A Network Focused on Helping Communities Exit Poverty Faces New Challenges
Community Action Agencies Across the Nation have always fought for the less fortunate, today's pandemic is no different, Community Action Month shows how we are rising to meet the demand in Orange County
GARDEN GROVE, Calif., May 27, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- This year marks the 56th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacle to poverty. Over 1000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors making communities strong and helping families across the US thrive. The month of May is recognized as Community Action month, and this year, Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAP OC), a proud member of the Community Action network, will commemorate 55 years of helping families throughout Orange County.
"It is important now, more than ever, that CAP OC stand up and be there for the community in this unprecedented time," stated Gregory C. Scott, President & CEO of Community Action Partnership of Orange County. "Families are in crisis, and post-COVID-19 will hit our communities at new dimensions we haven't experienced before. Unemployment is expected to climb to 25% in California. Food insecurity, housing, mental and physical healthcare, and the upscaling of new skills for many people now left out of the workforce will be paramount. There are people who were already living in extreme pockets of poverty right here in the Orange County region and we have to be there to help them not fall even further into the decay of economic deficiency. We have worked quickly to adapt our programs to make sure we provide services to the most vulnerable and the newly vulnerable families, children, and seniors of our community right now."
Throughout their existence, CAP OC has always been at the forefront of change, and now is no exception. The impacts of COVID-19 have placed a great strain on many, but CAP OC has been able to respond to the crisis and show their resilience. By adjusting their services, CAP OC has been able to continue to offer a wide array of programs:
- Drive thru food distributions in the cities of Anaheim, Costa Mesa, Orange and Santa Ana
- Online Financial Empowerment and Healthy Marriage & Family Workshops via Facebook Live and Zoom
- Delivering 24,000 Senior Food Boxes each month in partnership with Amazon
- Drive thru tax services for low-income individuals
CAP OC will conclude Community Action Month with a joint, drive-thru food distribution with their sister agency Long Beach Community Action Partnership where 1,000 families hardest hit by the recent pandemic will receive much needed emergency food kits. "This partnership represents the power of the Community Action Network and how we can work together and make real impact on people's lives," concluded Scott.
ABOUT COMMUNITY ACTION PARTNERSHIP OF ORANGE COUNTY
With leadership and results dating back to 1965, Community Action Partnership of Orange County (CAPOC) has evolved into one of Orange County's most comprehensive anti-hunger and poverty relief organization. CAPOC's aim is to make a positive impact in people's lives by helping them meet basic needs and strengthen their support system.
SOURCE Community Action Partnership of Orange County
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