The Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) was signed into law on August 20, 1964, by President Lyndon Johnson as part of the War on Poverty. The War on Poverty was to provide the poor" "a hand up and not a handout." The EOA outlined a plan of action through the establishment of a group of programs including work training, work study, community action programs, and the creation of the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO). The Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) was one of the first community action agencies established in the country. CADC is a private, not-for-profit corporation that was organized in 1965. It has been a trendsetter in developing new programs and has grown steadily throughout the years. One-third of the membership of the CDC's Board of Directors is composed of representatives of local, low- income groups, one-third from the public sector, and the balance from private organizations. The mission of CADC, as adopted by its Board of Directors, is to promote self –sufficiency, improved quality of life, and strong communities for Arkansas through partnerships with other organizations, low –income individuals, and families. To fulfill our mission, public and private resources" are necessary; therefore, CADC proudly seeks private donations and the contributions of time and talents from the community.
CADC administers a number of service programs for persons in the community. These programs include Senior Adult Centers, Commodity Distribution, Home Energy Assistance, Information and Referral, Family Success Center, Head Start Child Development Services, Family Day Care Homes, the Singles Parent Scholarships Fund, a variety of Transportation Services, Job training Opportunities, Weatherization, the Low –Income Homebuyers Assistance, and Homeowners Rehabilitation Programs. The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas.
