Washington County proclaims Community Action month

WASHINGTON — The Washington County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously in support of a proclamation designating May as community action month Tuesday morning.

The move is a show of support for Community Action Groups like HACAP (Hawkeye Area Community Action Program) which has served the area with utility payment, food bank, housing assistance and job placement services for 58 years, according to Director Renella Crawford.

“Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on HACAP and our network’s impact on families,” she said. “Community action agencies serve 99% of all American counties, with life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability.”

With over 16 community action agencies in Iowa, Crawford said the groups “were a radical departure for how government had run social reform programs,” when they were first enacted under the Kennedy Administration.

Reading the proclamation, Board of Supervisors Chair Bob Yoder said the group “delivers innovative services and supports that create greater opportunities for families and children to succeed,” and “insists on community participation and involvement ensuring that all sectors of the community have a voice that will be heard.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com