First State Community Action Agency First State CAAs

First State Community Action Agency

First State CAA’s History First State Community Action Agency was founded in 1965 as the Sussex County Community Action Agency. In 1993, the agency expanded its services to include all three Delaware counties and become First State Community Action Agency. Today, First State is recognized as one of Delaware’s leading anti-poverty human service organizations helping people help themselves.

We Strive To Achieve Our Mission & Goals In Crisis Vulnerable MISSION: To work towards the elimination of poverty and lessen the effects of poverty on people of low income. Self-Sufficiency Stable Thriving

Services supported by Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funds First State provides more than twenty programs and services designed to provide a HAND UP, not a handout, to assist Delaware families. Here are the ways we help lift people out of poverty

Support for Individuals & Families in Crisis Family Resources Emergency Services {Statewide} {Sussex County} Comprehensive Case Management Emergency Food Pantry A Second Chance Prison Reentry Rent and Utility Assistance State Rental Assistance Program Prescription Assistance Promoting Safe & Families QUESTIONS? Carolyn Collie 302 -856 -7761 ext. 129 ccollie@firststatecaa. org Special Note: Referrals/clients for emergency services must first go through local State Service Center. No appointment required to receive emergency food.

Services for Housing & Financial Literacy Housing Counseling {Statewide} First Time Homebuyers Program Budget Counseling Foreclosure Mediation Credit Counseling Mortgage Default Rental Delinquency QUESTIONS? Karen Garrett 302 -674 -1355 kgarrett@firststatecaa. org Special Note: Assistance provided through appointment only. Call nearest office for appointment.

Creating Healthy, Energy-Efficient, Lead-Safe Homes H. E. L. P De-LEAD {Statewide} {Sussex & Kent Counties} Provides direct home improvements aimed at eliminating unhealthy conditions to elevate the quality of health in the home. Eco. Kits and energy education provided as a cost-savings approach to reduce household energy use. Reduce or remove lead-based paint from single family homes and rental units built before 1978. Serves specific zip codes; households must have children age 6 years or younger. QUESTIONS? Charles Kistler 302 -856 -7761 ext. 121 ckistler@firststatecaa. org Special Note: Assistance provided through appointment only. Call for appointment.

Heating & Cooling Energy Conservation Heating Repair Summer Cooling {Statewide} Helps eligible low-income home owners repair or replace furnaces, boilers and other direct heating components necessary to keep the home’s primary heating source functional. Provides air conditioners which bring cooling relief to vulnerable members of community. QUESTIONS? Charles Kistler 302 -856 -7761 ext. 121 ckistler@firststatecaa. org Special Note: Referrals/clients for heating repairs must first go through local State Service Center.

Adult & Youth Culinary Arts Training Adult Culinary Arts “Now We’re Cooking” {Sussex County} Basic culinary arts training for unemployed and underemployed adults. Funded by Dept. of Labor Students receive job shadowing, internship experience, and Serv. Safe certification. Community Dinners {Sussex County} First-rate vocational food service, work readiness, and life skills training for learning disabled high school students. Partnership with local school districts—students are enrolled through school. QUESTIONS? Mary. Ann Morris 302 -856 -7761 ext. 139 mmorris@firststatecaa. org Special Note: Enrollment period for adult culinary training varies. Must call for appointment.

Job Training and Assistance for Seniors Senior Employment Senior Companion {Sussex County} SCSEP provides subsidized employment and training opportunities for individuals 55 and older. Helps seniors reenter workforce with opportunities for unsubsidized employment. {Statewide} Individuals age 55 and older have opportunity of being a companion or recipient. Companions help other disabled, elderly and frail individuals remain independent in homes. QUESTIONS? Roy Hazzard 302 -856 -7761 ext. 169 rhazzard@firststatecaa. org Valarie Wright 302 -856 -7761 ext. 131 vwright@firststatecaa. org Special Note: Accepting participants year round. Assistance provided through appointment only. Call for appointment.

Youth Education, Employment, and Enrichment Afterschool Programs {Sussex County} Tutoring & Homework Assistance ◦ Activities promote academic success, creativity through the arts, personal growth, and healthy social development ◦ La Casita Homework Assistance Employment & Enrichment {Sussex County} Summer Enrichment Camps Drug & Alcohol Prevention Summer Youth Employment Afterschool Youth Employment Leadership Development QUESTIONS? Sandy Hagans 302 -856 -7761 ext. 113 shagans@firststatecaa. org Special Note: Enrollment period for youth programs varies and is accepted by application only. Call for details.

Community & Asset Development Community Development Multicultural Outreach {Statewide} Strong Communities Initiative ◦ Community Engagement, Capacity Building, Leadership Training, and Advocacy Septic Rehabilitation Program {Sussex County} Life skills assistance and community advocacy services to non-English speaking residents La Casita Outreach Center 107 N. King St. Georgetown, Delaware 19947 Telephone: (302) 856 -9660 Open 8 am – 5 pm Mon-Fri; No Appt. Needed Delaware Prevention Coalition EITC Tax Preparation Bruce Wright QUESTIONS? 302 -856 -7761 ext. 114 bwright@firststatecaa. org Special Note: Most services provided year round for select communities. Call for more information.

We’ve got your back!

Agency Locations HOURS: Open 8 am – 5 pm Monday through Friday Call toll-free at 1 -800 -372 -2240 Visit our website! www. First. State. CAA. org

First State Community Action Agency People Helping People Build Community.