Iowa Community Action Association Information

Our Mission To be a forceful advocate in support of policies and services that address the needs of individuals and families striving for economic security. Our Vision Iowa Community Action is the premier force ensuring those with less achieve more. Shared Values and Beliefs To be a forceful advocate in support of policies and services that address the needs of individuals and families striving for self-sufficiency. Community Action is committed to serving the best interests of people striving for economic security, thereby serving the best interests of everyone. All people can learn and increase their skills and knowledge. People and communities will respond when provided with the opportunity for growth. Every person and every community has potential that has not yet been realized. Community Action staff strive for professional excellence through a foundation of evidence and research-based practices. We value new and innovative approaches to strengthen individuals, families, and communities. We believe in being held to a high standard of excellence and accountability. Overview The Community Action movement was created in 1964, as result of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Since that time, Community Action has become a national network of local agencies that exist to develop local solutions to poverty. Strengthening Iowa’s Communities More than 320,000 Iowans are assisted annually by Iowa’s seventeen (17) Community Action Agencies (CAAs) through a wide range of services that are at the forefront of innovative strategies to empower low-income citizens to become self-sufficient and full participants in their communities. Local Community Action Agencies Iowa’s CAAs are locally-based private, non-profit organizations that network with a wide-array of local organizations to enhance the opportunities for low-income Iowans (children and families) to meet basic needs and develop their own capacity to do so.