Indiana Community Action Network Newsletter - May 2010

In This Issue

2009 FPG Remain in Effect

Out of Reach 2010

Client Spotlight: HSI

Funding Opportunity: SNAP Outreach

2010 ITI Trainings

Get a Kick in Your Assets

About the Nettwork

Join Our Mailing List

About the Indiana Community Action Network The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 (EOA) established over 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) at the local level to implement EOA programs. EOA programs included: VISTA (Volunteers In Service To America); Job Corps; Neighborhood Youth Corps; Head Start; Adult Basic Education; Family Planning; Community Health Centers; Congregate Meal Preparation; Economic Development; Foster Grandparents; Legal Services; Neighborhood Centers; Summer Youth Programs; Senior Centers; and others.  CAAs vary widely, with some being non-profit groups, others being city agencies, and some being community-controlled groups. Many CAAs vary greatly in how their agencies are organized and in the type of services they provide to their local communities. In fact, the number of CAAs has increased and it is now estimated that CAAs serve over 80 percent of all U.S. counties. Although CAAs were established over 40 years ago, they have a rich history of advocacy for and service to low-income people and remain important in domestic social policy to the present day.   There are 24 CAAs that serve all 92 counties of Indiana. CAAs periodically analyze community needs to identify strategies that will work best in attacking poverty. Each CAA is different because its programs reflect the needs of their local communities. These agencies are unique in their ability to deploy diverse program activities and services in meeting their mission. They operate an array of programs which include, but are not limited to: Head Start; the Energy Assistance Program; the Weatherization Program; Individual Development Accounts; Homeownership Counseling; Owner Occupied Rehabilitation; Housing Development; Foster Grandparents; Child Care; and many more programs and services. To find your local CAA or to learn more about the Indiana Community Action Network or State Association, please visit www.incap.org.