Community Action Network celebrates 59 years of service, 58 years in Lawrence County

This year, 2023, we celebrate the 59th anniversary of the Community Action Network, an organization that was established to help American families and communities overcome poverty. Over 1000 agencies across the country work every day to create opportunities and improve the lives of their neighbors, making communities stronger and helping families across the US succeed. One of these agencies, the Ironton-Lawrence Community Action Organization (ILCAO), has been assisting families in Lawrence County and the OH-KY-WV tri-state area for 58 years.

“We help nearly 40,000 individuals in Lawrence County and the tri-state community by providing immediate services like shelter and food, as well as long-term solutions like education and job placement,” said D.R. Gossett, executive director of ILCAO. The entire Community Action Network serves over 15 million people across the country.

Community Action Agencies offer life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability, serving 99% of all American counties. These agencies are governed by the community and represented by people from different sectors, including private, public, and low-income individuals. “We are proud to serve our community, and we appreciate our community’s involvement in the development and oversight of our programs,” said Gossett.

ILCAO is a comprehensive provider of supportive services, offering a diverse range of programs to address the multifaceted needs of their community. From health care and early childhood education to workforce and youth development, affordable housing, home energy/weatherization assistance, and public transportation, ILCAO works to bridge gaps and create a brighter future for all.

As we enter the 59th year of the Community Action Network, ILCAO and many other agencies across the country continue their important work. Their purpose remains strong: to positively impact our community by providing opportunities for those in need.