2. President Johnsons State of the Union Address January 8, 1964 Our task is to help replace their despair with opportunity. This administration today, here and now, declares unconditional war on poverty in America. Unfortunately, many Americans live on the outskirts of hope -- some because of their poverty, and some because of their color, and all too many because of both.

3. A National Network There are over 1000 Community Action Agencies in the US

4. Officially Designated by the County Board of Supervisors as Sonoma Countys Community Action Agency ~ 1968

5. Our Mission The purpose of Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County is to partner with low income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social stability, to build community, and to advocate for social and economic justice. Adopted April 1999

6. Our Yesterdays: (Started or Helped in Development/Establishment of) Commission on the Status of Women Family Planning Clinic The Human Services Commission Ya-Ka-Ama Indian Education Center YWCA Battered Women's Shelter The 1 st Multi-Year AmeriCorps Program in the County The Formation of the Countys Housing Authority Council on Aging The 1 st Farmworkers Clinic – Alianza Del Pueblo The 1 st Funded Affirmative Action Program The Countys 1 st Paratransit Program

7. What were up to today… Youth and Neighborhood Services Head Start & Early Head Start Health Services YouthBuild Housing Services

8. Youth Services Serving Santa Rosas poorest communities, Community Action Sonoma Countys Youth Services provides academic support, leadership development, recreation, and civic involvement for youth ages 6 to 18. Photo: Lisa Folsom-Ernst, 2002

9. Head Start Designed to help break the cycle of poverty, Head Start provides a comprehensive program that meets the emotional, social, health, nutritional, and psychological needs of preschool children from low income families and children with disabilities. Diana, a Head Start child. Photo: Lisa Folsom-Ernst, 2002

10. Early Head Start Early Head Start expands Head Start programming to include pregnant women, teen parents, and children ages birth to 36 months. Photo: Lisa Folsom-Ernst, 2002

11. Roseland Childrens Health Center Irma Oregon, Medical Assistant/Clinic Coordinator weighs Leelia during one of her routine well-child examinations. Photo: Lisa Folsom-Ernst, 2002

12. YouthBuild Santa Rosa Scott and Jose working on a low income housing development in Healdsburg. Photo: Lisa Folsom-Ernst, 2001

13. Housing Services Chanate Emergency Womens Shelter Transitional Housing - Provides affordable housing and the supportive services necessary to help women break their cycle of homelessness. Fair Housing HCA Homeless Prevention Case Management

14. Low Income Housing Developments Earle Street Apartments Aston Avenue Apartments (below); broke ground April, 2004

15. The American Dream Fund Through matched savings and financial education, The American Dream Fund enables families of modest income to become homeowners (An IDA demonstration program). Photo: Lisa Folsom-Ernst, 2002

16. Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. M. Mead

17. Thank you!

18. www.capsonoma.org