HARCATUS marks 61 years of service

The Community Action Network is a state and local force that helps empower hardworking families to achieve economic independence rather than keeping them reliant on government assistance. There are nearly 1,000 agencies across the country working every day to create economic opportunity, strengthen local communities and help families find pathways to prosperity.

This year, HARCATUS Tri-County C.A.O. commemorates 61 years of helping families throughout Harrison, Carroll and Tuscarawas counties.

“Each May, during Community Action Month, we pause to reflect on the real difference HARCATUS and our network have made in the lives of families across our communities,” said Erica Rozek, community initiatives director at HARCATUS. “Last year alone, we served over 15,000 individuals/households across our programs, and over 15 million across the country with services like utility assistance, home-delivered meals to seniors, job training, education and more, helping families build skills to achieve long-term financial freedom.”

Community Action Agencies ensure that hardworking American families have access to the opportunities they need to thrive, while also promoting local economic growth and reducing government dependency. All agencies are locally controlled, with boards of directors composed of local elected officials, private and public sector representatives and engaged community residents.

“We are proud of our communities’ participation in the development and oversight of our programs,” Rozek said. “Their engagement helps us to be more effective in our approach by determining what needs are specific to the communities we serve.”