The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964

The Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) of 1964 was a major piece of legislation, signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson as part of his “War on Poverty” initiative. Its goal was to fight poverty by creating opportunities for education, training, and employment, especially for disadvantaged Americans.

The EOA laid the foundation for many social programs still in place today. It was the first federal effort to directly support community-based solutions to poverty, and it significantly expanded the federal government’s role in addressing social welfare.

Though the EOA was later amended and eventually replaced by other laws (such as the Community Services Block Grant Act), its legacy continues through programs like Head Start, Job Corps, and Community Action Agencies. Read About SEICAA more information about Community Action Agencies.

The Community Services Block Grant

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is a federally funded block grant in the Office of Community Services, Administration for Children and Families, and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that provides funds to states, territories, and tribes to administer support services that alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty in under resourced communities. It affords us to work towards the following goals:

  • Increased Self-Sufficiency
  • Improved Living Conditions
  • Ownership of and Pride in Their Communities
  • Strong Family and Support Systems

Our History

SEICAA began as a small group of volunteers who began serving noon meals to seniors in 1963. Although it was a day-to day struggle to keep the program alive, these dedicated volunteers managed to continue serving meals by buying for the current day with proceeds from the previous day. In 1968, Bannock County proposed a combination recreation and social service neighborhood center with opportunities for seniors and low-income youth. It was soon to be known as Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency, and was formally incorporated in 1969. Gary H. Gunnerson, a native of Utah, was the first Executive Director.

It was in 1972 that the Agency began moving into full community action status. Staff was hired to set up a program for senior citizens, a low income women’s program, RSVP, a housing coalition, an information referral system, a senior transit system as well as an ancillary staff consisting of an accountant, bookkeeper and a secretary/administrative assistant. There was also a Weatherization program. The aging program for seniors provided daily meals and a place in which seniors could socialize with others through music, dancing and such classes as ceramics and china painting.

Various programs in Pocatello coordinated their efforts to provide greater services throughout the community. Pocatello Organization for Women (POW) was the name for the program to help low income women develop more confidence in themselves and encourage them to become more assertive – especially through furthering their education. The housing coalition was made up of people of diversity in the community who worked to improve better housing for low-income families. It became the forerunner of the Pocatello Housing Authority. The transit system consisted of two vehicles and later named Tello Bus. Seniors could call to be picked up to come to the agency or for other purposes. Drivers were radioed by the dispatcher back at the agency. Nursing home residents, regardless of age, were also brought to the meal program. The Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) was also set up as was the Meals On Wheels program, Weatherization and the Information Referral system.

For over five decades now, SEICAA has provided the region with a variety of anti-poverty programs. Some have disappeared as federal funds were reduced; others have become separate agencies. Today SEICAA continues to administer and develop programs responsive to the needs of elderly, disabled and low-income people.

Executive Directors

  • 2022 – Present: Joe Borich
  • 2022 – 2022: Debra R. Hemmert, Interim Director
  • 2020 – 2022: Shantay Bloxham
  • 2001 – 2020: Debra R. Hemmert, CCAP
  • 1998 – 2001: Pamela McKinley
  • 1997 – 1998: Debra R. Hemmert, Interim Director
  • 1983 – 1997: Janice Perry Rhoads
  • 1975 – 1983: Carl Griffin
  • 1969 – 1975: Gary H. Gunnerson