The History of Community Action Council of Portage County, Inc.

The Community Action Council of Portage County (CAC) is a  private non-profit organization incorporated in 1965.  CAC was created under the   “War on  Poverty” and is the  designated anti-poverty agency for Portage County.  In 2014 we are celebrating the 50th anniversary of the War on Poverty.

 We operate  30 programs that are designed to provide a wide range of assistance to Portage County residents and 3 programs targeted to residents of Trumbull County.

 All agency programs have specific eligibility requirements but all are  designed to assist  economically disadvantaged families and individuals.  


Mission Statement

“To educate, empower, assist, and advocate for our community members to achieve their             
maximum potential and self-sufficiency.”

Funding

The Community Action Council operates through the receipt of grants and donations.  90% of all funding received by the agency is from federal, state, and local grants.  Donations are tax deductible.  Our tax id# is 34-0967324.

Partnerships

The Community Action Council of Portage County ‘s programs and services depend on the development of partnerships and collaborations with other organizations, government, and other groups.    We currently have over 50 community partners and would welcome any and all new partners.

 Our Services

  • All CAC programs have an application process; to apply for services, please contact us.
  • CAC programs have eligibility requirements based on income and need.
  • Weatherization, Home Repair, and Electric Efficiency programs are available to eligible residents of Portage and Trumbull Counties.
  • Emergency utility assistance services are available to residents of Portage County only.
  • Most CAC Services are FREE to  eligible families/individuals.
  • CAC operates the Community Technology Learning Center.  CTLC is a registered proprietary school in the state of Ohio.  CTLC is a fee based program, but student financial aid is often available. We also provide a wide range of globally recognized on-line tests for many education activities, occupations, and continuing education. 

 
Board of Directors

The Community Action Council of Portage County is governed by an 18-member volunteer Board of Directors. 1/3rd of all members represent elected officials, 1/3rd represent low-income areas or groups, and 1/3rd represent the private sector and other organizations.   The Board meets monthly on the 3rd Wednesday of each month and all meetings are public.     

Michael A. DeLuke, Board Chair                                    
Dr. Marlene Dorsey, Vice Chair
Mary Daily, Treasurer
Nancy Grim, Secretary
Lynn Allen 
Sean Dockery                                  
Henderson Ellis
David Gray   
Bonnie Howe 
Gregg Isler
Suzanne Livengood
Dr. Geraldine Hayes-Nelson
Melissa Long
William Schnell
Laure Gauntner
Robert Wright                                                               


CAC's Management & Program Directors

David B. Shea, Executive Director

Katherine McIntyre, Fiscal Officer
Gloria Haven, Director of Housing & Energy Services        
Tina Strausser, HEAP Coordinator
Valandia Bryant, Youth Operations Manager                      
Regina Holliday, CTLC Operations Manager
Amy Adams, 21st CCLC Coordinator