DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 183

PROCLAIMING MAY 2026 AS "COMMUNITY ACTION MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, Community Action Agencies were established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 as a crucial aspect of President Lyndon B. Johnson’s “War on Poverty”; and

WHEREAS, today there are approximately 1,000 Community Action Agencies, serving every state and 96 percent of counties in the United States; and

WHEREAS, Community Action Agencies serve more than 16.2 million individuals per year; and

WHEREAS, Community Action Agencies are the primary source of direct support for more than 40 million people who live in poverty in the United States; and

WHEREAS, incorporated in 1966, First State Community Action Agency is Delaware’s first and only federally recognized Community Action Agency; and

WHEREAS, for over 60 years, First State Community Action Agency has provided an ever-evolving and expanding array of programs and services that are essential to helping poverty-stricken individuals become more independent; and

WHEREAS, in fiscal year 2024, First State Community Action Agency served 8,000 Delawareans statewide; and

WHEREAS, of those served, 4,339 individuals achieved measurable outcomes across employment, income, housing, education, and health, and 54% achieved documented, measurable progress toward greater stability; and

WHEREAS, First State Community Action Agency helped 435 households avoid eviction, 84 avoid foreclosure, 122 individuals secure safe and affordable housing, and 97 individuals purchase a home in 2024; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, First State Community Action Agency assisted 716 children and youth in improving their positive approaches to learning, with 712 achieving grade-level academic skills; and

WHEREAS, in 2024, First State Community Action Agency assisted 186 unemployed adults in securing employment, with 79 advancing to higher wages, hours, or benefits, and 382 individuals reporting improved overall financial well-being; and

WHEREAS, Community Action Agencies, including Delaware’s own First State Community Action Agency, continue to play a vital role in empowering individuals, strengthening families, and building more resilient communities through their commitment to eradicating poverty and promoting economic self-sufficiency.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that May 2026 is hereby proclaimed “Community Action Month” in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Senate Concurrent Resolution proclaims May 2026 as "Community Action Month" in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Pettyjohn