Community Action CEO visits Georgetown site

David Bradley, CEO and co-founder of the National Community Action Foundation, visited First State Community Action Agency Feb. 26 in Georgetown.

Congresswoman Lisa Blunt Rochester accompanied Bradley to the event.

Bernice Edwards, First State executive director, welcomed and thanked those in attendance.

“This is where the boots are on the ground,” Edwards said. “We are here to try to combat poverty, and we couldn’t do it without our partners. Addressing people’s needs is our goal. We give a hand up and not a handout.”

Edwards has worked for the organization since Dec. 1, 1978.

Blunt Rochester is no stranger to the Georgetown facility, as she’s attended many events there over the years.

“They are connecting the dots, and with their partners, they are making a difference,” she said.

She said she was inspired by First State programs to sponsor the Clean Slate project, which creates a process to seal some nonviolent crime records. A criminal record can create a barrier to employment, housing and education.

She said there is a sense of urgency in Congress to pass a budget and stop a shutdown of government services. “We will come together as Democrats and Republicans to make sure legislation passes to keep this program going,” she said.

One of the main sources of income for community action agencies is the federal Community Block Grant.

Blunt Rochester said Bradley, who has been with the organization since 1982, is well known in the halls of Congress. “He’s a real champion who has been able to get $20 billion for communities throughout the country,” she said.

“We need someone like Lisa Blunt Rochester fighting for our communities,” Bradley said as he took the podium to speak.

He said this year is the 60th anniversary of the War on Poverty, proclaimed by President Lyndon Johnson. He said the president selected community action agencies to lead the effort because they break barriers and create programs to combat poverty. “We were given the heavy lift to fight the war on poverty,” he said.

Bradley said block grant funding is unique because it allows local agencies to establish the programs and projects that are needed in their communities. “We at the national level give you the tools and equipment you need,” he added.

First State programs

Founded in 1965 as Sussex County Community Action Agency, the organization has grown and now offers a diverse array of programs throughout the state.

First State programs are broken down into three categories: client-based services; community development and housing counseling; and education, training and special services.

Listed below are just a few of the many programs offered by First State

Client-based services

A food pantry that provides two weeks of food staples to those in need; comprehensive case management; emergency services including rent, evictions, utilities and medical and prescription needs; emergency shelter for victims of fire or domestic abuse; Second Chance Reentry providing case management to incarcerated individuals 6-12 months prior to their release to assist in funding housing, employment, transportation and education; Promoting Safe & Stable Families with family services to help with resources, planning and improving family relationships.

Community development

Housing counseling to first-time home buyers; H.E.L.P. Program to provide air-conditioning installations in the summer and replacement or repair of heaters in the winter; La Casita Outreach with services for Spanish-speaking people in the areas of life skills and interpretation services; Community Development Program works with targeted communities throughout the state to help residents acquire resources to help strengthen their neighborhoods; free tax preparation.

Education, training, special services

After-school programs; Summer Enrichment Camp; culinary arts training; Now We’re Cooking training program for high school students; Senior Companions Program; summer and year-round youth employment for teens aged 16-18, which includes job and interview training, resume writing, life skills, business etiquette and money management.

Students in the Now We’re Cooking program provided breakfast at the event.

First State at a glance

A total of 11,632 individuals served in 2022, a 21% increase from 2021

Formed in 1965 as Sussex County Community Action Agency

More than 182 employees statewide

More than 20 anti-poverty programs

Budget of $9 million, including $8 million in federal funding

Bernice Edwards, executive director; Anne Farley, board president; Jamie Sadler, director.

For more information, go to firststatecaa.org.