The Current Status of Community Action Agencies in Connecticut

Abstract

This study of community action agencies (CAAs) in Connecticut provides a historical analysis of the agencies and raises the issues of community control and self-help strategies as effective remedies for poverty. As CAAs have evolved, they have changed into organizations that combine local, state, and federal initiatives, in-kind and income programs, and universal programs, as well as programs targeted specifically for the poor. As nonprofit agencies, CAAs are unique because all of their strategies have been directed toward maintaining, to the degree possible, the original mission of the Economic Opportunity Act-to help the poor achieve empowerment and selfsufficiency. Although the accomplishments of the CAAs are inconclusive, the ability of CAAs to survive is based on the special relationships these agencies have developed with local and state governments, the business community, and the poor.