Community Action Agencies were created by the federal government through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, to combat poverty in geographically designed areas. Status as a CAA is the result of an explicit designation by local or state government. A CAA has a tripartite board structure that is designed 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. Missouri has 19 Community Action Agencies that service the entire state.

Most community service organizations focus on a specific area of need, such as job training, health care, housing or economic development. Community Action Agencies reach out to people in their communities and address their multiple needs through a comprehensive approach. JFCAC has partnerships with other community organizations, involves clients in the agency’s operations and administer a full range of coordinated programs designed to have a measurable impact on poverty.

JFCAC is a non-profit organization committed to assisting people in achieving self-sufficiency through quality programs in Jefferson and Franklin Counties. We are a federal and state funded Community Action Agency incorporated in 1965. We are a charitable and educational tax-exempt organization described in Section 501 (c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Head Start, Housing Assistance, Energy Assistance, Weatherization, Women, Infants & Children Food Supplemental Program (WIC) (Jefferson County Only) and Community Services (Back-to-School, Intake & Referral, Asset Development, Family Support, Poverty Simulations). See Program Services tab for detailed information on each program.

To contact us please click here.