On August 20, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act which created a variety of programs, including CommunityAction Agencies, as part of his War on Poverty. He knew then as we know now, that the war against poverty must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House. “Community Action Month is a wonderful time to honor and celebrate the impact Community Action has in the lives of families and communities across the country,” stated Denise Harlow, National Community Action Partnership CEO. “Agencies are successful everyday in helping families achieve economic security. Given that the needs of each family and community are unique, Community Action is able to use a range of resources and programs to meet local needs in creative and impactful ways.”

Kendall-Grundy Community Action was established in 1983 to wage the war on poverty on a personal level in Kendall and Grundy counties by promoting self-sufficiency for those of limited income ensuring that all residents are able to live in dignity; by implementing innovative and cost-effective programs to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished; by providing support and instruction for everyone in need of assistance; and by being a major voice of reason in establishing welfare system reforms.

Kendall-Grundy Community Action statistics underscore the positive impact we’ve had on our neighborhoods. We help countless individuals improve their lives each year by providing them essential services and life-changing opportunities through financial education, affordable housing, natural disaster relief and recovery, health care assistance, energy assistance, and so much more.

Despite experiencing budget cuts, shrinking resources, and increased demands for services during these challenging economic times, Kendall-Grundy Community Action has been remarkably successful assisting the low-income veterans, senior citizens, families, children, students, and everyone in between Kendall and Grundy Counties to achieve and maintain economic security because as Diane Alford attests: “Our staff is committed to their task of replacing disadvantages with opportunities because it is wise, and because, in our hearts and minds we believe it is possible to conquer poverty in our lifetime.”