Arkansas Community Action Agencies Association - ACAAA

06/18/2026

📢 Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency is in the news!

Earlier this week, we had the privilege of convening a local forum in Helena-West Helena at Phillips Community College, bringing together community members, local leaders, elected officials, educators, service providers, and other stakeholders for an important conversation about the future of our communities.

These forums are designed to elevate local voices—not only to identify the challenges that families and communities are facing, but also to explore meaningful, community-driven solutions. The insights shared during this discussion will help inform ongoing efforts to strengthen pathways toward economic mobility and self-sufficiency across Arkansas.

We are grateful for the engagement and participation of local officials, community leaders, and residents who took the time to join the conversation. A special thank you to Arkansas State Representative Mark McElroy for making time to attend and contribute to the discussion.

If you'd like to learn more about Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency, explore opportunities to get involved, or schedule a community conversation in your area, please reach out to us at [email protected]. We would love to hear from you and partner with you in building stronger, more thriving communities across Arkansas.

Together, we can turn local voices into lasting impact. 💙
Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc.

06/18/2026

Today we had the opportunity to meet with the office of Congressman French Hill to discuss a topic that will continue to shape the future of Arkansas: digital opportunity.

Our conversation centered on the realities facing constituents across Central Arkansas and highlighted four critical areas that continue to impact families and communities: accessibility, affordability, digital skills, and access to devices.

Why is this conversation so important?

As we look toward a future that is increasingly driven by technology, innovation, and AI, it is essential that all Arkansans have the opportunity to participate and compete. Digital opportunity is no longer a luxury—it is a necessity. Whether someone is applying for a job, accessing healthcare, completing educational coursework, managing finances, communicating with government agencies, or pursuing entrepreneurship, reliable connectivity and digital skills are becoming foundational requirements.

Yet barriers remain. Many households continue to struggle with the cost of internet service (if infrastructure supports broadband connectivity), lack access to devices, or need support developing the digital skills necessary to navigate today's increasingly online world. These challenges disproportionately impact rural communities, older adults, individuals with low incomes, and many of the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) households that represent approximately 41% of Arkansas families.

The stakes are high. If we fail to address these barriers now, we risk creating even greater disparities in access to essential services and economic opportunity. As more public and private services move online, digital exclusion can quickly become a barrier to employment, education, healthcare, housing, and long-term economic mobility.

That is why partnerships and solution-driven conversations matter. We need continued federal, state, local, nonprofit, and private-sector collaboration to ensure that every Arkansan has access to affordable broadband, appropriate devices, and the skills needed to thrive in a digital economy.

We are grateful to Congressman Hill's office for taking the time to engage in this discussion and for their willingness to explore solutions that strengthen digital opportunity across Arkansas.

We also want to recognize and thank the Arkansas State Broadband Office for its leadership and ongoing work through the BEAD program and other strategic initiatives that are helping expand connectivity and create pathways for more Arkansans to access reliable broadband service.

Together, we have an opportunity to build a more connected Arkansas—one where zip code, income level, or geography does not determine access to opportunity. The work continues, and I am encouraged by the growing commitment to ensuring that every Arkansan has the tools, skills, and connectivity needed to succeed.

06/16/2026

Last night in Helena-West Helena, we witnessed the power of community voice in action.

A heartfelt thank you to Executive Director and ACAAA Board member Jimmy Sanders, the Mid-Delta team, and everyone who helped coordinate and host our Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency local forum at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas. Your leadership and commitment created a space where meaningful dialogue could take place and where local voices could be elevated.

What made the evening so impactful was the variety of perspectives represented around the table. State legislators, local elected officials, educators, community development organizations, community health workers, economic development professionals, community leaders, small business owners, and residents all came together with a shared purpose: to have an honest conversation about the opportunities and challenges facing families and communities across the Delta.

The Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Initiative was never designed to be a top-down approach. It was built on the belief that the people closest to the challenges are also closest to the solutions. Last night's conversation reaffirmed that belief. We heard stories of resilience, identified barriers that continue to impact families, and explored opportunities to strengthen systems that support economic mobility, workforce development, education, health, housing, transportation, and community prosperity.

There is tremendous value in listening before leading. When we create space for local voice and local choice, we gain a clearer understanding of what communities need to thrive—not just survive. The insights shared in Helena-West Helena will help shape the work ahead as we continue building a statewide framework that reflects the realities, strengths, and aspirations of Arkansas communities.

The future of Arkansas will not be determined in boardrooms alone. It will be shaped in community centers, classrooms, city halls, churches, businesses, and conversations like the one we experienced last night.

As Community Action continues this journey through Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency, we remain committed to engaging communities across the state, centering resident voice, strengthening partnerships, and advancing solutions that create lasting impact for generations to come.

The path to self-sufficiency begins with listening, grows through collaboration, and succeeds when communities are empowered to lead the way.



Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc.

06/15/2026

Helena Local Forum - Phillips College

06/15/2026

We're headed to Helena today!

📣 Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Stakeholders 📣

We are excited to announce that the Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Initiative will host our 2nd Local Forum of the year in Helena-West Helena!

📍 Phillips Community College
1000 Campus Drive
Helena-West Helena, AR 72342

This important community conversation is being hosted by the local Community Action Agency, Mid-Delta Community Services.

The forum will center on open discussion around the challenges impacting communities across the region — and more importantly, the solutions that can be created together. This will be a well-rounded conversation bringing together practitioners, legislators, community leaders, and everyday Arkansas families because every voice matters and every perspective is valuable.

🗣️ We want to hear from everyone!

The feedback gathered through these forums is helping inform the development of a statewide Self-Sufficiency Model that will strengthen Arkansas’ approach toward eradicating poverty and increasing opportunities for families and communities across the state.

The Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Initiative is a collaborative effort focused on elevating local voices, identifying barriers to economic mobility, and building sustainable pathways that empower Arkansans to thrive. Through community conversations, partnerships, and action-driven strategies, we are working to create solutions that are informed by the people most impacted.

Your voices are critical to this process, and together we can help shape a stronger future for Arkansas communities.

💙 We hope you will join us as we continue building pathways, creating opportunity, and proving that lasting change begins when communities come together.

Email us at [email protected] to let us know you're attending or you just want to get involved!



Mid-Delta Community Services, Inc.

06/15/2026

Across Arkansas, there is a network quietly working every day to strengthen families, support local economies, and create opportunities for those striving to build better lives. While many may not recognize its full reach, Community Action is often the pulse that keeps communities moving forward.

For more than six decades, Community Action Agencies have served as trusted partners in Arkansas communities, responding to local needs while helping individuals and families overcome barriers to self-sufficiency. From workforce development and affordable housing assistance to early childhood education, utility assistance, senior services, transportation, financial literacy, and emergency support, Community Action touches nearly every aspect of community well-being.

The strength of Community Action lies in its local presence. Agencies are embedded in the communities they serve. They understand the challenges families face because they live and work alongside them. This local connection allows Community Action to respond quickly, innovate effectively, and tailor solutions to the unique needs of each region of Arkansas.

Today, the work is more important than ever.

Many people still associate poverty with unemployment, but the reality facing Arkansas families is much more complex. Across the state, thousands of hardworking individuals are employed yet continue to struggle with rising housing costs, childcare expenses, transportation challenges, healthcare costs, and food insecurity. These families are part of the ALICE population—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed—and represent a significant portion of Arkansas households.

Community Action Agencies serve these families every day. They help parents secure employment, connect families to stable housing, provide support during times of crisis, and create pathways toward long-term economic stability.

The network also serves many of Arkansas' most vulnerable residents, including seniors living on fixed incomes, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and children. With approximately one in five Arkansas children living in poverty, the need for coordinated services and community support remains critical.

Yet Community Action is about more than providing assistance. It is about creating opportunity.

Through initiatives such as Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency, Community Action is bringing together employers, educators, healthcare providers, policymakers, faith leaders, nonprofits, and community residents to identify solutions that address the root causes of poverty. These efforts focus on building stronger communities where families can thrive, not just survive.

Community Action Agencies are often the first place families turn when they need help and the last organization to give up when challenges seem overwhelming. They are conveners, advocates, problem-solvers, and trusted partners. They help communities respond to disasters, address workforce shortages, improve economic mobility, and strengthen local systems of support.

In many ways, Community Action serves as the heartbeat of Arkansas communities—connecting people to resources, opportunities, and hope.

As we continue building pathways to self-sufficiency across our state, we remain committed to the mission that has guided Community Action since its inception: helping people help themselves and each other.

Because when families succeed, communities prosper. And when communities prosper, Arkansas thrives.

06/15/2026

🎉 WE'RE COMING BACK TO PINE BLUFF! 🎉

Earlier this year, we gathered in Pine Bluff for a local Arkansas Pathways to Self-Sufficiency Forum to listen, learn, and discuss the challenges and opportunities facing families in Jefferson County and surrounding communities.

Now, we're returning—but this time, we're turning conversations into ACTION! 💪

Join us for Pathways in Action: Community Impact Day, a day dedicated to connecting families with opportunities, resources, and support while celebrating the strength and resilience of our community.

✨ What can you expect?

🎤 Live Music

🔥 Delicious Food Hot Off the Grill

💼 Mini Job Fair with On-the-Spot Interviews

🤝 Community Resource Providers

🎈 Activities for Children and Families

❤️ Opportunities to Connect, Learn, and Grow

Most importantly, Community Impact Day is about creating pathways to opportunity and bringing together partners who are committed to helping Arkansas families thrive.

We are thrilled to welcome Central Moloney as one of our workforce and industry partners! They will be participating in the mini-job fair and connecting directly with job seekers looking for meaningful employment opportunities.

📢 EMPLOYERS WANTED!
We currently have space available for three additional employers to join the mini-job fair and meet qualified candidates from across the region. Contact us at [email protected] to learn more and/or to secure your spot!

📢 SPONSORS & RESOURCE PARTNERS WANTED!
We're also seeking sponsoring partners and resource vendors who want to be part of this exciting day of impact and engagement.

Whether you're looking for a job, resources for your family, ways to support your community, or simply a fun day out with family and friends—there will be something for everyone!

Together, we're building stronger communities and creating pathways to self-sufficiency across Arkansas.

👉 Learn more about sponsorship and vendor opportunities here:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/arkansas-pathways-community-impact-day

Join us on September 26 from 10am - 1pm in Pine Bluff (location TBA)!

06/12/2026

Today, ACAAA Executive Director Tomekia Moore had the opportunity to visit with Senator Tom Cotton's office to discuss the importance of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and its impact on communities across Arkansas.

The conversation centered on how CSBG serves as a critical resource in helping local Community Action Agencies address the root causes of poverty while strengthening pathways to economic mobility, family stability, and community resilience. Through the Community Action Network, CSBG funding helps empower local communities by supporting programs and services that respond directly to the unique needs of Arkansas families.

With Community Action agencies serving all 75 counties across our state, it is important that policymakers understand both the challenges facing Arkansas families and the opportunities that exist when communities are equipped with the resources to lead local solutions.

We appreciate the opportunity to share the story of Community Action, highlight the impact of CSBG investments, and continue building relationships that support stronger, healthier, and more prosperous communities throughout Arkansas.

06/11/2026

Congratulations, BRAD - Black River Area Development Corporation!

BRAD is ahead of CLASS - Top 20 in CLASS in the state of Arkansas!