For 50 years, the nonprofit Community Action Agency of St. Louis County has been working to end poverty.
Its mission is the direct result of the historical “War on Poverty” launched by President Lyndon B. Johnson in 1964. On Thursday, October 11, the agency will hold its 50th Anniversary Celebration “Doors of Opportunity” from 5:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at The Venezia Room at Orlando’s Banquet Center, 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza.
“The troubling effects of socio-economic and health challenges in our society leave many in a broken state,” said Cenia D. Bosman, the agency’s president and CEO. “CAASTLC serves to inspire and provide a hand up for our customers while addressing basic needs and building capacity to ensure that we are here for those who need us.”
About 15 million children in the United States – 21 percent of all children – live in families with incomes below the federal poverty threshold. And 43 percent of children live in low-income families.
What does it mean to be “poor” in this country? According to federal guidelines, it means that a household with four children is subsisting on an income of $25,100 or less. To be categorized as low income, that family of four survives on an income of $50,200 or less.
However, researchers have found that this income amount does not cover basic living expenses.
The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County serves more than 40,000 low-income people annually in programs that focus on family and economic security, housing and energy, health and nutrition, and community outreach.
“CAASTLC is more commonly known for its support to families seeking energy assistance and weatherization, but there is so much more,” Bosman said. “All services are case-management based, which allows our case managers to get to the root of many of the customers’ needs and allows the agency to bundle services to help customers as they transition through their difficult circumstances.”
The agency’s newest service is the Community Loan Center of St. Louis County, an employer-based, small dollar loan program designed to provide individuals an affordable alternative to predatory lending.
“So many prey upon the impoverished under the guise of ‘we’re here to help’ that it’s important to CAASTLC to do what we can to protect and assist those we serve,” said Rose Eichelberger, CAASTLC Board Chair. “We continually reinvest in building innovative and comprehensive programs that respond to real-time needs.”
To learn more about CAASTLC services, how to donate, and volunteer, please contactwww.caastlc.org or call 314-863-0015.
