Board of Directors Administrative Office Staff
The idea of Community Action came out of the enactment of the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) of 1964. The overall purpose of the statute was to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty in the United States. Under the Act, a federal Office of Economic Opportunity was established, state Economic Opportunity offices were formed, and new community-based organizations called Community Action Agencies evolved.
South Central Missouri Community Action Agency was incorporated in 1965 under the Equal Opportunity Act, 1964 as a not-for-profit Community Action Agency serving the counties of Butler, Carter, Dent, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne.
"...it is therefore the policy of the United States to eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation by opening to everyone, the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity." Pres. Lyndon B. Johnson
What Is Our Mission?
The mission of South Central Missouri Community Action Agency is to assist low-income families in their efforts to become self-sufficient by providing programs and services to improve the quality of their lives and the opportunity to eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty.
What Is Our Vision?
For Families
All families are supported in their goals to be self sufficient. They are viewed not as burdens to society but as productive citizens who can make a positive difference. We envision families who have the potential to improve their own lives and the determination to help others. Our vision is that all families are self reliant and have support systems in their community.
For Communities
Our community vision is not defined by geographical boundaries or stock market analyses. We envision our communities as large families concerned with the well-being of all its citizens. We want neighborhoods that are safe and growing, employers who are fair and rewarding and academic institutions that are innovative and achieving. Our vision is that communities invest in their people, realizing that human investment reaps the greatest returns.
For Agency
The agency will be a leader in south central Missouri by providing innovative and creative solutions for families and communities grappling with the effects of poverty. Through established partnerships and human connections we will use our best tools and resources against an enemy that threatens the lives and livelihood of the people we serve. Our vision as an agency is to end poverty - one family at a time.
About Us
South Central Missouri Community Action Agency is governed by a twenty-one member tri-partite Board of Directors. One-third of the board is elected public officials or their representatives. One-third is representatives of business, industry, labor, religion, welfare, education, or other major groups and interests in the community. One-third is individuals who represent the poor in the area served. The tri-partite composition of membership provides for the actual problems experienced by the poor to be voiced by their representatives and responded to by the representatives of the business and local government.
Lelia Cotner was recently honored for her years of service to the SCMCAA Governing Board. Those in attendance were George Cotner, Ann Smith, Frances Akers, Denise Faulkner, Rene Moncrief, Dennis Purcell and Barry Baugh.
Ann Smith - Executive Director