Today, at an event in Oklahoma City, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development officially designated the Community Action Agency of OKC (CAA) as an Envision Center.
This designation serves as a critical component of HUD Secretary Ben Carson’s EnVision Center initiative by connecting HUD-assisted and low-income families with the tools that lead to self-sufficiency.
“EnVision Centers are a way to connect local resources with the people who need them the most. From social service resources to job training classes, vital services will be provided that will have an unimaginable impact on the lives of the people being helped,” said HUD Regional Administrator Michael Burley, who spoke at the designation event. “I look forward to seeing the brighter futures the CAA EC will bring to the Oklahoma City community.”
CAA Executive Director Jessie Thompson said, “CAA’s motto of “Helping People, Changing Lives” is alive and well in our new EnVision Center. We are an organization founded on hope and helping others help themselves. I am excited to be able to offer our services in a new way to help our community.”
EnVision Centers are centralized hubs that support the four key pillars of self-sufficiency: Economic Empowerment, Educational Advancement, Health and Wellness, Character, and Leadership. The CAA EnVision Center is the second EnVision Center in Oklahoma and one of more than 60 nationally.
Founded in 1965 as part of Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty, Community Action Agency of Oklahoma City has worked for nearly 55 years to help community members reach self-sufficiency. Among its many program are Head Start; financial literacy courses; small business courses and loans; down payment and closing cost assistance; substance abuse treatment; and emergency home repair.
CAA is working with many federal, state, and local partners in the EnVision Center, including the City of Oklahoma City; the City of Midwest City; the Oklahoma Housing Finance Agency; Head Start, United Way of Central Oklahoma and Legal Aid Services of Oklahoma.
Classes and services that will be offered at the CAA EnVision Center include:
The EnVision Center will initially focus on its Head Start operations, especially those in proximity to residents of public housing. The objective is to use Head Start to connect family members with other supportive services and create more holistic paths to self-sufficiency.
Almost 56 years ago, Community Action was born out of the civil rights movement to be an advocate for the poor and to effect desirable change in social policy. Today, Community Action Agency of OKC & OK/CN Counties, Inc., remains committed to opening for EVERYONE the opportunity to work; to live in decency, dignity, and worth, and to secure the opportunities needed to become self-sufficient.
“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much” – Helen Keller.
Our Turning Point South facility has been named as one of the 10 Best Drug & Alcohol Rehab and Treatment Centers in Oklahoma City by Help.org.
Turning Point is an outpatient treatment facility that offers assistance for individuals, youth, and families experiencing alcohol and other drug related problems. We are state certified and accredited. Client fees are based on the ability to pay, and NO ONE is turned away due to an inability to pay.
Main Office will be open Monday-Friday 8-5.
Community Services District Centers – will be open regular hours, but we are encouraging appointments for face to face meetings.
Head Start Centers – will continue providing drive-through meal and home pack pickup. Meals are available for all children in the family ages 1-18. We are also recruiting and enrolling for next year!
Homebuyer Workshop – The class scheduled for May 15th will be held as scheduled, but will be limited to 8 participants.
Emergency Home Repair – applications are being accepted as usual.
Stay tuned for Free Tax Service to resume as soon as possible.
