Jacksonville, Fla.  –  Northeast Florida’s most in-need residents may find solace knowing they can to turn to the best community action agency in the state when they need help. The Northeast Florida Community Action Agency (NFCAA) was recently named Florida’s “Agency of the Year” by The Florida Association for Community Action for successfully helping low-income families and individuals achieve economic independence. NFCAA was chosen tops among 30 other Florida agencies. This is the second time NFCAA has won the statewide award; the first was 2007.

 

“Florida has been hit especially hard by the economic downturn, prompting an increase in demand for services provided by community action agencies,” said Wilma McKay, executive director, Florida Association for Community Action. “NFCAA’s progressive approach to providing assistance serves as a model for demonstrating how other agencies can work to meet increased needs in their communities.”

 

Last year NFCAA helped more than 14,000 Northeast Florida residents improve their health, housing, savings, education and employment status. NFCAA’s programs and services are designed to help individuals earn and maintain an income to realize financial independence, sustain a healthy lifestyle and achieve higher standards of living. NFCAA provides programs that address literacy, education, employment, emergency relief, housing rehabilitation and weatherization, community improvements and youth development for in-need residents in Baker, Clay, Duval, Flagler, Nassau, Putnam and St. Johns counties.

 

The Florida Community Action Agency of the Year award criteria includes demonstrating how the agency changes lives and creates self-sufficiency among residents; improves the community for low-income citizens through advocacy, collaborations, partnerships, community involvement or public service; assists in employment placements; engages in strategic planning; and maintains a three-year record of financial statements with no material findings from audits or state monitoring reviews.

 

“We’re honored to receive this award,” said John Edwards, executive director of NFCAA and chairman of the National Community Action Partnership. “But the real accomplishments to recognize are the initiative and dedication our clients demonstrated as they worked to improve their lives and achieve their goals.”

For specific statistics on NFCAA’s programs and impact on Northeast Florida, request a copy of the annual report by calling (904) 398-7472 x203 or view it at www.nfcaa.org.

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