Helping to connect low-income, unemployed and underemployed persons to family-supporting opportunities
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are private non-profit organizations that were established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight America's War on Poverty. Status as a Community Action Agency is the result of an explicit designation by local or state government. A Community Action Agency has a tripartite board structure that is designed to promote the participation of the entire community in the reduction or elimination of poverty. Community Action Agencies seek to involve the community, including elected officials, private sector representatives, and especially low-income residents, in assessing local needs and attacking the causes and conditions of poverty. Today, there are approximately 1,000 Community Action Agencies in the United States.
Founded in 1964, TCA has, for four decades, attempted to ease the social and economic conditions that perpetuate poverty. Services provided by TCA address the needs of the poor and near-poor by providing direct assistance and the opportunity for people to better help themselves. Services include early childhood development, energy assistance, weatherization, job counseling and guidance, transportation for the elderly and disabled, commodity distribution, individual and family development accounts, homeless prevention, low income free tax preparation assistance (VITA), Family Matters - program for unwed parents, and youth work experience.
LEADERSHIP
Thelma H. French, President/CEO
504-872-0334
Pearlie H. Elloie, Director, Office of Children, Youth & Families
504-309-3503
Carolyn G. Ford, Director of Operations
504-872-0355