KCAO Celebrates Community Action Month and 61 Years of Service

Every May, Community Action Month is recognized across the country as a time to celebrate the work of Community Action Agencies and their commitment to helping individuals, families, and communities thrive. For KCAO, this month is an opportunity to honor the people, programs, and partnerships that continue to strengthen Kings County.

Community Action began during President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty in the 1960s. With the leadership of key figures such as Sargent Shriver, programs were created to address poverty at its roots and expand opportunities for families across the nation. That legacy continues today through the Community Action Promise: Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live.

Established in 1965, KCAO is proud to celebrate 61 years of service to Kings County. For more than six decades, KCAO has worked to support self-sufficiency by connecting residents to programs that meet immediate needs and create long-term stability.

This month, KCAO also celebrates the teachers, early childhood educators, and child care providers who support children and families every day. Through Head Start, Early Head Start, Migrant and Seasonal Head Start, California State Preschool, and child care resource programs, KCAO helps children build a strong foundation for learning while supporting parents and providers throughout the county.

Community Action Month is also a time to highlight essential services such as Weatherization and LIHEAP, which help eligible households manage energy costs, improve home energy efficiency, and create safer, healthier living environments. These programs are especially important as many families continue to face rising costs and economic challenges.

From early childhood education to utility assistance, family support, child care resources, and community partnerships, KCAO’s work reflects the heart of Community Action: helping people, changing lives, and building stronger communities.

As KCAO celebrates Community Action Month and 61 years of service, the organization remains committed to honoring its history, supporting families today, and working toward a stronger future for Kings County.