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Who
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Blue
Valley Community Action Partnership
Helping People. Changing Lives.
Helping People. Changing Lives.
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Blue
Valley Community Action Partnership
Helping People. Changing Lives. |
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Who We Are |
“Look
where I was, look where I am now!”
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Back
to Home Page
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Founded in 1966, Blue Valley Community Action Inc. is a private nonprofit corporation serving individuals, families and communities in southeast Nebraska and north central Kansas. In 2003, Blue Valley Community Action Inc. began doing business as Blue Valley Community Action Partnership. This change is being implemented to provide a common nomenclature (Community Action Partnership) for the more than 1,000 legally recognized community action agencies throughout the United States. It is hoped that by adopting a common component to all agency names, it will be easier for individuals across the country to find and access the services of community action agencies. Throughout this site, "Blue Valley Community Action Inc." refers to the legal name of the corporation. "Blue Valley Community Action Partnership" is the common name used to refer to the corporation. Simplified forms of "Blue Valley Community Action Partnership" are "Blue Valley Partnership" or "BVCA Partnership." Rest assured that no matter what name you use, you can count on the same quality of caring service provided by dedicated staff that you have come to know and expect through the years. We at Blue Valley Community Action Partnership look forward to serving you, your family and community. Please call (402.729.2278) or email if we can be of assistance. |
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| Our Mission |
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To
build upon strengths by providing diverse and innovative opportunities
to impact personal responsibility, family well-being, and community development.
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| "(Blue Valley Community Action Partnership) offered us all the help we had been needing, worked around our problems, and actually gave us the benefit of the doubt..." |
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Across America, Community Action Agencies serve individuals, families and communities by adhering to The Seven Principles of Community Action. |
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"We go forth and meet the challenge of the future." |
| A National Perspective |
| In the Beginning. President John F. Kennedy's 1961 inaugural address issued his now famous challenge, "Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country." Three years later, honoring the memory of JFK, President Lyndon Baines Johnson declared a "War on Poverty." Inspired by Michael Harrington's 1962 book The Other America, LBJ challenged America to replace the despair of poverty with the promise of opportunity. To this end, the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) was passed (1964) and the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) was created. Among other things, the OEO funded community-based organizations governed by low-income members whose mission was to alleviate poverty in their communities. These agencies were known collectively as Community Action Agencies (CAAs). Original funding was unique in that it went directly to community-based organizations (CBOs) and it was flexible — meaning a community could spend monies for whatever projects would best address elimination of poverty in their local area. |
| Community Representation. In keeping with the times, many CAAs of the 1960s were politically active. Staff, clients and volunteers staged rallies and protests to bring the condition of the poor to the attention of the entire community. Such local activism brought political pressure to bear nationally upon the OEO. Thus in 1968, the EOA was amended to require local government representation on CAA boards of directors. The Green amendment changed the CAA board composition requirement from 51 percent low-income to the 1/3-1/3-1/3 make-up of today's CAA governing boards. One-third of the board is low-income representatives (low-income sector), one-third represents local elected officials (public sector), and one third represents business and community groups (private sector). While many who supported expanding board membership did so in hopes of crippling the local programs, the impact was just the opposite. The equal participation of local officials and the private sector is now recognized as a major strength of community action. |
| Establishing Local Autonomy. By 1973, the OEO had grown. In addition to the original, flexible funds it still sent directly to local communities, it handled a host of other programs. Many of these now popular antipoverty programs were administered locally by CAAs. President Richard M. Nixon, however, had encountered CAA activism during his days as California governor. He disliked CAAs, and issued an executive order that community action agencies be eliminated. A court ruled that as separately incorporated 501(c)(3) private nonprofits, CAAs were exempt from direct Presidential control. Determined to stop community action, Nixon eliminated the OEO. |
| Expanding Funding Sources. Fortunately, many senators and representatives had positive experiences working with local CAAs. Thus while Congress supported the elimination of the OEO, they created the new Community Service Administration (CSA). CSA continued to handle the flexible local initiative monies. Other popular antipoverty programs were also spared (e.g., Head Start, Meals on Wheels, Weatherization), although different federal agencies were given the responsibility to administer these programs. And when CAAs contacted the new program officers to apply for their "old" programs, they discovered these federal agencies administered other programs that could benefit their communities. Soon, CAAs had recouped many of their former programs and added even more services by accessing new funding opportunities. Again, those who had hoped to weaken community action had actually helped strengthen it. |
| CSBG. The last serious attempt to eliminate CAAs was made by President Ronald Regan. He eliminated CSA, but again Congress intervened. The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) was created. CAA flexible funding was sent directly to the states in the form of a block grant. States were required to pass at least 90 percent of the money they received to existing CAAs. Although funds were cut by nearly 50 percent, community action survived. Interestingly, CAAs realized there were additional funding opportunities at the state level. This allowed the local agencies to aggressively compete for new funds, expanding their focus and funding base. Once again, the flexibility and creativity of these community-based organizations shone amid adversity. |
| The
CAA Network.
Today, there are about 1,000 CAAs. Each operates a menu of programs unique
to the needs of the community or communities it serves. Some CAAs are public
entities, others are nonprofits. Some directly operate programs, others
contract for services. Some cover one urban area, others serve multiple
counties, and a few offer select programs in more than one state. All care
deeply that people in need receive the services they require in a timely
fashion. All are committed to preserving and enhancing the dignity and self-esteem
of those whose lives seem hopeless. All work to promote programs and services
that lift families out of poverty and put them on the path to self-sufficiency
and personal responsibility.
To accomplish these common aims, CAAs formed two organizations. The first, the Community Action Partnership (formerly the National Association of Community Action Agencies), is the national membership organization designed to provide a forum to share experiences and learn from the success of other agencies. The second is the National Community Action Foundation (NCAF). NCAF is a separate lobbying organization complete with a political action committee — CAP-PAC. Through NCAF and CAP-PAC, CAAs face the political realities of our world and learn to work with lawmakers to design programs that best address solutions to the persistent problem of poverty in America. |
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A Local View |
| Where We Operate. Blue Valley Community Action Inc. (d/b/a BVCA Partnership) is a federally designated 501(c)(3) private, nonprofit corporation registered in the states of Kansas and Nebraska. Founded January 19, 1966, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership serves families and communities in southeast Nebraska and north central Kansas. |
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Originally,
Blue Valley Partnership served four Nebraska counties — Fillmore,
Jefferson, Saline and Thayer. As additional monies were appropriated,
the agency expanded, adding five more counties in Nebraska. These were
Butler, Gage, Polk, Seward, and York. While Blue Valley Partnership is
not officially recognized as a community action agency by the State of
Kansas, BVCA Partnership operates Head Start programs in Jewell and Smith
Counties.
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| How We Help. Today, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership operates over 30 programs that interact and complement each other. Our programs are as diverse as the communities and families we serve. Some provide individuals with emergency assistance; others develop long-term, community-based strategies to prevent poverty. |
| While detailed information on our Programs and Services is available elsewhere on this site, please remember that the agency, staff and volunteers are committed to helping people help themselves. If we do not operate a particular program, we may be able to help you find someone who does. If no program exists, we may be able to help start one. If you are having problems with red tape, maybe we can find a pair of scissors. |
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Remember,
Blue Valley Community Action Partnership is committed to |
| "The cooperation of community, government, agencies, business and individuals is being shown at its very best." |
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As a private nonprofit corporation, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership is governed by a board of directors. The board meets nine times a year at different locations within the service area. As a designated community action agency, the BVCA Partnership board adheres to the 1/3-1/3-1/3 rule. One third of the board members represent the low-income community (low-income sector), one-third represent local elected officials (public sector), and one third represent the general community (private sector). Currently, Blue Valley Partnership receives funding through the federal Community Services Block Grant to serve nine Nebraska counties. Each one of these counties has three seats on the board of directors — one for each sector BVCA Partnership serves. |
| In addition, Blue Valley Partnership makes one seat on the board available to a member of the Head Start Policy Council (Head Start serves all nine Nebraska and both Kansas counties), and reserves one seat for a representative from the Southeast Nebraska Youth Empowerment Council. Thus, BVCA Partnership has a truly representative community-based governing board. |
| More information about our Board of Directors is available elsewhere on this site. This includes a listing of current members, board committees, and the annual meeting schedule. It also discusses how you may apply for or nominate someone to serve on the BVCA Partnership governing board. |
| "You have no idea how much you saved my life." |
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In
1966, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership covered four Nebraska
counties (Fillmore, Jefferson, Saline, and Thayer) and Bob Gerdes was
hired as the first executive director. Today, the agency employs more
than 150 professional and paraprofessional staff. The changing nature
of our programs and services makes it impossible for us to maintain a
current online staff roster. Rather, you are encouraged to call your local
BVCA Partnership Family and Community
Services Center or Head Start
Center for information on our current program offerings. You are also
welcome to phone our central office at 402.729.2278
or email us. Finally,
the Contact Us section of this site
lists relevant points of contact and email addresses for several different
programs. If you are interested in joining Blue Valley Partnership to
serve our families and communities, you may wish to visit our Human
Resources page. Here you can learn about current job openings, as
well as the benefits available to BVCA Partnership employees.
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| "God bless people like you." |
| Volunteers are the life's blood of our organization. From our board of directors to our various centers, from preschoolers to senior citizens, from people who volunteer everyday to those who help out once in their lifetime, we rely on the communities we serve to help us do our job. |
| The rewards volunteers experience are as varied as the individuals who serve. Some are looking to give back to an agency that helped them in their time of need. Others hope their experiences will help them with a career choice. Still others are filling a mandated community service requirement. Whatever a volunteer's initial motivation, all learn a new respect for the work we do and those we serve. |
| If you are looking to volunteer, we have a spot for you. With over 30 programs in nine Nebraska and two Kansas counties, Blue Valley Community Action Partnership offers a wealth of diverse opportunities. Interested in preschoolers? How about being a foster grandparent or working in a Head Start center. Prefer to work with troubled teens? Consider our juvenile justice services. Are senior citizens more your cup of tea? Try becoming a telefriend or friendly visitor. |
| Whatever your interest, we have a spot for you. Check out our Volunteer Opportunities for more information on our current openings. And remember, if you don't see what you're looking for, just ask. Several of the programs we now operate were once a dream envisioned by a dedicated volunteer. |
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We
look forward to hearing from you!
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| "We cannot begin to tell you what this program has done for our family." |
| Family Support. Family support is not a program. It is a philosophy. Family support seeks to strengthen and empower families and communities so they can foster the optimal development of children, youth and adult family members. Family support involves a commitment to change all services by making them available to all families (not just those "at risk"). It emphasizes prevention — not crisis intervention — as the best means to help families. Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership embraces the philosophy of family support. We promote multi-agency coordination and support programs that provide comprehensive direct services to our families through a variety of settings. |
| Low Income. Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership focuses on services that can help families emerge from poverty or a crisis or prevent them from experiencing these conditions. Therefore, we take a holistic, family support approach to the services we provide. Whether you come to us with one need or multiple needs, we will take the time to assess your entire family situation and recommend a variety of options that can help you met your personal goals. |
| Moderate Income. While many federal and state programs limit who can enroll, an increasing number allow us to support families of moderate means. If you, a friend, or family member need help, please call us. We will gladly discuss your situation and recommend programs and services available in your area. |
| Elderly. Recognizing that the elderly constitute a vulnerable population, several services are available to senior citizens without regard to income. Remember, if we do not operate senior services in a particular county, we will gladly refer you to those who do. |
| Communities. In addition to serving individuals and families, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership works with local communities to develop housing, facilities, programs, and services to meet our citizens' needs. Whether your community is considering a major housing development project or a simple tourism promotion, we may be able to complement your planning, grantwriting, and administrative efforts. |
| Nonprofit Organizations. In today's competitive world, Blue Valley Community Action Partnership offers nonprofits a cost effective alternative to the administrative requirements of many state and federal grants. By designating BVCA Partnership as their fiscal agent, small and startup nonprofits can enjoy the benefits of a sophisticated accounting system without having to duplicate this effort in-house. If you are interested in developing a collaborative project, contact us for additional information on our services. |
| General Public. We at BVCA Partnership seek to provide the general public with information on our mission, promise, principles and programs. We want people to understand who we are, what we do and why we are an important member of the communities we serve. This website is one small way to convey the message that BVCA Partnership is committed to our slogan: Helping People. Changing Lives. We encourage you to browse our site and learn more about BVCA Partnership. All we ask is that you review our Legal Notices and respect our terms and conditions. |
| "This is an outstanding example of what can be accomplished through cooperation." |
| Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership receives support in the form of cash and in-kind goods and services. Our funding sources are as diverse as our board, volunteers and clientele. If you are interested in the many opportunities and benefits we provide to donors, please visit our Funding section to learn how You Can Help. |
| Public Sector Support. Public support is generally in the form of cash. BVCA Partnership receives grants and contracts from federal, state, and local governments. Some monies repeat each year, others are for one time projects. |
| Private Sector Support. Private sector support can be cash, donated goods or volunteer time. Money comes from foundations, corporations, United Way, and individuals. Most goods and services are donated by individuals to programs in their home communities. |
| The most recent listing of our major contributors is available on our Resources and Support page or in our annual report. You will notice that our support is almost equally divided between public and private sources. We are extremely proud of this fact, as it indicates the level of commitment and support our communities have for the programs we offer and the people we serve. |
| "We go forth and meet the challenge of the future." |
| In 1966, Blue Valley Community Action (BVCA) Partnership served Fillmore, Jefferson, Saline, and Thayer counties in Nebraska. Today, BVCA Partnership recognizes nine core counties. A core county means that Blue Valley Partnership is designated by the local elected public officials and the respective state as the official community action agency for that county. BVCA Partnership's core counties, located in Nebraska, are Butler, Fillmore, Gage, Jefferson, Polk, Saline, Seward, Thayer, and York. |
| In addition to core counties, BVCA Partnership receives funding to provide specific programs to other locales. In some cases, Blue Valley Partnership operates these programs directly. Other times, we contract with a third-party to provide the service. |
| At this time, BVCA Partnership operates the Head Start programs in Jewell County and Smith County, Kansas. We also operate the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) in Nebraska's Johnson, Nemaha, Pawnee and Richardson counties. Blue Valley Partnership sponsors the Pioneer Foster Grandparent Program, which places volunteers throughout southeast Nebraska. We contract with SENCA (Southeast Nebraska Community Action) to operate Project FIRST and SENDD (SouthEast Nebraska Development District) to run the regional housing rehab program. Through collaboration efforts, BVCA Partnership periodically serves as the fiscal agent for various regional and statewide programs. These include CATCH (Community Access to Coordinated Healthcare) and the Southeast Nebraska Respite Network. |
| For additional information, please see our Service Area and Programs and Services pages. |
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Who
We Are
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Blue
Valley Community Action Inc.
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Last
Updated November 6, 2003
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