Community Action Agency Advisory Board

Regular Meetings
Meetings are held 4 times annually, as called by the Chairman, and are advertised on the calendar of events.

Members
PCAAAB consists of a total of 15 members (Reference 2.2-5403 - Code of Virginia). The Board of Supervisors appoints the following:
  • Minimum of 5 members that are elected officials or their designees
  • Minimum of 5 members of business, industry, labor, religious, social service, education or other community service groups
  • Minimum of 5 representatives of the poor to the Powhatan Community Action Agency Advisory Board (PCAAAB)
Term
  • For local elected officials or their representatives, the term is one 4-year, three 3-year and two 2-year terms.
  • For representatives of the business/industry/labor/religious/ social service/education/community groups, the term is one 4-year, two 3-year and two 2-year terms.
  • For representatives of the poor, the term is one 4-year, two 3-year and two 2-year terms.
  • Each representative to the Advisory Board is limited to 3 terms.
Mission of the Powhatan Community Action Agency
The Powhatan Community Action Agency (PCAA) mission is to advocate for those in need and serve the community by providing eligible individuals with information services and resources that will educate, empower, and promote self-sufficiency, self-esteem and personal dignity. The agency reaches their mission through a range of services and referrals such as:
  • Emergency assistance
  • Advocacy
  • Food pantry
  • Housing
  • Plumbing repair
Purpose
The agency was established to receive and administer funding for the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) and the General Assembly appropriated CSBG funds, through a contract with the Virginia Department of Social Services. That contract requires a 16-person advisory board consisting of representatives from elected government, the private sector and low-income citizens. PCAA works in collaboration with local government, the faith community, business and civic leaders, and the low-income community itself to find effective, local solutions to community problems. Services provided can include:
  • Community and Emergency Assistance Services
  • Food Distribution
  • Indoor Plumbing Rehabilitation and Dry Well Replacement Loan Program
  • Information and Referral Services
  • Water/Wastewater Assistance
Referrals
The PCAA provides significant information and referral services to the residents of Powhatan County. An assessment of the clients needs is completed to determine services and referrals that can provide opportunities for self-sufficiency and independence. Referrals are routinely made to VEC and the Capital Area Training Consortium for:
The PCAA also routinely works with area churches in coordinating services and securing financial and other necessary assistance.

Mission of the Powhatan Community Action Agency Advisory Board
  • Review state reports on services rendered to clients and recommend adjustments
  • Brainstorm improvements to programs and explore potential new programs and grants
  • Market and provide outreach channels for dissemination of Community Action Agency information, mission, availability of programs to community organizations (civic, church, charitable, etc.)
  • Continuously explore and make recommendations on ways to coordinate services provided by the Community Action Agency with other service delivery organizations (such as Free Clinic, Hope Ministry, Coalition of Churches, County of Powhatan, Health Department, etc.)
  • Research best practices of other Community Action Agencies and present ideas
  • Participate in the creation and presentation of a report to the Board of Supervisors on an annual basis. This report should include a status of services rendered, improvement made in service delivery and ideas that the Community Action Agency is considering