60 years of Community Action

Community Action Network recognizes 60 years of service

WAGAP staff to attend NCAP National Conference in Seattle in August 

Bingen, WA (May 1, 2024) – 2024 marks the 60th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty. Over 1,000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors, making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive. This year, Washington Gorge Action Programs, a proud member of the Community Action Network, will also commemorate 58 years of helping families throughout Skamania and Klickitat counties. 

“Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact WAGAP and our network has had on families,” said Jennifer Pauletto, WAGAP’s associate director. “Last year alone, we served 12,370 locally, and the National Community Action Partnership collectively served over 15 million across the country with immediately needed services such as shelter and food, and also with long-term solutions like education and job placement.” 

Community Action Agencies serve 99 percent of all American counties with life-changing services to help families achieve stability. All agencies are locally controlled and represented by the private, public, and low-income sectors of the community. 

“We are proud of our communities’ participation in the development and oversight of our programs,” Pauletto said. This engagement helps us be more effective in our approach by determining our community members' needs and priorities.” 

Pauletto said that the 2024 National Community Action Partnership annual convention will be held in Seattle, Washington. Training sessions will be held August 26-27, and the convention will be August 28-30 at the Sheraton Grand Seattle at 1400 6th Ave., Seattle, WA 98101.

“With the National Convention being held so close this year, we are excited to send a number of WAGAP staff to learn, engage, and network, and bring back new ideas that can make their programs even stronger,” Pauletto said. “WAGAP has been serving our communities since 1966 and strives to strengthen and improve programs each year.”

The National Community Action Partnership and the Community Action Network were born out of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. Pauletto says members share this promise: “Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.”