The 50th anniversary of Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) was celebrated Tuesday, 13, at the California Head Start facility on White Street.
A number of Head Start children, family, friends enjoyed birthday cake, sandwiches and beverages with the staff and supporters of CMCA as the organization observed its 50th year of serving those in the eight-county area of Central Missouri.
CMCA personnel present for the event included Executive Director Darin Preis, Stefani Thompson, Sally Humphrey and Dawn Zurmiller.
Preis commented that the organization looks for needs in each community which can be addressed by the organization. Each community differs in its needs, with education and work skills important in Moniteau County.
There are 1,100 community action agencies in the United States. There are 19 in Missouri. "The needs of the population changes," he said. To address those changes, "a community assessment is done every three years to determine areas in which assistance would be most needed and effective. There are financial assistance programs." CMCA works to assist in many areas, including housing and utility assistance, emergency assistance and Head Start. The non-profit organization provides help to struggling families in the counties of Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau, and Osage.