 First State Community Action Agency was founded in 1965 as the Sussex County Community Action Agency.  In 1993, the agency expanded its services to include all three Delaware counties and become First State Community Action Agency.  Today, First State is recognized as one of Delaware’s leading anti-poverty human service organizations helping people help themselves.

Self-Sufficiency Thriving Stable Vulnerable In Crisis MISSION: To work towards the elimination of poverty and lessen the effects of poverty on people of low income.

First State provides more than twenty programs and services designed to provide a HAND UP, not a handout, to assist Delaware families. Here are the ways we help lift people out of poverty Services supported by Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds

Family Resources {Statewide} Emergency Services {Sussex County}  Comprehensive Case Management  A Second Chance Prison Reentry  State Rental Assistance Program  Promoting Safe & Families  Emergency Food Pantry  Rent and Utility Assistance  Prescription Assistance QUESTIONS? Carolyn Collie ext. 129 Special Note: Referrals/clients for emergency services must first go through local State Service Center. No appointment required to receive emergency food.

Housing Counseling {Statewide} Financial Literacy {Statewide}  First Time Homebuyers Program  Foreclosure Mediation  Mortgage Default  Rental Delinquency  Budget Counseling  Credit Counseling QUESTIONS? Karen Garrett Special Note: Assistance provided through appointment only. Call nearest office for appointment.

H.E.L.P {Statewide} De-LEAD {Sussex & Kent Counties}  Provides direct home improvements aimed at eliminating unhealthy conditions to elevate the quality of health in the home.  EcoKits and energy education provided as a cost-savings approach to reduce household energy use.  Reduce or remove lead-based paint from single family homes and rental units built before  Serves specific zip codes; households must have children age 6 years or younger. QUESTIONS? Charles Kistler ext. 121 Special Note: Assistance provided through appointment only. Call for appointment.

Heating Repair {Statewide} Summer Cooling {Statewide}  Helps eligible low-income home owners repair or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home’s primary heating source functional.  Provides air conditioners which bring cooling relief to vulnerable members of community. QUESTIONS? Charles Kistler ext. 121 Special Note: Referrals/clients for heating repairs must first go through local State Service Center.

Adult Culinary Arts {Sussex County} “Now We’re Cooking” {Sussex County}  Basic culinary arts training for unemployed and underemployed adults. Funded by Dept. of Labor  Students receive job shadowing, internship experience, and ServSafe certification.  Community Dinners  First-rate vocational food service, work readiness, and life skills training for learning disabled high school students.  Partnership with local school districts—students are enrolled through school. QUESTIONS? MaryAnn Morris ext. 139 Special Note: Enrollment period for adult culinary training varies. Must call for appointment.

Senior Employment {Sussex County} Senior Companion {Statewide}  SCSEP provides subsidized employment and training opportunities for individuals 55 and older.  Helps seniors reenter workforce with opportunities for unsubsidized employment.  Individuals age 55 and older have opportunity of being a companion or recipient.  Companions help other disabled, elderly and frail individuals remain independent in homes. QUESTIONS? Roy Hazzard ext. 169 Valarie Wright ext. 131 Special Note: Accepting participants year round. Assistance provided through appointment only. Call for appointment.

Afterschool Programs {Sussex County} Employment & Enrichment {Sussex County}  Tutoring & Homework Assistance ◦ Activities promote academic success, creativity through the arts, personal growth, and healthy social development ◦ La Casita Homework Assistance  Summer Enrichment Camps  Drug & Alcohol Prevention  Summer Youth Employment  Afterschool Youth Employment  Leadership Development QUESTIONS? Sandy Hagans ext. 113 Special Note: Enrollment period for youth programs varies and is accepted by application only. Call for details.

Community Development {Statewide} Multicultural Outreach {Sussex County}  Strong Communities Initiative ◦ Community Engagement, Capacity Building, Leadership Training, and Advocacy  Septic Rehabilitation Program  Delaware Prevention Coalition  EITC Tax Preparation  Life skills assistance and community advocacy services to non-English speaking residents La Casita Outreach Center 107 N. King St. Georgetown, Delaware Telephone: (302) Open 8am – 5pm Mon-Fri; No Appt. Needed QUESTIONS? Bruce Wright ext. 114 Special Note: Most services provided year round for select communities. Call for more information.

HOURS: Open 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday HOURS: Open 8am – 5pm Monday through Friday Call toll-free at Visit our website!

First State Community Action Agency People Helping People Build Community.