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Text Box: the whole community stronger and safer - a better place to live. So unless you live on a deserted island, you are part of the Community Action team! Think about that the next time you see that your elderly neighbor’s yard needs tending to. Or when you see that young mother down the street lugging groceries back from the store in a shopping cart. Lend a hand! Little things do make a big difference especially when a lot of people do them. After all, it’s the things that we do that put the ACTION in Community Action. As the stories in this issue will show, we believe in action. We are committed to making a difference in our communities - and yours. Bernice Edwards Executive Director First State Community Action Agency

Text Box: May is Community Action Month. Community Action Agencies across the country come together throughout the month to celebrate their accomplishments and dreams. We are dedicating this quarter’s newsletter to the activities we initiated and participated in during May. We invite you to join us in celebrating the promise of Community Action and hopefully be inspired to make a positive change in your neighborhood! When First State Community Action Agency started in 1965 as the Sussex County Community Action Agency, our goal was to reach out to the poor and underprivileged populations of Sussex County and provide a way up and out of their current circumstances. Today, some 45 years later, that is still our goal but our vision has expanded to include the entire State of Delaware and our programs have adapted to suit the needs of those we

Text Box: serve. Community Action is by nature a dynamic and changing process because the needs of those we serve are always changing. One thing that hasn’t change is our commitment. There will always be those who need housing, food, childcare, clothing, and other assistance; and as long as there is a need, there will be a Community Action Agency. The name may change, the people may come and go, but the desire to alleviate the pain, suffering, and humiliation that grows from poverty and lack will drive those of us who are able to help those of us who aren’t. After all, we are the community. You are the community. Your brother, your cousin, your uncle and your friend - they are all part of the community we serve. When you help the community by taking action, you‘re not only helping another, you are helping yourself. Helping a person in need makes

Text Box: First State Community Action Agency’s site in New Castle County, hosted an Open House in recognition of Community Action Day on Wednesday, May 23, 2007 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Rose Hill Community Center in New Castle, Delaware. Executive Director Bernice Edwards gave the welcoming

Text Box: address along with remarks from staff members Dahniene Brady, Housing Counselor, Florence Smith, Family consultant and Louise Clark Senior Companion Attendees were provided refreshments along with lots of information on the various programs that the agency offers. It was a great opportunity to

Apr-Jun 2007

Volume 1, Issue 17

Front Line News

2006-2007

Board of Directors

· Peggy Strine,

President

· Rev. Jack Abel,

Vice President

· Harold Stafford,

Secretary/Treasurer

· H. Ranford Allen

· Dr. John Austin

· Beryl Barmore

· Albert Biddle

· Timothy G. Crawl-Bey

· Linda Chick

· Nelson Dodd

· Eugene Dvornick, Jr

· Anne Farley

· Gail Launay

· William Lecadtes

· Hattie Rucker

· Minnie Smith-Burton

· Evelyn Wilson

Executive Director

· Bernice M. Edwards

“People Helping People Build Community.”

First state community action agency