About

What is Rhode Island Community Action Association?

The Rhode Island Community Action Association is a trade association for a statewide network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) who, for over fifty years, have been the safety net for economically disadvantaged and working individuals and families. Independently and collectively the Community Action Agencies are working to eliminate challenges and to open doors to self-sufficiency and better lives for more than 200,000 Individuals and 90,000 Households.

We are committed to empowering individuals and families to help themselves. As a collective network of agencies, we have a proven capacity to address community needs with dedication and creativity. We understand the root causes of common hardships, and continue to be steadfast in our commitment to helping people and changing lives in all of Rhode Island communities.

Our Mission

Rhode Island Community Action Association serves Rhode Island’s network of seven Community Action Agencies through training and technical assistance, advocacy and education, capacity building, and the collaboration and development of public policy to address the impact of poverty in Rhode Island.

Our Vision

We envision Rhode Island Community Action Association as a strong unified network of effective community action agencies, guided by excellence and integrity in the promotion of social and economic justice in the state of Rhode Island.

Goals & Strategies

We pursue meaningful solutions to the root causes of poverty here in Rhode Island. Collectively, for more than 50 years, we have supported Rhode Islanders in securing basic needs and developing individualized strategies to overcome the barriers that limit their opportunities. Thanks to the flexibility of our funding and the deep experience of our teams, we not only respond to immediate needs but also innovate new programs to meet emerging challenges.

But how do we know where to begin? The causes and conditions of economic hardships vary significantly across Rhode Island’s 39 cities and towns, influenced by differences in employment access, housing affordability, educational opportunity, and other community-specific factors. These conditions also evolve over time due to shifts in economic trends, public policy, and access to training and education. That’s why we engage you our community in our work. Through community feedback and in partnership with local organizations across the state, we can identify the most urgent needs and determine the most effective starting points for action.

Advance and influence public policy that promotes poverty awareness, prevention, and reduction, and supports the effective implementation of strategies that improve economic stability for Rhode Islanders.
Cultivate and engage a diverse cadre of leaders from across Rhode Island’s public, private, nonprofit, and community sectors to advance family self-sufficiency and foster the revitalization of local communities.
Enhance the capacity and effectiveness of Rhode Island’s Community Action Agencies by providing targeted training, technical assistance, education, and shared resources that strengthen their ability to identify, respond to, and address community-level needs through continuous performance improvement.
Strengthen the institutional capacity of the Rhode Island Community Action Association to lead, coordinate, and advocate for a comprehensive public policy agenda that drives measurable reduction in economic hardships statewide.

What's the Wave?

Through innovative programs, advocacy, and community partnerships, we’re not just addressing immediate needs—we’re tackling root causes and building lasting change. Whether you’re seeking support, want to get involved, or are ready to join our mission of empowering families and revitalizing communities, we’re here to help you make waves in the fight against poverty.

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