Stronger Together: Community Action, Inc. and the Power of Partnership at CRC
Welcome back to our September Tenant Spotlight series! Over the past two weeks, we’ve explored the rich, decades-long history of Community Action, Inc. and looked closely at the complex, whole-family approach they take to help individuals move from crisis to lasting stability.
This week, we are turning our focus to what happens when organizations join forces under one roof. For Community Action, Inc., being part of a Community Resources Council (CRC) CARE Center is much more than just sharing an office building—it is a launchpad for community-wide collaboration.
A Legacy of Connection Under One Roof
Community Action, Inc. officially moved its main offices to the CRC CARE Center on August 22, 2014. Since then, their presence has been a vital anchor within our network.
Because community needs are deeply interconnected—ranging from housing and utility assistance to early childhood education and employment barriers—no single organization can address them alone. Being co-located in a space that actively encourages connection and teamwork changes everything. That physical proximity creates daily opportunities for cross-agency collaboration, streamlined referrals, and shared knowledge. When a family walks through the doors at CRC, they aren't just accessing one service; they are being connected to an entire web of local organizations dedicated to lifting them up.
Deepening Roots Across 12 Counties
While their main offices thrive right here at the CRC CARE Center, Community Action's impact stretches far beyond a single building. They proudly serve individuals and families experiencing economic hardship across 12 Kansas counties: Clay, Cloud, Dickinson, Ellsworth, Geary, Lincoln, McPherson, Ottawa, Russell, Saline, Shawnee, and Wabaunsee.
A major point of pride for the agency is their continuous growth beyond simply providing direct services to actively building stronger, data-driven connections throughout that entire 12-county region. Through comprehensive Community Needs Assessments, they listen directly to the rural and urban communities they serve, using that vital feedback to guide their strategic plan, partnerships, and future priorities.
Looking Ahead: The Big Vision
Looking toward the next one to three years, Community Action's vision is clear: they want to continue moving beyond responding to immediate crises and instead build enduring pathways toward long-term prosperity.
Their upcoming goals include deepening partnerships across all 12 counties, expanding safe and affordable housing opportunities, continuing heavy investments in early childhood development through Head Start, and utilizing community voices to ensure their programs produce measurable, life-changing outcomes. Ultimately, their goal is to ensure every person who walks through their doors has the opportunity not simply to survive, but to move from crisis to stability, and from stability to thriving.
Get Involved: The Nancy Perry Day of Caring is Here!
September is also a special month because it brings the annual Nancy Perry Day of Caring, hosted by the United Way of Kaw Valley in honor of longtime CEO Nancy Perry. Community Action, Inc. proudly participates as a host site location, welcoming passionate volunteers to help tackle vital projects at spots like their Hancock and Highland locations!
Whether it is volunteering on Day of Caring, interning, hosting a donation drive, joining a committee, or serving on their Board, Community Action is always looking for individuals and organizations who want to get involved.
Be sure to check back next week as we wrap up our September spotlight series! In the meantime, visit the Community Action, Inc. website or follow our Facebook page to see how you can get involved today.