Throughout 2024, the Clinton County Community Action Program (CCCA) assisted county residents by providing various resources. CCCA operates assistance programs for children, seniors, and others in need.
Through CCCA, over 500 seniors participated in social activities such as outings, exercise classes, games, and more. Jane Newkirk, Chief Executive Officer of CCCA, stated, “All of [these activities] provide social activity and exercise for both the body and the mind… The Aging Up Senior Center provided a facility for individuals 50+ a place to socialize, exercise, and participate in activities which in turn assists in improving their overall health.” In addition, the center maintained a garden for seniors in 2024, expanding it by adding 15 spots with assistance from Clinton Memorial Hospital.
The CCCA meal program delivered almost 35,000 meals in 2024. In addition, their food pantry served 551 food boxes, feeding over 1,000 people.
The Community Action program also assisted 2,738 families in completing applications to assist with their heating and air conditioning bills. CCCA also assisted over 1,000 seniors with Medicare and Medicaid applications, in addition to assistance with completing bill payments.
According to Jane, they provided 36 gas cards to help with transportation to medical appointments outside the county. In addition, CCCA also provided over 2,000 seniors with rides to medical appointments, grocery stores, and other necessities. They also hosted a Mobile Mammogram Unit that checked 61 individuals.
Through the Head Start Center, CCCA helped 98 children by providing them with up-to-date physicals, vaccinations, dental screenings, and programming sessions. Many of the children assisted by the center were disabled, below the poverty line, or were in foster or kinship care. In addition to this, the learning center cared for 90 children. They also provided Christmas gifts and winter-wear to 101 children.
Learn more about CCCA at clintoncap.org.