An assigned given to me through a class I’m taking requires us to interview and evaluate three Community Compassion Organizations. This post is an overview of the work accomplished by an organization called Community Action Agency of Delaware County (CAADC). Here is why they are a significant organization within my community.
Founded in 1979, a group of local leaders gathered to together with hope to establish a non-profit organization that would strive to eliminate the specific needs that were rapidly developing within the community. Spokesman Daniel Nesditt commented “these leaders saw a growing concern and took it upon themselves to ensure a solution.”
CAADC functions in many ways to assist and improve the community. Their goal is to help people establish economic self- sufficiency by providing numerous programs that are not only meant to inform but to train as well. Along with providing emergency shelter, homeless prevention and rental assistance, CAADC functions as a training ground that prepares and equips clients for further obstacles in life. Their services include employment training, maintenance training, welfare-to-work initiatives, budget counseling and energy efficiency education.
The agency is funded in two categories: public and private. 60% of their funds are received from public contributions such as local townships and governments and the PA Dept of Education. Their recognition has also gained them some national support as well such as the US Dept of Agriculture and the U.S. Dept of Health and Human Services. In addition, the remaining 40% of their funding comes from private foundations like the United Way, Boeing and AmeriCorps.
What I found interesting was that only 9% of their distribution of these funds went to administration costs. Also worth noting is that CAADC was selected as one of “The Top 100 Workplaces 2011” for the Philadelphia Regions. For the 2nd year in a row.
That is interesting. I wonder what exactly it is about the work environment that made it top the list? Great that you pointed out how CAADC equips people to be self-sufficient; this seems to be the key to success with such organizations.
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