What is a Community Action Agency:
Community Action Agencies are private or public nonprofit organizations that were created by the federal government in 1964 to combat poverty in geographically designated areas. Status as a Community Action Agency is the result of an explicit designation by local or state government. A Community Action Agency has a tripartite board structure that is designated to promote the participation of the entire community in the reduction or elimination of poverty. Community Action Agencies seek to involve the community, including elected public officials, private sector representatives, and especially low-income residents, in assessing local needs and attacking the causes and conditions of poverty.
Celebrating 50 years
Purpose and Mission:
In order to reduce poverty in its community, a Community Action Agency works to better focus available local, state, federal, and private resources to assist low-income individuals and families to acquire useful skills and knowledge, to gain access to new opportunities, and to achieve economic self-sufficiency.
Why Community Action Agencies are Unique:
Most poverty-related organizations focus on a specific area of need, such as job training, health care, housing, or economic development. Community Action Agencies reach out to low-income people in their communities, address their multiple needs through a comprehensive approach, develop partnerships with other community organizations, involve low-income participants in the agency’s operations, and administer a full range of coordinated programs designed to have a measurable impact on poverty.
About SEICAA:
Southeastern Idaho Community Action Agency Inc. (SEICAA) is a private non-profit organization that has provided a variety of services to low-income, disabled and elderly residents in the seven southeastern Idaho counties since 1969. SEICAA strives to alleviate the devastating effects of poverty through SEICAA’s active mission. SEICAA administers many social service programs including:
- Community Services
- Individual Development Accounts
- Family Development Case Management
- Energy Assistance
- Rental Housing
- Weatherization Program
- Meals on Wheels
- Veterans Services
- Self-Help Housing (Homeownership Program)
SEICAA has maintained a solid commitment to the seven Southeastern Idaho Counties which the Agency serves:
- Bannock
- Bear Lake
- Bingham
- Caribou
- Franklin
- Oneida
- Power
For over 50 years SEICAA has worked to provide needed services while maintaining a proactive vision for future community needs. During the Agency’s tenure, SEICAA has developed many successful programs that were expanded to other organizations, including the “Tello Bus” Transportation System that was transferred to the City of Pocatello, becoming Pocatello Urban Transit; as well as the Aid for Friends Homeless Shelter.
In addition, SEICAA’s Self-Help Housing Program, which provides affordable homeownership opportunities to households in southeastern Idaho; as well as the Homebuyer Education, inclusive of Money Management, Budgeting Education, and Post-Purchase Education..
Mission Statement:
SEICAA is dedicated to providing opportunity and support for individuals and communities to thrive and reach their fullest potential, promoting self-sufficiency and greater economic independence through services, education, affordable housing and training.
Board of Directors:
SEICAA’s Board of Directors is made up of a tri-part board, providing maximum diversity to our governing body to the benefit of all we serve.
Chairman of the Board: Kathy Anderson
Executive Director: Joe Borich