Rooted in President Lyndon B. Johnson's groundbreaking War on Poverty and strongly influenced by the advocacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Community Action traces its origins back to the passage of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. This pivotal legislation gave rise to a network of both national and locally focused organizations collectively known as the Community Action Network, enabling millions of children and families to access expanded opportunities.

Community Action Agencies, either private non-profit or public organizations, were established by the federal government in 1964 with a specific mandate to combat poverty in designated geographic areas. Designation as a Community Action Agency occurs through an explicit recognition by the state government. These agencies feature a tripartite board structure aimed at fostering broad community participation in poverty reduction efforts.

The core aim of Community Action Agencies is to engage the entire community, including elected public officials, representatives from the private sector, and particularly residents facing limited incomes. This inclusive approach focuses on assessing local needs and addressing the root causes and conditions of poverty.

To effectively alleviate poverty within their communities, these agencies concentrate on efficiently directing available local, state, private, and federal resources. Their efforts are geared toward assisting low-income individuals and families in acquiring essential skills and knowledge, accessing new opportunities, and ultimately attaining economic self-sufficiency.

While many organizations focused on poverty address specific areas of need such as job training, healthcare, housing, or economic development, Community Action Agencies stand out. They extend their reach to low-income individuals within their communities, addressing a spectrum of needs through a comprehensive approach. This involves building partnerships with other community organizations, actively involving low-income clients in the agency's operations, and administering a range of coordinated programs with the intent of making a tangible impact on poverty.