For Community Action and the families we serve, "These are the times that try men's souls." There are wars on multiple fronts. America's dependence on fossil fuels is slamming the pockets of families and industry. Prices of food and utilities are climbing every day. Wages are flat. Unemployment is growing with the down-sizing and closing of industry. Rumor of a recession is looming. These are the same national conditions that prompted President Lyndon Johnson to call for a War on Poverty.
At a time when America's families (not just the Gulf Coast's families) need help, our government is spending America's revenues for wars, for rebuilding foreign lands, for health crises in Africa, for food to famine-ravaged lands. But who will rebuild the Gulf Coast? Who will help the rural Americans whose houses are dilapidated? Who will provide health care for families and children who are not covered by private insurance plans? And on, and on....
Community Action is being challenged to provide services to an increasing population when our funding is in jeopardy and is diminishing. This demand for expanded services has challenged our talents. We are looking for funds from new partners. We are coordinating our services with the services of other community agencies. However, against all odds, Community Action has continued to provide services to the most vulnerable populations - the poor, most of whom are children.
As we approach 2007, we in Community Action must be vigilant in our fight to preserve our unique philosophy and commitment to serve low income families. America is the greatest country in the world. This fact makes poverty in America an even more tragic reality. Without Community Action, however, the magnitude of poverty would be more hopeless and more defeating.
Our staff and Board pledge to work harder than ever to help fellow Americans who are struggling to achieve that American dream. We are committed to the War on Poverty. This is our promise.
Nancy D. Smith
Executive Director
