OUR HISTORY

Founded in 1969, Community Action has a long history of serving people in Northeast Oklahoma. What started as an effort to help people struggling with poverty in one or two counties has expanded over the years to include five counties covering the northeast corner of Oklahoma.

Community Action Partnership began in 1999, as Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Agency, Inc.

A 501(c)3, the agency is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors composed of local residents who represent the private, public and low-income sectors.

As a designated community action agency, we are regulated by terms of the Community Services Block Grant.

In 2008, Jean Cooper, Ed.D., celebrated her 10th year with the agency. Under her leadership and guidance, NEOCAA services and fundings grew significantly. And, for the next five years, Jean and the Board of Directors set the following goals to assist low-income families to become more self-sufficient:

• Within one year, the agency will provide holistic, comprehensive services that maximize benefits and opportunities for clients.

• Within five years, the agency will provide an array of financial empowerment services to assist all clients in achieving self-sufficiency.

• Within five years, the agency will secure unrestricted funds to provide funds for housing development and small loans for clients.

Over the years, NEOCAA has implemented many project initiatives. 

We have also adapted to the needs of our communities by expanding services. This growth affords us the opportunity to serve even more families in the area by providing support and encouraging greater sustainability for themselves and their families.

NEOCAA and the clients and community we serve have benefitted from excellent leadership that is reflected in the many new and innovative programs we have implemented over the years.

In 2019, we celebrated the 50th Anniversary of Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Agency with a party, welcoming guests and special speakers. The city of Jay designated September 30, 2019, as Northeast Oklahoma Community Action Day in our community.