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What's Happening at First State...


Advocacy, Action, and Community Connection
This weekend, First State Community Action Agency was proud to participate in the Action & Advocacy Fair hosted by Women’s March Sussex - Delaware. The event brought together organizations, advocates, and community members from across the region for an afternoon focused on engagement, connection, and community action. Throughout the event, our team had the opportunity to meet new community members, share information about our programs and services, and engage in meaningful co
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May 20


Costumes, Community, and Competition at the 2026 It’s A Par-Tee!
The creativity was on full display at the 11th Annual It’s A Par-Tee! Mini Golf Tournament on May 18, 2026, as teams arrived ready to compete, celebrate, and support a great cause. From Mahjong tiles and butterflies to crayons, flamingos, Boss Barbies, an unforgettable tribute to the 80s, and many other imaginative themes, this year’s Costume Contest brought energy, laughter, and friendly competition to the course throughout the day. Each team added its own personality and cr
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May 20


Day For Housing 2026
Yesterday, First State Community Action Agency joined Housing Alliance Delaware and housing advocates from across the state for Day for Housing 2026 at Legislative Hall in Dover. Organized by Housing Alliance Delaware, the event brought together professionals working in affordable housing development, housing counseling, homelessness services, eviction prevention, emergency shelter, financial empowerment, and community support with one shared goal: advocating for safe, stable
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May 15


First State Community Action Agency Visits Legislative Hall During Community Action Month
Last Thursday, May 7th, First State Community Action Agency joined legislators, community leaders, board members, staff, and partners at Legislative Hall in Dover for the agency’s annual legislative luncheon in recognition of Community Action Month. The event provided an opportunity to engage directly with members of the Delaware House and Senate about the challenges many families across our state continue to face, while also highlighting the impact Community Action programs
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May 12


Free Summer Camp Program Returns This Summer
This summer, First State Community Action Agency is excited to offer a FREE Summer Camp Program for children ages 5–12 across Sussex County. Designed to keep children engaged, active, and inspired during the summer months, the program combines fun with enrichment through creative activities, hands-on learning experiences, and opportunities to build confidence and friendships in a safe and supportive environment. Camp participants will enjoy: Creative arts and crafts Hands-on
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May 12


Showing Up for Fair Housing: Listening, Learning, and Working Together in Delaware
This week, our Executive Director, Bernice Edwards, joined program leaders and staff in doing something essential to our work: showing up. We were proud to attend a convening hosted by the Delaware Human and Civil Rights Commission at Delaware State University, alongside members of our board and the communities we serve. The event brought together voices from across the state to engage in meaningful dialogue around housing—an issue that continues to shape the well-being of in
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May 1


The Moment It Clicks: How Youth Programs Spark Confidence and Curiosity
Meet Arriya. At first glance, it’s a simple moment. A battery and a few wires. But then it happens—the bulb glows, and something else does too. Because in that moment, Arriya didn’t just complete a project. She experienced something bigger. Curiosity turning into understanding. Effort turning into success. A quiet but powerful realization beginning to take hold: I can figure this out. This is what happens every day in First State Community Action Agency’s youth programs. Thro
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May 1


Summer Youth Employment Application Open Now!
Summer jobs that actually help you build your future? Yes, please. 🙌 The Summer Youth Employment Program is now accepting applications! Teens ages 14–19 can gain real work experience, explore careers, and build professional skills—all while getting paid. ✔ Paid work experience ✔ Career exposure ✔ Professional development 📍 Open to Sussex & Kent County high school students 🗓 Deadline: April 24, 2026 Spots fill fast—don’t wait. Apply now: www.firststatecaa.org/register Quest
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Apr 7


🌡️ Beat the Heat in 2026!
Hot weather is on the way—and we’re here to help. First State Community Action Agency is now offering room-sized A/C Units through the LIHEAP program for eligible households. If you or someone you know may qualify, now is the time to apply! Your household must meet income guidelines and include at least one of the following: • a child age 5 or under • an adult age 60 or older • a person with a disability • a person with a chronic breathing condition Please review the required
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Apr 7


📣 Community Conversation Alert: Delaware’s Fair & Affordable Housing Crisis
We’re sharing this important event hosted by the Delaware Human & Civil Relations Commission — because housing impacts all of us. 🏠 Join the conversation on fair and affordable housing in our state and be part of shaping solutions for our communities. 📅 Tuesday, April 28, 2026 📍 Delaware State University, Dover, DE 🎟️ Free to attend (registration encouraged) This community town hall will focus on: ✨ Housing challenges across Delaware ✨ Your rights as a renter or homeowne
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Apr 6


🎉 Community Day is almost here! 🎉
Join First State Community Action Agency for a morning of connection, fun, and community! 📅 Saturday, April 18th ⏰ 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 308 North Railroad Ave, Georgetown, DE Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a great time filled with activities, resources, and community spirit 💙 👏 Thank you to our incredible sponsors and partners for making this event possible! 📣 Vendors welcome — contact zhudson@firststatecaa.org for details. 👉 Save the date — we can’t wai
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Apr 6


It's Time To Par-Tee!
⛳️🌺 REGISTRATION IS OPEN! 🌺⛳️ Get ready for the 11th Annual “It’s A Par-tee” Mini Golf Tournament — and trust us, you do not want to miss this one. 📅 May 18, 2026 📍 Jungle Jim’s, Rehoboth ⏰ Tee off at 10 AM Grab your team, bring your best (or funniest) outfit, and join us for a day packed with: ✨ Games & prizes 🎭 Costume contest 🎶 Live music 🍽 Lunch included Whether you’re coming to win or just here for the vibes — this is one of our most fun, high-energy events of the
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Apr 1


Community Action Month: Turning Commitment into Impact
Each May, communities across the country recognize Community Action Month —a time to highlight the work being done to reduce poverty, strengthen families, and build more resilient communities. In Delaware, that work is led by First State Community Action Agency —the state’s only Community Action Agency. For decades, we have worked alongside individuals and families to address the root causes of poverty while providing the support people need to move forward. From housing stab
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Mar 31


🍀 Community Dinner Night is almost here!🍀
Join us for our monthly Community Dinner on Thursday, March 19 at 5:00 PM in Georgetown. For just $1.00, everyone is welcome to enjoy a warm meal, good conversation, and time together as a community. Community dinners are about more than food. They’re about connection, support, and bringing neighbors together. Whether you come to share a meal, meet new people, or simply spend time in a welcoming space, we hope you’ll join us at the table. 🍽 Menu: Shepherd’s Pie, Sugar Cookie
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Mar 16


Afterschool in Action: Celebrating Oliver Short’s Creative Achievement
Big congratulations to Oliver Short from our N. Georgetown Elementary School site for being recognized as the winner of our Sussex County anti-tobacco T-shirt design contest. Oliver’s design stood out for its creativity and for sharing a powerful message about staying tobacco-free. We are so proud of Oliver and all of the students who participated, using their talents and voices to promote healthy choices. At First State Community Action Agency, our afterschool programs are a
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Mar 16


Mini Golf, Big Impact: Join the 11th Annual “It’s a Par-tee” ⛳
First State Community Action Agency is excited to announce that registration and sponsorships are now open for the 11th Annual “It’s a Par-tee” Miniature Golf Tournament . This annual event brings together community partners, local businesses, and supporters for a lively day of connection, friendly competition, and community impact. Whether you join as a player, a sponsor, or a supporter cheering from the sidelines, It’s a Par-tee is always one of the most enjoyable events
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Mar 10


Opening Doors to Financial Self-Sufficiency Across Delaware
What an incredible day surrounded by powerful, passionate women from across Delaware. ✨ Our Executive Director Bernice Edwards is pictured here with Congresswoman Sarah McBride and members of our housing team, Joann Carroll and Jennifer Allamby, at the Delta Sigma Theta Delaware Statewide Founders Day celebration yesterday at Bally’s in Dover. We were honored to present to more than 500 attendees, sharing how First State Community Action Agency is helping open doors to financ
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Feb 22


💚 FREE Tax Prep is Back 💚
First State Community Action Agency is proud to partner with Nehemiah Gateway CDC Delaware to bring free, trusted tax preparation services to our community through the IRS VITA program. If your household income is $69,000 or less, you may qualify for FREE tax preparation. 📍 Our Site (Drop-Off Only): First State Community Action Agency 308 N. Railroad Avenue, Georgetown How Our Drop-Off Process Works ✔ Pick up your tax packet anytime that’s convenient for you outside the Bern
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Feb 5


⚡ Delmarva Power Customers – We’ve Got Help for You! ⚡
If you’re a Delmarva Power customer and struggling with your energy bill, join us for a FREE Energy Assistance Event on: 📅 Wednesday, February 11 ⏰ 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. 📍 First State Community Action Agency308 N. Railroad Avenue, Georgetown, DE Eligible Delmarva Power customers may receive up to $500 in assistance through the Customer Relief Fund At the event, you can: ✔ Get help with payment arrangements ✔ Apply for programs like DEAP ✔ Learn about no-cost energy efficien
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Feb 5
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