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Read about the latest news from CSO and see our various programs in action on our regularly updated blog.
help approximately 15 million people.
The essence of community action is service and partnership. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 created the Community Action Network as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty initiative to fight and end poverty across the nation through a network of local, state, and nationally focused organizations.
Community Services Office is a member of the National Community Action Partnership, which is the national hub that links the nation’s 1,000+ local Community Action Agencies and State Associations to each other and to leaders looking for solutions that connect families to greater opportunity.
We are a proud member of the National Community Action Partnership.
In 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson launched the War on Poverty, aiming not only to alleviate poverty symptoms but to eradicate and prevent it. Recognizing the complexity and interconnectedness of poverty and racial discrimination, Johnson committed to addressing various issues across civil rights, employment, education, health, housing, and more. The Great Society vision emphasized abundance, liberty, and an end to poverty and racial injustice. The Economic Opportunity Act (EOA), signed in 1964, played a central role in the War on Poverty, establishing programs like Job Corps, Adult Basic Education, and VISTA.
One noteworthy outcome of the EOA was the formation of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the country. In 1964, in Hayter’s Gap, Virginia, a grassroots coalition transformed into the Progressive Community Club, becoming one of the first CAAs. The success of local coalitions utilizing EOA funding led to the rapid establishment of 1,600 new CAAs by 1966, serving diverse communities.
People Incorporated, born from the Progressive Community Club, stands as an innovative CAA. The National Community Action Partnership (NCAP) launches its 60th-anniversary campaign in January 2024, coinciding with key milestones, including the anniversary of Johnson’s State of the Union Address and Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Throughout 2024, the Community Action Network will commemorate its 60th anniversary, recognizing the impactful journey of CAAs in combating poverty and empowering communities. Individual CAAs and State Associations will continue celebrating their 60th anniversaries in 2025 and beyond.
Head Start is a federal program promoting school readiness for children from low-income families. It offers comprehensive education, health, nutrition, and parent involvement services to children aged birth to five. The program fosters cognitive, social, and emotional development by providing a supportive learning environment.
Head Start also emphasizes the role of parents as their child’s first and most important teacher, encouraging family engagement. Services are tailored to each child and family’s ethnic, cultural, and linguistic heritage.
Early Head Start is a federal program supporting the development of infants and toddlers from low-income families. It provides comprehensive services, including early education, health, nutrition, and family support, to children from birth to age three and pregnant women. The program aims to enhance children’s physical, social, emotional, and intellectual growth. Early Head Start emphasizes the critical role of parents, offering parenting education and encouraging strong family involvement.
Services are customized to respect each family’s cultural and linguistic background.
We help eligible households avoid service disconnections through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), offering bill payment assistance, crisis intervention, and energy advocacy.
Assistance is available during Winter and Summer programs, with priority given to the most needy. Payments can take up to 30 days, with crisis payments processed within 24 hours.
Applications are accepted during these programs and depend on fund availability.
We provide emergency supplemental food donated by the USDA to vulnerable households in need. The Emergency Food Assistance Program helps low-income households in Hot Springs and Garland County access nutritious foods to combat hunger. Food is distributed at 2228 Albert Pike Road in Hot Springs every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Available items include canned meats, vegetables, fruits, fruit juices, peanut butter, apple sauce, rice, pasta, and soups. To receive food, you must be a resident of Garland County.
In the situation that CSO doesn’t provide a service you are looking for or when we are out of funds, there are other resources to assist those in need in our community.
Our resource page connects you to various nonprofit and public entities that offer a wide range of assistance programs, including health services, housing support, emergency aid, transportation, and more. Click the button below to learn more and access these additional resources available to help meet your needs.
In the situation that CSO doesn’t provide a service you are looking for or when we are out of funds, there are other resources to assist those in need in our community.
Our resource page connects you to various nonprofit and public entities that offer a wide range of assistance programs, including health services, housing support, emergency aid, transportation, and more. Click the button below to learn more and access these additional resources available to help meet your needs.
Community Services Office
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