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Evolution
Community Action Council was founded 40 years ago by a group of volunteers who saw great possibilities in combining their efforts to help their community. CAC grew over the years, with the leaders noticing a remarkable give-and-take in their programs.
In one instance after another, as communities rallied to help individuals become more independent and self-sufficient, these individuals became more engaged and active in the health of their communities. And a holistic circle of asking and receiving, giving and getting came into balance.
- As recipients of emergency food assistance learned how to achieve long-term self-sufficiency, they joined in helping others follow the same path
- As partnerships with schools helped parents better prepare their children to succeed, more kids showed academic achievement and improved attendance, plus their parents increased their involvement in schools
- As new immigrants received support in adjusting to a new homeland, they became active, engaged members of their new communities
- As victims of violence emerged as survivors, they became advocates for a healthier peaceful community
Renaming the organization 360 Communities evokes this back-and-forth relationship, the symbiotic relationship between the individual and the whole. The concept of a circle embraces existing, proactive programs such as the Lewis House, Armful of Love, Partners For Success and New Americans - programs that kick-start a positive cycle - and connects them with the donors, volunteers and communities that participate in the programs.
As 360 Communities embarks on ambitious new plans to extend our reach and impact even more people in the region, it does so under an umbrella that is inclusive, full-circle and self-sustaining.
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