Community Action, Inc. Mission and Vision 

Community Action, Inc. was founded in 1970 to develop strategies to eliminate poverty and to serve low-income families and individuals in Topeka and Shawnee County, Kansas.  Throughout the last 39 years we have expanded our service area to include Clay, Dickinson, Geary, McPherson, Ottawa, Saline, and Wabaunsee counties in Kansas.   

From its beginnings the mission and philosophy of this agency has been summarized as “Helping People Help Themselves.”  Initially, Community Action's approach to addressing poverty focused on emergency services.  In time, the agency's focus turned to providing direct services through a case management model.  The agency's work has directed support for sustainable self-sufficiency through extended interaction with individuals and families.  In addition, the agency adopted a philosophy of collaboration with other service providers, for the purpose of enlarging resources and avoiding duplication among various provider coalitions.

The Board of Directors has guided the agency through the strategic planning process in order to provide a higher level of accountability and to promote the effective delivery of services.  This process includes an ongoing review process that allows the corporation to set annual objectives and initiatives based on the needs of the communities we serve.

Our Mission Summary

To alleviate the causes and conditions of poverty through the promotion of public policy that helps those in poverty move to greater self-reliance; and by providing services and resources that meet basic needs, promote self-reliance and enhance the quality of life for individuals and families.

Our Vision for Individuals and Families

All people have the tools needed to thrive.

Our Vision for the Communities We Serve

Every sector contributes to the full range of experiences that create a high quality of life for all community members.

Our Vision for the Agency

The agency environment supports associates, volunteers and constituents as they work together to achieve the agency’s mission.

Vision for Individuals and Families

Our Goal
Low-income people become more self-sufficient (stable).  Low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, achieve their potential by strengthening family and other supportive systems.

Our Planned Outcomes
Families are fully employed.
Families have economic assets.
All individuals achieve their potential.
Individuals and families move from crisis to stability. 

Vision for Communities
Our Goal
The conditions in which low-income people live are improved.  Low-income people own a stake in their community.

Our Planned Outcomes
Communities develop and sustain resources and services.
Communities improve quality of life.
Communities benefit from the involvement of low-income participants.
Consumers are active participants in community decisions.

Vision for the Agency
Our Goal
Partnerships among supporters and providers of services to low-income people are achieved.  Agencies increase their capacity to achieve results.

Our Planned Outcomes
Agency capacity is strengthened through partnerships.
Community Action maintains financial and operational efficiencies.
Community Action is financially stable.
Community Action operates effectively and efficiently.
Community Action associates are qualified and prepared.
Community Action's response to the human and economic impact of poverty is strategically communicated. 

Our 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.

Our Values

Collaboration - We seek partnerships that create benefits for individuals and families.
Commitment - We live The Promise of Community Action.
Diversity - Community Action mirrors the diversity of our communities. Our governing bodies include low-income people, local public officials and business and community groups.
Integrity - We are committed to the highest level of ethical conduct in all that we do.
Helpfulness - We want to say "yes." If we can't help, we'll find someone who can.
Professionalism - We are committed to providing quality products and effective solutions and to maintaining essential knowledge and technical expertise.
Respect - We view all people as individuals who are due courtesy, fairness and our respect. We treat people the way we want to be treated.
Stewardship - We respect our fiduciary responsibilities for the resources entrusted to us.