Breaking Barriers and Changing Lives.

One individual, one family at a time

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.

HIGHLIGHTS

Helping People Since
0
People Served Annually
+ 0
Whole Child Services Participants
0

WHAT WE DO:

Mobilize resources and devise solutions that unlock opportunities for low-income families who are struggling to provide basic needs for themselves and their families

HOW WE DO IT:

Use a holistic approach to provide effective supports through various services, strong collaborative partnerships and direct funding

What We Are Known For

ADVOCACY

We are intentional about building relationships at all levels to raise awareness of community needs in the fight against poverty.

Fighting Poverty

COMMUNITY

We care about the entire community, and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

Helping Others

Identifying Goals

EMPOWERMENT

We work with low-income people and help them receive the tools and resources they need to become independent of public programs and services.

Creating Opportunities

RELIABLE

We serve with diligence every day to create opportunities leading to family self-sufficiency.

ENGAGEMENT

From volunteers to larger groups, we rely on the generosity of others to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

Generosity

RESPONSIVE

We facilitate collective action to shape social change as directed by community voice.

Shaping Change

ADVOCACY

We are intentional about building relationships at all levels to raise awareness of community needs in the fight against poverty.

Fighting Poverty

Helping Others

COMMUNITY

We care about the entire community, and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

EMPOWERMENT

We work with low-income people and help them receive the tools and resources they need to become independent of public programs and services.

Identifying Goals

RELIABLE

We serve with diligence every day to create opportunities leading to family self-sufficiency.

Creating Opportunities

Generosity

ENGAGEMENT

From volunteers to larger groups, we rely on the generosity of others to make a difference in the lives of those in need.

RESPONSIVE

We facilitate collective action to shape social change as directed by community voice.

Shaping Change

cso-testimonials

“I wish to send a personal thanks to the CSO team. The assistance, patience, and professionalism I experienced from them was exceptional. I am so appreciative that programs and services like the ones they offer are available for people in need. It has truly been a blessing and life altering.”

T. Miller

Hot Springs, AR

A NATIONAL NETWORK CENTERED ON COMMUNITY

Every year, Community Action Agencies around the country 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.

WHO

WE ARE

We serve low-income individuals and families through a combination of assistance, encouragement, and incentives to become self-sufficient. From Head Start and other education programs, to adult employment and training, to food and rental assistance – we provide solutions economically disadvantaged people need to survive.

MEET OUR TEAM

OUR PARTNERS

The following partners help us to better operate and accomplish our mission.

Facebook-f Instagram Linkedin Youtube
RESOURCES
NEWS/EVENTS

STAY UPDATED

Stay updated on the latest news surrounding Community Services Office.

Donate Today

Community Services Office

Copyright © 2022. All rights reserved.