To: Board of Supervisors
From: Marla Stuart, Employment and Human Services Director
Report Title: Community Action Month Proclamation 2025
☒Recommendation of the County Administrator ☐ Recommendation of Board Committee
RECOMMENDATIONS:
ADOPT a resolution proclaiming June 2025 as Community Action Month in Contra Costa County, as recommended by the Employment and Human Services Director.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact for this action.
BACKGROUND:
The Community Services Bureau of the Employment and Human Services Department is the Community Action Agency for Contra Costa County. Community Action Agencies were created when the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was signed into law and have a 60-year history of promoting self-sufficiency for those with limited income.
May is Community Action Month and this year’s observance celebrates 60 years of reducing poverty, revitalizing communities, and empowering individuals and families. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) combats the causes and consequences of poverty through Community Action. On average, CSBG serves more than 9 million individuals every year in the United States, in 99% of counties across the country.
CONSEQUENCE OF NEGATIVE ACTION:
If this staff report is not received, Community Action agencies and partners in Contra Costa County will not be recognized.
CHILDREN’S IMPACT STATEMENT:
This resolution supports all five of Contra Costa County’s community outcomes of the Children’s Report Card: (1) “Children Ready for and Succeeding in School”; (2) “Children and Youth Healthy and Preparing for Productive Adulthood”; (3) “Families that are Economically Self-Sufficient”; (4) “Families that are Safe, Stable and Nurturing”; and (5) “Communities that are Safe and Provide a High Quality of Life for Children and Families.”
The Board of Supervisors of Contra Costa County, California
body
IN THE MATTER OF proclaiming June 2025 as Community Action Month in Contra Costa County:
WHEREAS, Community Action has made significant contributions across our nation for more than 60 years, inspiring a spirit of hope, creating opportunities for millions of people to be a part of the American Dream, and improving communities; and
WHEREAS, Community Action builds and promotes economic stability as an essential aspect of enabling and enhancing stronger communities and stable homes; and
WHEREAS, Community Action advocates at the local, state, and national level to ensure the causes and conditions of poverty are effectively addressed and to strengthen, promote, represent, and serve the community; and
WHEREAS, in 2024 Contra Costa County’s Community Action Program, through its 11 nonprofit partners, served 15,986 individuals with vital safety net services in the priority areas of housing, job training, mental health services, and food security; and
WHEREAS, in Contra Costa County during 2024, through Community Action, 267 individuals received job-readiness training; six increased their income and/or employment-related benefits such as sick leave, insurance, and retirement; 58 unemployed adults obtained jobs paying up to living wage; and 62 unemployed adults obtained jobs paying a living wage or higher; and
WHEREAS, Community Action in Contra Costa County delivers innovative services and safety net supports that create greater opportunities for families and children to succeed, and in 2024 served 2,231 children, ages 0 to 17, and their families by providing childcare, shelter, family support, nutrition, job training, and mental health services; and
WHEREAS, Community Action programs deliver high-impact, cost-effective results that generate a significant return on investment for local communities. By strengthening community assets, assisting local entrepreneurs, and promoting self-sufficiency, Community Action creates a
foundation for economic stability and growth; and
WHEREAS, Community Action values community participation and involvement ensuring that all sectors of the community have a voice and opportunity to be heard; and in Contra Costa County four public hearings reached 149 community members who shared their experiences and needs as low-income individuals and families. In addition, the Economic Opportunity Council (EOC), the tripartite board overseeing Community Services Block Grants (CSBG), comprises 15 Board-appointed members, with five each from public, private/nonprofit, and low-income sectors.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors hereby recognizes June 2025 as National Community Action Month in Contra Costa County.