We are the anti-poverty authority. The Community Action network is comprised of over 1000 independent non-profit and public organizations covering every county in the United States.

Here in Pennsylvania, Community Action Association represents 42 Community Action Agencies across the Commonwealth. Each Community Action agency receives direct federal funds from the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). Each agency is uniquely addressing the Social Determinants of Health through various programming, informed by regular Community Needs Assessments, to understand the needs of those most vulnerable in every community. While the approaches and composition of programming is unique by Agency, all are unified on ensuring the health-related social needs of their customers are being met.

WHO WE ARE

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Pennsylvania’s Community Action Agencies are a trusted entity by the people who access their programs which can range from those who live below the Federal Poverty Income Guidelines to families whose income is reaching 200% of poverty.

While many will argue that poverty will always be with us, Community Action believes that poverty is man made and can be eradicated through policy, programs, and caring about those who live in their communities. They are on the front lines and understand that poverty in 2024 is a complicated issue. Only through public-private partnerships, having a seat at their local decision-making tables with public and corporate entities and through the blending and braiding of a variety of safety net funds will we truly move the needle for the over three million Pennsylvanians that are using government health care programs.

Utilizing a collective impact approach, most (97%) of the local agencies are members of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP). CAAP’s vision is to be recognized in Pennsylvania’s policy-setting and legislative groups as the authority on issues of poverty, self-sufficiency, and community development, exemplifying our core values of compassion, honesty, and reliability.

What We Do

HOW WE INNOVATE

Community Action is the “go-to” network for social determinants of health (SDOH) and health-related social need (HRSN) services.

Specifically…

Community Action Agencies are very familiar with federal and state funding having partnerships in various Pennsylvania Departments.
Community Action Agencies already offer programs that align with Medicaid SDOH and Health Equity Requirements. The community-based programs also provide critical services required in Pennsylvania’s pending 1115 Waiver.
Community Action Agencies are willing to partner with healthcare organizations to truly build a local, high-touch, network of comprehensive care that takes an individual’s whole life into consideration. Each Community Action Agency is required to complete a community needs assessment every three years and ensure that the programs offered align with the community needs.
Community Action Agencies are accustomed to collecting and reporting on multiple data points to document the characteristics of the individuals being served, the services being provided, and the outcomes of those services.

To provide “whole-person care,” Pennsylvania needs a local, responsive ecosystem to deliver across socioeconomic, behavioral health and physical needs. Community Action Agencies have been delivering at the local level in all Pennsylvania Counties for over 60 years.
Looking to partner? Download our Value Statement for Alignment to Healthcare below!

Download Value Statement to Healthcare

Our Work: Workplace Culture & DEI

Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) understands that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are critical to the work of Community Action Agencies to effectively address the issues of poverty.

At CAAP, we value diversity among all individuals. We recognize the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion and to eliminate and reduce discrimination within the workplace and the state of Pennsylvania. We are an organization that supports the safety, authenticity, and dignity of all human beings that we engage with as an association and look to influence others to do the same within Community Action and the community at large.

We are committed to being intentional in fostering diversity with equity and inclusion, and rooting this in our decision-making through transformative DEI work. We are committed to evolving from “We do not discriminate” to “We are taking action to end disparities.”

Check out results of CAAP’s 2022 Network DEI Assessment ⮕

Racial Equity Commitment
Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) understands that eliminating racial bias and dismantling systemic racism are critical to the work of Community Action Agencies to effectively address issues of poverty.
The impact of systemic racism – a form of racism embedded through laws, regulations, and norms within society or an organization - continues to threaten growing numbers of Black, Brown, Indigenous and other persons of color. This form of racism often results in high unemployment, inadequate housing, and poor education. We know this leads to poor physical or mental health, substance abuse, and other unwell conditions.
We are committed to being intentional about addressing racial equity, undertaking four initiatives to bring awareness, influence, and achieve racial parity; producing analytical reports to highlight areas of racial inequity, supporting innovative programs that reduce racial barriers, advocating for legislative and policy reform, and educating through resources and training around racial healing.
Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) understands that Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are critical to the work of Community Action Agencies to effectively address the issues of poverty.
At CAAP, we value diversity among all individuals. We recognize the need for diversity, equity, and inclusion and to eliminate and reduce discrimination within the workplace and the state of Pennsylvania. We are an organization that supports the safety, authenticity, and dignity of all human beings that we engage with as an association and look to influence others to do the same within Community Action and the community at large.
We are committed to being intentional in fostering diversity with equity and inclusion, and rooting this in our decision-making through transformative DEI work. We are committed to evolving from “We do not discriminate” to “We are taking action to end disparities.”
Read our full statement and policy ⮕
Our 2024 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Survey is a crucial initiative by the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) to gauge the current landscape of DEI practices within our network. The survey aims to collect insights on how our CAAs are advancing DEI, identifying areas of success, and highlighting opportunities for growth. This helps us understand the effectiveness of our programs, inform future strategies, and ensure that we continue to foster inclusive and equitable environments for all.
2024 DEI Survey Results ⮕