HISTORY

Poverty in the United States is a leading cause of human suffering of children and adults. The root cause of this social problem continues being studied by experts and great strides are being made. Meanwhile, individuals and families are in need, right now. Community Action of Allegan County exists on a local level in an effort to assist those in need, right here in our community.

In 1964 the Economic Opportunity Act was formed with the mission of mobilizing financial resources of the nation to help combat poverty in our great country. The Act contained the designation of Community Action Agencies for counties in the U.S. On February 15, 1965, in Allegan County, the ACRDC (Allegan County Resource Development Committee, Inc.) was designated as the local Community Action Agency for Allegan County by the Allegan County Board of Supervisors, now known as the Allegan County Commissioners. The designation of a Community Action Agency affords entitlement for approved agencies across the nation, to receive federal funds to provide services to residents living in Allegan County.

The organization’s robust programs require funding from federal and state grants, local private citizens and companies, as well as from public resources. Community Action of Allegan is a private non-profit organization and is governed under its 501(C)(3) status and overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors who provide equal representation of the public, private and low-income sectors of Allegan County residents.