Mission

Community Action Council's mission is to combat poverty.

Background

The first community action agencies were established in 1964 to fight poverty as part of President Lyndon B. Johnson's Economic Opportunity Act. The chief values of this movement-to serve the best interests of the low income population and improve the quality of life in the community-were true then, are true now, and will remain true as long as there is poverty.

Community Action Council of Lexington-Fayette, Bourbon, Harrison and Nicholas Counties, a private non-profit organization, was organized by five local community activists in 1965. The Council was originally chartered only for Fayette County. In 1974, Nicholas County was added, and later, Bourbon and Harrison joined the organization's service area. Part of a network of over one thousand agencies, Community Action Council addresses both urban and rural needs in the counties that it serves.

Board of Directors

From the beginning, citizen participation has been an essential element and goal of community action. At Community Action Council, we listen to low income people and take our lead from them to find solutions to poverty in our community. The foundation of the Council's volunteer board of directors is an equal number of low income people serving with public officials and representatives from the private sector such as civic and business leaders. Together these diverse segments of the community provide a range of perspectives to meet unique local needs.

Philosophy

Community Action Council's philosophy and approach to poverty in its communities are described in its Vision Statement:

As advocates, we listen, understand, and take our lead from the low income population; we assist the low income population in advocating for themselves; and we advocate for the low income population at all levels of public policy including economic, legislative, government and business.

As a community action agency, we provide community and neighborhood-based services that are integrated, comprehensive, developmental, and, empowering for individuals, families and communities. We utilize technology to enhance the quality and efficiency of our services and service delivery, holding ourselves accountable for measurable results.

As an organization that believes the low-income population must be active participants in the ultimate solutions to poverty, Community Action Council will develop civic capital and promote community involvement within the low income community by identifying and capitalizing on the assets, leadership and talents present within the community.