Action, Inc. 2008 Strategic Plan: Local solutions to problems of poverty

Action, Inc. helps people access the basic ingredients that are necessary to overcome poverty. For four decades Action, Inc., Cape Ann's first and only designated anti-poverty agency, has lived up to its name by taking Action to improve lives and help people to become economically secure, live with dignity and move up the ladder of economic opportunity. The region's largest and most comprehensive social service provider, Action offers job-training and education, fuel assistance, energy conservation, elder care, housing, emergency shelter, and legal aid to more than 3,300 low-income households (5,500 individuals) throughout Cape Ann and Ipswich each year.

People having trouble meeting household expenses, seniors in need of support, unemployed and underemployed individuals in need of training, those seeking referrals for counseling and mental health services, and troubled youth and families turn to Action, and Action always finds a way to help. According to the editor of the Gloucester Daily Times, "Action is at the hub of Gloucester's social service network, and we're so fortunate to have it here. Action speaks for those who have no voice."

While providing essential services, Action has also served as Cape Ann's incubator for visionary social programs and has launched an incredibly broad range of programs and services to respond to challenging social issues. Action was awarded two national demonstration projects in the last three years alone. Action created many of the programs that exist on Cape Ann today, such as the first elder services, HeadStart, and the food pantry. Action does all this with a remarkably low administrative rate: 96% of all funds go directly to program services, with only 4% going to administration and fundraising.

This document summarizes the results of twelve month planning process to define, reaffirm, and redirect the programs of Action, Inc. The planning process involved many hours of effort by staff, board and constituents. It is believed that the programs reflect the needs and desires of the community and are consistent with the mission of Action and of the ability of Action to manage, deliver, and fund each program element.

10/25/05

Click below to download Action's strategic plan.

Community Action Plan 2006-2007-2008 "Local solutions to problems of poverty" (pdf document)

Community Action Plan 2006-2007-2008 "Local solutions to problems of poverty" (word document)

For more Action publications, including the annual report, click here.

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