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Washington-Morgan Community Action is joining other agencies across the country in May to celebrate National Community Action Month. During the month, Community Action Agencies truly make the Promise of Community Action—to help people and change lives—come alive by hosting events that help put a "face" on families striving to achieve self-sufficiency and highlighting the positive programs that help thousands of families every day. As Community Action agencies are showcasing their programs, they are also giving local residents, many of whom are unaware of the poverty in their communities, a first-hand look at the struggles low-income families face and how Community Action programs help them achieve financial security. Community Action provides many important opportunities to clients in the area. Through employment programs, the agency is able to help individuals go back to school to learn skills in order to obtain a job. According to the National Association for State Community Service Programs (NASCSP), 165,000 unemployed individuals obtained jobs through the services provided by Community Action Agencies. Additionally, the weatherization program makes houses energy efficient and safer for families throughout the area. "These services help better not only the lives of our clients, but also the communities that we serve," said Director of Community and Senior Services, Carrie McNamee. The Community Action Program Corporation of Washington-Morgan Counties, also known as Washington-Morgan Community Action, is a non-profit community-based organization that serves Washington and Morgan Counties, Ohio. It is the product of over 50 years of caring. In the 1960s, community leaders began meeting to assess local needs and determine a way to meet them. The Community Action Program Corporation of Washington-Morgan Counties was incorporated in 1967, and Anthony Mele, founding executive director, obtained funding for a family service center and outreach program, the first family planning program in the state of Ohio, and a full-year Head Start program. With these funds, Washington-Morgan Community Action began its long-standing commitment to the underserved individuals and families living in both counties. "Washington-Morgan Community Action has been serving the area for over 50 years, helping those with lower incomes have the opportunity to achieve growth and success," said executive director David Brightbill. Community Action Agencies (CAAs) were created in 1964 when President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act. Washington-Morgan Community Action was incorporated in 1967 as a part of this legislation. With over 50 years of history, Washington-Morgan Community Action has proven to be a strong asset in the community. By running a variety of successful and vital community programs, the agency continues to help individuals and families achieve growth and success. The Community Action Partnership, a national membership organization representing the interests of 1,100 Community Action Agencies, designates May as National Community Action Month to recognize the work of CAAs that are fighting poverty on the local level. Each year, CAAs help millions of Americans escape poverty and achieve financial stability through programs such as Head Start, job training, weatherization and housing. For more information on Washington-Morgan Community Action call 740-373-3745 or visit the website at www.wmcap.org. |
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Washington-Morgan Community Action Washington and Morgan Counties, Ohio |
218 Putnam Street, Marietta, OH 45750 (740) 373-374550 W. Third Street, PO Box 398, Malta, OH 43758 (740) 962-3827 |