Program areas at Community Action Agency of Columbiana County
The caacc health, behavioral health and dental centers provide comprehensive health care, pre-natal services, individual behavioral health and substance abuse services, and preventive and basic dental services to uninsuredand underinsured individuals and families. Fees collected are primarily provided by thirdparty insurance, medicaid, medicare and direct payments from patients. No one is turned away due to inability to pay, and payment is determined by a sliding fee scale based on household income and size. The Agency also receives a section 330 Community health center grant from the u.s. department of health and human services, which helps cover health and dental care costs for the uninsured.
In addition, the Agency provides other programs, such as utility assistance to low-income homeowners and renters, homeless and veterans' services, home repair services, food pantry and other services for senior citizens, other housing counseling assistance and small business loans. During the covid-19 pandemic, the Agency received additional government funds (noted in the sefa schedule) to assist residents impacted by the virus; these included but are not limited to rent and mortgage assistance, utility assistance, needed food, ppe and other supplies.
Head start and early head start programs provide a comprehensive child development program to children in low-income families and to children with disabilities. The goals of the programs are to ensure that the children will be prepared for entrance into kindergarten and to assist parents in improving parental skills. Head start and early head start also provide day care for children from low-income families.
The Community Action rural transit system (carts) provides public transportation services to Columbiana County residents, including participants in the head start program. These services help any County resident to have access to shopping, medical appointments, employment, and other activities. The carts fare schedule provides a 50 percent discount for seniors and disabled individuals.
The home weatherization assistance program (hwap) provides energy conservation services to low-income households, including insulation, furnace repair/replacement, hot water heater repair/replacement and energy efficient appliances and lighting.
The home energy assistance program (heap) is a federally funded program that is designed to help eligible low-income households meet the high costs of home heating.