Since its creation 40 years ago, Community Action has focused on eliminating the causes and consequences of poverty in the United States. Oklahoma’s Community Action Agencies continue helping people and changing lives through a wide range of programs and services to reduce poverty and foster self-sufficiency.

Community Action Agencies helped income-qualified persons complete and electronically file their tax returns earlier this year. Over 2,800 federal tax returns were filed and more than $3.6 million in refunds, including Earned Income Tax Credits and the Child Tax Credits, were claimed.

Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Agency and Central Oklahoma Community Action Agency partnered with a faith-based group to repair homes of low-income families and senior citizens. Over 400 teens and their adult advisors converged on Jay and another 180 came to Seminole to paint, re-roof, construct wheelchair ramps, replace siding, and make other repairs to nearly 100 homes.

Hundreds of low-income families in McIntosh County were able to get fresh vegetables this summer from a community garden in Eufaula. Deep Fork Community Action Foundation coordinated the program. More than a dozen different vegetables were planted, cultivated and harvested by community groups. Deep Fork distributed the vegetables from its office and at senior nutrition sites.

Washita Valley Community Action Council aided first-time homebuyers in Grady County with down payment and closing cost assistance. The agency provided up to $7,500 in the form of a five-year forgivable second mortgage to homebuyers who met federal income guidelines and could qualify for a first mortgage from a lender.

For addresses and phone numbers of Oklahoma’s Community Action Agencies, contact the Oklahoma Association of Community Action Agencies at 405-949-1495, or from the web site at www.okacaa.org

last modified: October 2004