Angels
