Celebrating Community Action Month—and 50 Years of CAAP
Every May, we come together to recognize the power of Community Action in building stronger, more resilient communities across the United States. This Community Action Month, CAAP is especially proud to mark 50 years of statewide advocacy, support, and partnership. While the Association turns 50 this year, many of our local member agencies have been doing this work even longer—some celebrating 60 years of service in their own communities. For five+ decades, Community Action has been on the frontlines of change, partnering with families and communities to tackle the complex barriers that limit opportunity and well-being. From emergency assistance to long-term support, CAAs work every day to create pathways to economic security and a better future.
Community Action began with the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, empowering local agencies across the nation—including many in Pennsylvania—to address poverty at its roots. A decade later, CAAP was founded to support, coordinate, and advocate for these agencies at the state level. Community Action was launched as a cornerstone of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty. But it didn’t stop at providing services—it empowered communities to organize, advocate, and lead solutions for themselves. Today, more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) serve 99% of U.S. counties, addressing not just the symptoms of poverty but its root causes. Whether it's providing access to safe housing, affordable childcare, education, employment resources, or critical energy assistance, CAAs continue to be the trusted partners in times of need, and in times of growth.
Why Community Action Matters:
A National Movement with Local Roots: Enacted by President Lyndon B. Johnson’s, Community Action was built on a simple but revolutionary idea: those most affected by poverty should have a voice in solving it. Today, over 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) serve every corner of the country—rural, suburban, and urban alike—tailoring services to meet the unique needs of each community.
Comprehensive Services for Lasting Change: Community Action doesn’t just respond to emergencies—it lays the groundwork for long-term success. CAAs address immediate needs, such as food and shelter, while also offering programs in early childhood education, financial literacy, workforce development, weatherization, and healthcare access. These wraparound services break down the systemic barriers that keep families from reaching their full potential.
Data-Driven, People-Centered Impact: Every program is built on real data from community needs assessments and measured by outcomes, not assumptions. From helping first-time homeowners achieve stability to connecting job-seekers with training opportunities, Community Action agencies drive measurable improvements that ripple across generations.
Building Stronger Communities, One Family at a Time: When families are stable and supported, communities flourish. The work of Community Action extends far beyond individual success stories; it strengthens local economies, revitalizes neighborhoods, and fosters a sense of belonging and resilience that benefits everyone.
60 Years of Local Leadership
While CAAP celebrates 50 years of statewide impact, our strength has always come from our member agencies—many of whom have been serving their communities for six decades. These pioneers were among the first in the country to respond to the War on Poverty with grassroots leadership, innovative services, and deep local partnerships. Their legacy is the foundation on which CAAP was built, and their continued work fuels our shared mission every day.
Engagement Opportunities
We’re inviting our partners, member agencies, and supporters to join us in making this 50th anniversary celebration unforgettable. There are many ways to get involved and help amplify the impact of Community Action:
Share Your Story: Whether you’re a staff member, community partner, or someone whose life was touched by Community Action, we want to hear from you. Your stories showcase the real-world impact of our work.
Celebrate on Social Media: Use the hashtags #CAAP50 and #CommunityActionMonth to share your memories, milestones, and messages of support. We’ll be featuring posts throughout the year to highlight the strength and diversity of our network.
Attend Our Events: Stay tuned for special events and opportunities to gather, reflect, and celebrate together. Whether virtually or in person, your presence makes a difference in your community.
Check out the following links to learn more about Community Action’s national impact:
Fifty Years and Only Getting Stronger
Here’s to 50 years—and the decades of impact still ahead. As we celebrate this milestone, we’re reminded that Community Action has never been about standing still. It’s about listening, adapting, leading, and building stronger futures together. Every family supported, every barrier removed, and every community strengthened adds another chapter to our shared story. We are proud of how far we’ve come and even more energized for the work that lies ahead.
Thank you for being part of this journey with us.