History of Community Action
50 Years of Opportunity: Head Start’s History
Community Action originated with the passage of the Economic Opportunities Act (EOA) of 1964 as a part of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” The ambitious purpose of this statute was to mobilize the human and financial resources of the nation to combat poverty in the United States. The act established a federal Office of Economic Opportunity headed by Sargent Shriver, and created organizations called Community Action Agencies (CAAs) that would develop strategies to solve local issues of poverty.
Thus, the Community Action movement became a part of the national policy “to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty.” CAAs serve as an administrative umbrella for several programs that would be unable to stand individually. The system has proven to be a very cost-effective method of delivering services at the local level. Flexibility in programs, responsiveness to community needs, and local control make CAAs increasingly attractive to address communities’ social needs.
This national network of approximately 1,000 agencies covers 96 percent of our nation’s counties (including 58 in California). CAAs have been a lifeline for America’s low to moderate income population by delivering program services through the federally funded Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
Community Action Agencies have never deviated from striving to fulfill the Promise of Community Action…
Community Action changes peoples’ lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Culture at Community Action Partnership
Community Action Partnership of Madera County, Inc. (CAPMC) team members relish the opportunity to shape, grow, and transform our community to become a healthy, vibrant place to raise a family, work, and play. We hire high-caliber team players who share our values and our drive to eliminate the effects of poverty by helping people obtain the knowledge and skills to achieve self-reliance and economic stability. Team members are people-driven and results-oriented; they take pride in their workplace, live the Agency’s values and ethical business practices, give back to the community, and enhance diversity.
We are collaborative and inclusive, but we are also results-driven. We take diversity seriously and believe that having a workforce as diverse as ours is a responsibility to customers and the community we serve. We also take each team member’s career seriously.
Business Code of Conduct
As team members are expected know and comply with CAPMC policies, each one receives the Business Conduct Guide.
Join Our Team
Grow your experience in the human services delivery field; you will grow with us and we will grow with you.
Our Team
We look for team members who are inspired by all of this and fit well with the collaborative culture at CAPMC. The people who make up our team:
Have integrity
They do what’s right in both relationships and results. They are honest and trustworthy.
Have Empathy
They listen, pay attention to each other, and understand the needs of colleagues, customers, communities, and other stakeholders.
Are Good Team Players
They know how to collaborate, participate, debate vigorously, build commitment, and take action.
Are authentic and innovative
They look at situations from fresh perspectives and generate innovative ideas.
Are Achievers
Are constantly seeking to improve; they are not satisfied with the status quo and want positive change.
Are High Performers
They drive for results and bring their colleagues with them. They are accountable and deliver what they say they will.
Have courage
They stand for what they believe, are candid and straightforward, are not afraid to lead, and are committed to excellence.
Are passionate.
They are energetic and excited about the personal and professional opportunities offered by CAPMC to help people, change lives.
Doing Business with CAPMC
Championing Public Advocacy for Economic Stability and Self-Reliance
Community Action Partnership of Madera County, Inc. (CAPMC) is dedicated to eliminating poverty by helping individuals achieve self-reliance and economic stability through knowledge and skills, and by advocating for effective policies and regulations in partnership with government, businesses, and social service agencies.
