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History of Community Action Agency...State
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Until September 30, 1982, funding and oversight for the more than 900 Community Action Agencies operating in the country was provided directly by the Executive Branch of the Federal Government and passed through three Federal Departments: the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO); Community Services Administration (CSA); and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
However, in 1981 the Omnibus Reconciliation Act (PL 97-35) was signed into law by President Ronald Reagan creating the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG). CSBG funds were passed directly to the States and gave the States responsibility for the distribution and regulation of funds within a state (except for federal regulations found in the Omnibus Reconciliation Act itself).
The Michigan Legislature responded quickly by passing the Michigan Economic and Social Opportunity Act (PA 230 of 1981) which took effect October 1, 1981. This Act mandated the continuation of Community Action Agencies in Michigan to “reduce the causes, conditions and effects of poverty and promote social and economic opportunities that foster self sufficiency for low income persons.” PA 230 authorized the Bureau of Community Services (BCS) to administer CAA programs and created a 15 member Commission on Economic and Social Opportunity to provide a statewide forum on state policies and poverty programs and to act as advisors in providing information to the Governor, State Legislature, Congressional Delegations and other officials in the State.
BCS began operating Community Action Programs in October, 1981 under the Department of Labor. The State Plan designated Community Action Agencies as the primary providers of CSBG funded services to low income; handicapped and senior citizens.
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In 1992, BCS merged with the Bureau of Employment and Training to form a new administrative department called Bureau of Employment, Training and Community Services (BETCS). Under Governor John Engler, the Bureau was placed in a new Commission within the State of Michigan, The Jobs Commission. The Jobs Commission administered the programs from 1992 through most of 1995. In October, 1995, administration of the CAA’s was moved into the Family Independence Agency (formerly DSS).
Currently, 30 CAA’s serve all 83 counties in Michigan and are still funded through CSBG.
Most of the CAA’s (24) are private nonprofit entities; six are part of local governments. Many receive considerable portions of their budgets from private, state, local government or federal funds other than CSBG.
Community Action is more easily identified by what we do than through our name. Nearly 72% of Head Start Children in Michigan are served through CAA’s and over 8,000 homes per year are insulated and weatherized by CAA. Community Action is the largest human service network outside of state government.
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