History

This agency was organized April 4, 1966, as a Private Non-Profit Agency to serve Bradley county. In 1968, the agency expanded and now serves five (5) Southeast Counties in Arkansas (Ashley, Bradley, Chicot, Desha & Drew).

The purpose of the agency is to plan, execute and / or coordinate programs and projects which will tend to alleviate and /or eliminate poverty and the causes and conditions of poverty in the area.

Objectives
1.  To administer programs, coordinate services and determine the outcome of services to low-income persons.

2.  To work with significant community groups ( the poor, the pubic sector and the private sector) to seek out, identify and/or eliminate the causes of poverty within the community.

3.  To make the entire community more responsive to the needs and interests of the poor by mobilizing available resources and bringing about a greater institution sensitivity.

4.  To plan and develop a system of priorities among projects, activities and areas as needed for the most effective and efficient use of resources.

5.  To involve the residents of the area in the planning of programs which will help the poverty stricken. 

 

Structure
The agency is governed by a Board of Directors of fifteen (15) people (one-third elected officials, one-third elected representatives from the private sector and one-third elected representatives from the poor sector) who are the decision-making body of the agency.

Leadership
Leadership for the agency is delegated to the Executive Director by the Board of Directors.