Staff Spotlight: Honoring Georgia Del Freo - A Steady Hand and Fierce Heart in Community Action
In the world of Community Action, some people quietly shape the movement in profound ways, never demanding attention, but always inspiring respect. Georgia Del Freo is one of those people.
From her early days sharing an office at Greater Erie Community Action Committee’s Planning & Development department to her current leadership role within CAAP, Georgia has played many roles in our collective Community Action family. As colleague Matt Trott of GECAC writes:
“Our GECAC Community Action family has been blessed, and will continue to be blessed, to count Georgia Del Freo as a member. Over the years, Georgia has played many roles in our family: a twin sister when we shared an office in Planning & Development; the wise matriarch to the broader Community Action family in Pennsylvania and beyond; and the steady leader who kept us all moving forward, through good times and hard times.”
She’s been the mediator in tense moments, the anchor through organizational change, and the voice reminding us all to keep our “eye on the prize.” Whether comforting teammates through transitions or lifting spirits after a loss, Georgia has consistently centered the mission and the people of Community Action.
“She has been the rock to lean on during the hardest times,” Matt shares, “when we lost family members who changed careers, moved away, or passed away. Even when major branches of Community Action’s family tree were pruned, Georgia kept us focused on moving forward for the benefit of those we serve.”
And in between the big moments, she’s played every other role you’d want in a healthy work family:
The “cool aunt.”
The supportive “work spouse.”
The wise “parent.”
The road trip companion to Harrisburg.
Even the fun “wild cousin”, because, as Matt puts it, “you can’t take the Happy Valley out of someone.”
Her colleagues across the state and country echo the same sentiments:
Melissa Tabb, Deputy Director at PA Department of Community & Economic Development, shares:
“Although she may not be the loudest voice in the room, she’s more than likely the smartest. She’s incredibly thoughtful and kind, crazy knowledgeable on all the topics in the human services universe, and just a lot of fun to be around!”
Megan Shreve, CEO of South Central Community Action Programs (SCCAP), adds:
“Georgia is no drama, get-the-work-done, incredibly thoughtful and strategic. Her commitment to this mission is all in. I’m so grateful to have her supporting this important work in Pennsylvania.”
Jen Wintermyer, CEO of Tri County Community Action, reflects:
“From almost the day I started, people told me, ‘If you want to learn how to do this right, watch what Georgia does.’ And they weren’t wrong. She’s beyond smart and steady. She brings her full self to the work and always keeps people and purpose at the center.”
Beck Moore, CEO of Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, remarks:
“When I joined the Community Action family, it was clear that our ability to best serve our member agencies and grow our collective opportunities hinged on having someone that had knowledge, expertise, and passion. Georgia is that person. She has been critical to our success as an association and on a personal level I can’t imagine doing this work without her. I’m so thankful that she joined our team and is helping to shape the future of our network.”
Rachelle Abbott, President & CEO of STEP, Inc., notes:
“Georgia’s insights and knowledge have had a powerful impact, not just on me as a leader, but on the entire Community Action Network in Pennsylvania and across the nation.”
This Community Action Month, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on Georgia Del Freo, not just for her titles or achievements, but for the way she shows up. With intention. With wisdom. With humility. And with a quiet force that’s kept our network grounded and moving forward.
To Georgia - Thank you:
For being the person we look to in the hardest moments and the everyday ones.
For proving that quiet leadership is often the most powerful kind.
And for reminding us, through your consistency, compassion, and clarity, that the heart of Community Action isn’t a program or a policy. It’s people like you.
Your legacy lives not only in the work you’ve done, but in the leaders you’ve lifted, the communities you’ve strengthened, and the countless lives still being shaped by your example.
We’re better because of you. And we’re not done yet.
About CAAP
The Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) represents a network of local agencies committed to fighting poverty and empowering families across the Commonwealth. We believe recovery is possible—and that strong communities are built when people have access to the support they need, when they need it most.
