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Schuylkill Community Action Executive Board
As a Community Action Agency, Schuylkill Community Action is governed by its Board of Directors.
Schuylkill Community Action's Board consists of twenty-one (21) members, 1/3 of which are elected by low-income groups as representatives from designated organizations, groups or target areas; 1/3 representing elected public officials and 1/3 representing the private sector.
This multi-sector participation allows those three groups to leverage distinct perspectives, understandings and strengths to the task of helping low-income people become more self-sufficient.
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2012-2013 Schuylkill Community Action Board of Directors
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Public Sector
Frank J. Staudenmeier, Chairman
Schuylkill County Commissioners
George F. Halcovage, Jr.
Schuylkill County Commissioner
Gary J. Hess
Schuylkill County Commissioner
John D. W. Reiley
Mayor, City of Pottsville
Patricia A. Schnitzius
Council Member, Mahanoy City Borough
Joseph G. Groody
Schuylkill County Sheriff
David G. Argall
Senator, 29th District
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Low Income Sector
Rose Marteslo
Minersville Family Development Project
Jean A. Haberl
Shenandoah Food Pantry Target Area
Captain Adam Hench
Pottsville Salvation Army
Mal Bartram
Avenues
Susan Moyer
Child Development Inc.
Eddie Albert
Schuylkill Haven Food Pantry Target Area
Billie Payne
John O’Hara Housing Development
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Private Sector
Mary Diffenderfer
Schuylkill Economic Development Corp.
Kenneth Stolarick
M & T Bank
Sarah Donohue
Business & Professional Women's Club
John F. Patton
Standard Speaker
Norm Zwolenik
First National Bank of Palmerton
Maria Montero
Trudy Umholtz
Tri-Valley Charities, Inc.
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Our Mission
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Schuylkill Community Action is a private, non-profit organization incorporated under the laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
The primary purpose of SCA shall be to coordinate and focus all available resources upon the needs of low-income Schuylkill County residents enabling them to obtain adequate, affordable housing and secure opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency.
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Our History
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Schuylkill Community Action was incorporated as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 1965. It was formed as a result of the combination of two (2) community action grant programs operated by the City of Pottsville and the County of Schuylkill.
The agency went by the name "The Economic Opportunity Cabinet of Schuylkill County" until it officially changed its name to "Schuylkill Community Action" on July 1, 2000.
Primary funding originated from the Federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which gave legal authority for local governments to establish community action agencies.
This Act was a major part of President Johnson's "War on Poverty." The Economic Opportunity Act was the first major Legislation that required active citizen participation in planning and implementing federally funded programs at the local level.
In 1974, Congress amended the Economic Opportunity Act, creating the Community Services Administration.
Implementation of CSA activities and monitoring was conducted through ten (10) Regional Offices.
The Community Services Administration also funded State Economic Opportunity Offices, which were designated by the Governors in each state to mobilize resources at the state level to assist community action agencies.
In 1981, federal legislation known as the Omnibus Reconciliation Act repealed most of the Economic Opportunity Act.
The Community Services Administration was eliminated as a separate federal agency and the Omnibus Reconciliation Act, Subtitle B, Section 671, established the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG).
Funds provided to community action agencies through CSBG were now channeled through the states instead of coming directly from the federal government.
The Federal Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Community Services now administers the CSBG Program.
In Pennsylvania, the Department of Community & Economic Development, Office of Community Services receives the block grant funds, which are distributed by formula to community action agencies.
Schuylkill Community Action is currently the primary organization for addressing the needs of low-income residents of Schuylkill County.
SCA still utilizes the Community Services Block Grant Program as its core funding source, and employs those funds to leverage a wide range of federal, state, local and private resources.
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Our Role in the Community
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SCA serves as an advocate for low-income residents of Schuylkill County.
Through an on-going dialogue with local, state, and federal decision makers, SCA advocates for programs and legislation benefiting low-income Schuylkill County residents.
In addition, our case managers provide advocacy services to clients by ensuring support for their needs within the network of various local agencies and systems.
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Our role as Leader
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Over the years, SCA has established itself as a leader among many community organizations
Schuylkill County Homebuyer Coalition
The Schuylkill County Homebuyer Coalition was developed in July 1996 with a $7,500 'seed' grant from the Fannie Mae Foundation and contributions from local lenders.
SCA facilitates the Coalition in which Nine local lenders provide input for Homebuyer Education programming.
Local lenders include: M&T Bank, Wells Fargo, Sovereign Bank, Community Banks, N.A., KNBT Division of National Penn Bank, Leesport Bank, Liberty Savings Bank, Lebanon Valley Farmers Bank, Northwest Savings Bank.
Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board
The Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board was established by the Schuylkill County Affordable Housing Trust Fund Ordinance.
As the County's designated administrator of the Act 137 funds, SCA also serves an organizational role in its work with the Board.
The Board functions as an advisory board formulating procedures, guidelines and recommendations to the Board of Commissioners which has the final decision-making authority.
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Committee and Coalition Memberships
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Our role as a member of various committees and coalitions ensures that our mission is represented throughout the community.
It is through this role that the needs of low income residents are vocalized and the bonds between social service networks are strengthened.
Memberships include a wide variety of groups, including but not limited to:
Association of Schuylkill County Services
Bridge House Screening Committee
Child Development Policy Council
Community Action Association of Pennsylvania
Local Housing Options Team
Northeastern Pennsylvania Nonprofit & Community Assistance Center
Pottsville Area Development Corporation
Board of Directors
Redevelopment Authority of Schuylkill County
Regional Housing Advisory Committee
Northeast Pennsylvania Region
Schuylkill Chamber of Commerce
Schuylkill County Emergency
Food and Shelter Board
Schuylkill Transportation Advisory Committee
Schuylkill County Work Group for Community Health
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SCA is an Equal Opportunity Provider and Employer
SCA is firmly committed to the provision of assistance regardless of race, color, national origin, gender, religion, age, disability, political beliefs, military status, sexual orientation, or marital/family status.
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