Citizens' participation/Neighborhood andCommunity Organizations Community Action's Community Centers encourage citizen participation through advisory committees and community meetings. These Community Centers hold events for local citizens and are available for lease by public or private organizations for activities and events.
Information and Referral Community Centers serve as information and referral sources for citizen inquiries by directing them to the appropriate programs or services.
Community Partnerships Community Action has many partners located within the various Community Centers, providing services that are tailored to meet client's needs.
Volunteer Opportunities Volunteers are recruited and trained to provide meaningful opportunities for participation in Center operations.
The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) is a federal income tax credit for low-income workers who are eligible for and claim the credit. This credit reduces the amount of tax an individual owes, and may be returned in the form of a refund. EITC funds can be used for food, housing, education, transportation and savings for future self-sufficiency.
Literacy/GED These programsassist individuals and families in accessing educational opportunities.
Head Start Referrals Head Start is a comprehensive pre-school child development program for children ages 3-5 from economically challenged families. For enrollment information, refer to the Orange County Head Start Division on this website or call (407) 836-6590.
Computer Labs Computers are available to the community to assist residents with their educational goals, access job postings, increase their computer skills and access other computer related activities.
Job Training Theseprograms offer employability skills training, mentoring, vocational training, community services, job search and placement assistance, and computer skills training.
Employment Referrals This program assist clients with how and where to apply for employment.
Family Self-Sufficiency Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) is a program designed to help families obtain employment that will help lead to economic independence and self-sufficiency. Community Action works with local partners to provide a comprehensive program that gives participating FSS family members the skills and experience to enable them to obtain education, housing and/or employment.
Kids Café The Kids Cafe program provides nutritious meals and snacks to low-income children in an environment that is safe, accessible, and convenient.
Summer Feeding Program The Summer Feeding program is an extension of the National School Lunch program. It offers meals that provide two-thirds of the daily nutritional requirement to children aged 18 and younger. This program serves children and youth at playgrounds, parks, houses of worship, schools and Community Centers during the summer months -- "Food that's in when school's out".
Housing Counseling These programs assist low-income families in Orange County in obtaining affordable housing. Housing counseling, information, referral, home buying seminars and technical and financial assistance are offered to families needing affordable housing to rent or purchase.
Energy Assistance (LIHEAP/EHEAP) The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) provides utility payment assistance to Orange County families whose income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Residents that are 60 years of age and older may apply for utility assistance through the Elderly Home Energy Assistance Program (EHEAP). For more information, refer to Youth & Family Services Division, LIHEAP, on this website or call at (407) 836-7429.
Housing Rehab/Weatherization Referrals The Orange County Weatherization Program is an energy conservation program. Designed to assist low - income customers with minor repairs to help reduce high utility costs, the program serves families who are disabled, elderly or who have small children in the home. Qualified homes are inspected and low cost repairs are installed to ensure energy efficiency. These repairs may include weather-stripping, caulking, replacing windows, doors, heating/cooling units and other minor repairs. For more information, refer to Housing & Community Development Division, Housing Rehab Program, on this website or call at (407) 836-5181.
Senior Organizations/Enrichment programs Community Centers are available to senior organizations, allowing them a place to meet and participate in activities that help keep them active. Programs are also available that provide nutritionally balanced meals, socialization opportunities, arts and crafts, exercise, nutrition education and other activities.
Midnight Basketball The Midnight Basketball program is a values-based sports program that uses basketball to engage teens in a character development curriculum during a time when many youth may otherwise be unsupervised. A tournament-style basketball league is utilized where youth play rounds of team basketball and are required to listen to a nightly presentation on a variety of topics from job skills to cultural diversity.
Achievers Program The Achievers program is a mentoring and youth development program that links minority youth with professionals. The program's goal is to expose participants to the many positive life options and give kids one-on-one access to role models who have attained personal and professional success. Students participate in workshops, seminars, college and workplace tours, development sessions, cultural and recreational activities, which ignite interest, motivate success and provide exposure to positive life choices.
Crime Prevention/Intervention Programs These programs empower the community by planting the seeds of responsibility, self worth, and hope into the lives of Orange County's youth.