ASSIST Agency to mark May as community action agency month

On August 20, 1964 President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act which created a variety of programs, including Community Action Agencies, as part of his War on Poverty. He knew then as we know now, that the war against poverty must be won in the field, in every private home, in every public office, from the courthouse to the White House. “Community Action Month is a wonderful time to honor and celebrate the impact Community Action has in the lives of families and communities across the country,” stated Denise Harlow, National Community Action Partnership CEO. “Agencies are successful every day in helping families achieve economic security. Given that the needs of each family and community are unique, Community Action is able to use a range of resources and programs to meet local needs in creative and impactful ways.”
The ASSIST Agency was established in 1967 to wage the war on poverty on a personal level in Southwestern Louisiana, particularly in Acadia, Jeff Davis and Vermilion Parishes, by promoting self-sufficiency for those of limited income ensuring that all residents are able to live in dignity; by implementing innovative and cost-effective programs to improve the lives and living conditions of the impoverished; by providing support and instruction for everyone in need of assistance; and by being a major voice of reason in establishing welfare system reforms.
The ASSIST Agency statistics underscore the positive impact we’ve had on our neighborhoods. We help countless individuals improve their lives each year by providing them essential services and life-changing opportunities through Individual Development Accounts, financial education and job training as well as making available affordable housing, economic development, natural disaster relief and recovery, health care, energy assistance, and so much more.
ASSIST Agency success stories are a testament to our measurable results, such as: helping 338 elderly households with utility, rent, and mortgage bills and 100 individuals obtain access to prescription medicine. The Agency provides many other programs to assist individuals and families reach the goal of self-sufficiency.
Despite experiencing budget cuts, shrinking resources, and increased demands for services during these challenging economic times, the ASSIST Agency has been remarkably successful assisting the low-income veterans, senior citizens, families, children, students, and everyone in between in our communities to achieve and maintain economic security because as Sharon Clement, Executive Director, attests: “Our staff is committed to their task of replacing disadvantages with opportunities because it is right, because it is wise, and because, in our hearts and minds we believe it is possible to conquer poverty in our lifetime.” For More information, contact ASSIST at 337-788-7550 x 138 in Acadia, 337-824-7800 in Jeff Davis or 337-898-9554 in Vermilion.