What Drives Us
We envision communities without poverty.
Building relationships is at the core of everything we do. We believe a goal-oriented, relational environment creates a culture that promotes the development of personal well-being, social connections and financial strength of our members and our employees. We use a team approach to provide members with a network of support and the opportunity to build and practice the skills necessary to develop healthy, long-term, supportive social connections.
We are also committed to excellence in service, so we focus on actionable data and innovative ideas on how we can improve the work we do.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build relationships to empower people, strengthen resilience, and improve quality of life for all members of the community.
Our Theory of Change & Family Pathways Framework
Our Theory of Change for families and communities is that helping families succeed in the areas of Social Connections, Family Well-Being, and Economic Stability makes them more likely to become self-sufficient, positively impacting their own lives and the communities in which they live.
This Theory of Change directs agency programming and is operationalized through our Family Pathways Framework.
Social Connections includes programs centered on leadership development, relationship skills, civic engagement, and community involvement.
Economic Stability includes programs centered on employment, safe and stable housing, education, and income and asset building.
Family Well-Being includes programs centered on health and wellness, cognitive development, and parenting skills.
Because the work we do with them is collaborative, individuals seeking support through CMCA are called members. Members work with staff to develop sustainable solutions to the obstacles that have kept them from their goals. This work is typically long-term in nature as families develop the skills and resources to become economically stable, build social connections, and improve family well-being.
Our programs support members by working collaboratively to provide services that meet the member’s level of need and readiness for change through the Family Pathways Framework.
Our Agency Values
The Promise of Community Action
Central Missouri Community Action is part of a national network of Community Action agencies founded in 1964. Our network is dedicated to eradicating the causes and conditions of poverty and is connected by our commitment to the promise of community action.
Community action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
At CMCA, we are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We believe that everyone deserves equal access to employment, resources, opportunities, and services, regardless of their race, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion or ability.
To achieve this goal, we have policies and procedures that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level of our organization. We actively seek out and engage with members from diverse backgrounds to ensure that our programs and services are accessible and relevant to all members of the community we serve.
We also strive to create an inclusive, welcoming, and non-judgmental environment for our staff and volunteers, where everyone is valued and respected for their unique contributions and perspectives. We provide ongoing training and development opportunities to promote cultural competency and enhance our understanding of the diverse needs and experiences of the people we serve. We are also a learning organization that will continue to seek best practices and data to direct our work.
Furthermore, we are committed to advocating for systemic changes that promote equity and justice for all individuals and communities. This includes supporting the development of skills and opportunities for members to advocate for themselves and their communities. We collaborate with other organizations and community partners to address the root causes of social and economic disparities and to promote policies and practices that promote equity and inclusion.