Here in Highland County we are fortunate to have a strong, effective Community Action Organization. On two occasions this year, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with the leadership of the Highland County Community Action Organization and learn first-hand the benefits they bring to the community.
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by Congressman Michael Turner

Here in Highland County we are fortunate to have a strong, effective Community Action Organization.  On two occasions this year, I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with the leadership of the Highland County Community Action Organization and learn first-hand the benefits they bring to the community.  Executive Director Julia Wise visited my office in Washington, DC to advocate for federal support of community actions’ programs.  And recently, I visited the Highland County Community Action office in Hillsboro to get a feel for their day to day efforts.  The dedication and passion of the employees is a tremendous asset to the residents of Highland County.

May has been designated National Community Action Month to reinforce the role of Community Action Agencies in helping America’s low-income families achieve economic stability.  This year also marks a milestone for the community action movement, as August is the 45th Anniversary of the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 by President Lyndon Johnson.  Community Action Agencies are among the nation’s success stories, transforming a relatively small taxpayer investment into direct action to positively impact the lives of many struggling families.

The Highland County Community Action Organization provides a wide range of services – from preventative medical advice to housing.  They include head start, family planning, health screenings, an emergency food pantry, emergency housing and home weatherization.  Community Action also provides housing assistance for individuals that may be facing foreclosure.  These programs are open to residents of Highland County, based upon income eligibility.

Community Action Organizations are tremendously effective service organizations for several reasons.  They have relatively low overhead costs, freeing the majority of their funds to directly assist families rather than pay administrative expenses.  The organizations are also effective at leveraging resources in order to assist a greater number of people.  For every $1 of Community Service Block Grant funding (one of the main sources of federal funds for community action organizations), $4 additional in state, local and private funds are attracted.  

Despite the great benefit of Community Action programs, it might surprise you to learn that educating Congress about these programs and their funding sources is a critical role for many program officials across the nation.  While Community Action officials would rather be busy providing services to those in need, too often they have to take time away from their schedules to inform their Congressional representatives of the value of their programs to ensure continued adequate federal funding.  Fortunately, in the Third Congressional District, and in Highland County, our local community action officials have not had to convince me of the value of their work and of the need for base funding.

In Congress, I have supported funding and initiatives that strengthen Community Action Organizations, including head start programs, and I’ve fought to keep the Community Service Block Grant program funded.  

Julia Wise and the staff of the Highland County Community Action Organization are exceptional advocates for those who might need services.  Highland County residents should be proud of their Community Action Organization as it is a strong and effective service provider.