Still need a bookbag for back to school? We’ve been distributing bookbags at community events throughout the summer, but we know not every family has been able to make it out. Join us Friday, August 28, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at the BME Conference Room, 308 N. Railroad Ave. in Georgetown for our Back-to-School Bookbag Giveaway. Bookbags will be available for school-age children while supplies last. Families can also stop by to learn more about our afterschool programs open

A big thank you to the Delaware State Police and Senior Corporal Patrick Jackson for stopping by First State with a generous donation of school supplies for local students! 🎒📚✏️ Partnerships like this go beyond backpacks and notebooks. They create opportunities for law enforcement and community organizations to work side by side, strengthen relationships, and show young people that their community is invested in their success. We’re grateful to DSP and Sr. Cpl. Jackson for

First State Community Action Agency is grateful to Taylor Bank for awarding the agency a $5,000 grant through its 2026 For Good Fund. The funding will support financial literacy education for youth participating in First State’s community-based programs. Through practical, age-appropriate learning opportunities, young people will gain a stronger understanding of budgeting, saving, responsible spending, credit, and other financial skills that can help them make informed decisi

Local residents are bringing the community together for the Heart of Georgetown Cleanup on Saturday, July 18. The event was organized by members of the Georgetown community who wanted to create an opportunity for neighbors to work together and take pride in the places they share. First State Community Action Agency is pleased to support their efforts by providing a meeting location, cleanup supplies, and staff assistance. Volunteers can check in from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m. at 308

It is with heartfelt sadness that we share the passing of Evelyn Wilson, a valued member of First State Community Action Agency’s Board of Directors and a dedicated servant of her community. Evelyn was a steadfast partner in our mission to help individuals, families, and communities thrive. Her compassion, commitment to service, and belief in helping others left a meaningful mark on First State and on the communities we serve. We are grateful for the time, wisdom, and heart s

Summer is here, and we are excited to offer FREE Summer Enrichment Camps for children ages 5–12. Families are already signing up, and our Georgetown site is now full. However, space is still available at three other camp locations: Burton Village, Bridgeville, and Slaughter Neck. Our Summer Enrichment Camps are designed to give children a safe, supportive, and engaging place to learn, play, explore, and grow during the summer months. Campers will participate in active play, c

June is National Homeownership Month, a time to recognize the role that safe, stable, and affordable housing plays in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. At First State Community Action Agency, homeownership is more than a housing goal. It is part of a larger vision for stability, opportunity, and long-term community strength. For many families, the journey to homeownership can feel overwhelming. There are questions about credit, savings, budgeting, mortgage

Energy costs affect every household. For many families, understanding energy use, available programs, and practical ways to reduce monthly costs can make a meaningful difference. That is why First State Community Action Agency is committed to bringing energy education directly into the communities we serve. Recently, our Energy Educator, Vernon, joined residents of the Southbridge Community in Wilmington to provide program awareness and energy education. The workshop gave res

First State Community Action Agency is helping Delaware residents prepare for opportunities in the food service industry through our Adult Culinary Arts Training Program. This program is designed for adults who are ready to build practical skills, gain hands-on experience, and take the next step toward employment. Over the course of 14 weeks of evening classes, participants receive training that supports both technical culinary skills and workplace readiness. The Adult Culina

Summer is right around the corner, and First State Community Action Agency is excited to offer a FREE Summer Camp Program for children ages 5–12 across Sussex County! From June 29 through July 30, campers will enjoy a summer filled with learning, creativity, exploration, and fun in a safe and supportive environment. Our summer camp is designed to keep children engaged while school is out, helping them build friendships, discover new interests, and create lasting memories. Wha

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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