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Who We Are
ATCAA Vision Statement
Our vision is for residents to be self‒reliant, healthy, free from economic hardship, feeling sustained by the support of community and family, and able to achieve their maximum potential as engaged citizens.
Mission Statement
ATCAA promotes the economic security, self-sufficiency and the well-being of families and individuals by providing for basic human needs through direct assistance and community collaborations with the belief that all people deserve the opportunity to thrive.
Overview
The Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA), was created in 1981 as a public, nonprofit entity through a joint powers agreement between the two counties of Amador and Tuolumne, vested with the responsibility of improving the lives of residents in the foothill region.
ATCAA provides services based on the local community assessments that identify the assets and needs of our community. Services and projects have varied over the years based on community need and available funding.
Our Board of Directors is a tripartite board consisting of eighteen member seats representing the private sector, public sector and low‒income representatives of our community. The unique structure of a Community Action Agency brings together diverse leaders of the community to collaborate and respond to the community needs more effectually.
Our services are supported by hundreds of volunteers who play a critical role in the success of our services and assist our dedicated ATCAA staff. We gratefully acknowledge their help, financial support and the contribution of local community organizations, schools, agencies, churches, businesses and individuals.
Programs and Services
Since its first year, 1981, ATCAA has become involved in a variety of programs based on community needs and available funding. Programs and services are provided in both counties at convenient locations with Agency Service centers in Jackson and Sonora. Many services are also currently provided in neighboring counties of Calaveras, Alpine and Mariposa. ATCAA’s administrative office is located in Jackson, CA.
Formation of ATCAA
The Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency (ATCAA) was established in July, 1981 through a Joint Powers Agreement (JPA) between the counties of Amador and Tuolumne. The two counties formed a JPA because, at that time, each county separately lacked the minimum 50,000 population level for Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) funding.
The Joint Powers Agreement is the authorizing document of the local elected officials, the Amador and Tuolumne County Boards of Supervisors, establishing ATCAA as a two-county legal entity. As a JPA, ATCAA is a public agency.
Amador Tuolumne Community Resources, Inc., (ATCR), a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation was formed in the 1990’s to assist the Amador Tuolumne Community Action Agency.
How Are We Doing?
What are Community Action Agencies?
Community Action Agencies (CAAs) are private nonprofit and public organizations created out of Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to combat poverty. CAAs assess community needs and resources, establish priorities, determine strategies to address local poverty issues, and in partnership with community organizations, deliver a broad range of comprehensive services to create economic opportunity and have a measurable impact in the lives of those in our communities.
CSBG
Community Service Block Grant
CSBG is a federal, anti-poverty block grant which funds the operations of a state-administered network of local agencies. This CSBG network consists of more than 1,000 agencies that create, coordinate and deliver programs and services to low-income Americans in 99 percent of the nation's counties. ATCAA is part of this important network.
Local Agency Governance CAAs are viewed as a trusted local source for solving challenges faced by the communities they serve. CAAs are required to maintain a tripartite board structure, with mandatory representation from the low-income community, local elected officials, and public and private sector stakeholders. This composition brings differing perspectives and skillsets to the governance of a CAA and increases accountability to the community. The voice and engagement of individuals with low incomes are essential to the oversight of local programs.
ROMA - Results Oriented Management and Accountability
Unlike other block grants, CSBG has developed a highly structured management and accountability system.
This system is known as ROMA (Results Oriented Management and Accountability).
States have indicated that due to the oversight and accountability provided by them,
CSBG-funded local agencies are generally stronger and healthier than average non-profits.
ROMA: An Origin Story
The Colorado Community Action Association and the Association of Nationally Certified ROMA Trainers (ANCRT) recently released this comic storyboard. Click on the photo to get a quick and informative summary.
History of Community Action
History of Community Action
Sargent Shriver and the History of the Community Action Movement
Anti-Poverty Act of 1964
