Community Action Network Celebrates 56 Years of Service;
May 12, 2020 03:20PM ● By Editor
2O20 marks the 56th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. Over 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 US thrive.
This year, AEOA, a proud member of the Community Action Network, will begin our 55th year of service helping families throughout northeast Minnesota.
This year, AEOA, a proud member of the Community Action Network, will begin our 55th year of service helping families throughout northeast Minnesota.
"Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact AEOA and our network has had on families," said Scott Zahorik, Executive Director. "Last year, alone, AEOA served 34,531 individuals throughout our service area through the 70 programs that we operate. AEOA provided school-readiness skills to 446 young children; supported 3,500 individuals in achieving education and work goals; assisted nearly 10,000 seniors in maintaining an independent living situation; aided 11,000 households with home energy improvements and
utility payments; and delivered 870,000 bus rides, gas vouchers, or volunteer rides.
AEOA's 365 staff partnered with nearly 600 community organizations to meet the needs of clients, and our programs provided access to 147,355 community volunteer hours last yeat."
AEOA's 365 staff partnered with nearly 600 community organizations to meet the needs of clients, and our programs provided access to 147,355 community volunteer hours last yeat."
Community Action Agencies serve 99% of all American counties with life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability. All agencies are locally controlled and represented by the low-income, private, and public sectors of the community. "We are proud of our communities' participation in the development and oversight of our programs," said Zahorik. 'Their engagement helps us to be more effective in our approach by determining what Northeast Minnesota needs."
To celebrate the continued success of Community Action and raise awareness throughout our service area, AEOA will host a social media campaign and several community-oriented events related to the COVID-19 response.
AEOA is a member of the National Community Action Partnership and the Community Action Network, which was born out of the Economic Opportunity Act of L954. The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) is a private, non-profit Community Action Agency with over 54 years of service as a major provider of self-sufficiency services to low-income and disadvantaged persons throughout northeastern Minnesota. The Agency is governed by a Board of Directors comprised of one-third low-income community residents, one-third public officials, and one-third private sector representatives. AEOA's mission is to strengthen communities by providing opportunities for people experiencing social and economic challenges. To learn more, visit the AEOA website at www.aeoa.org.
