7 Crucial Ways The Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency Is Transforming Lives In 2025
The Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency (AACCAA) remains the county's designated and most vital anti-poverty organization, actively working in late 2025 to increase self-sufficiency and economic mobility for thousands of low-income families and individuals. Since its founding in 1965, the Agency has consistently adapted its programs to meet the evolving needs of the community, focusing on comprehensive services that tackle the root causes of poverty, not just the symptoms. The organization's recent expansion and focus on specific, high-impact services mark a critical turning point in its mission.
Operating under the philosophy of "a hand up, not a handout," the AACCAA's current initiatives are heavily centered around housing stability, utility assistance, and educational development. A major focus in the current year has been the expansion of physical access points and the securing of critical grants, ensuring that aid is delivered efficiently to residents across Annapolis and the wider Anne Arundel County area. This deep dive provides the most current, up-to-date information on the Agency’s leadership, key programs, and how residents can access these life-changing resources.
Leadership and Operational Profile: Anne Arundel County Community Action Agency (AACCAA)
The success of the AACCAA is driven by a dedicated leadership team and a robust organizational structure committed to the national Community Action promise. The Agency operates as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, collaborating closely with local government, including Arundel Community Development Services, Inc. (ACDS), and other non-profits to maximize its reach.
- Official Organization Name: Community Action Agency of Anne Arundel County, Inc. (AACCAA)
- Year Founded: 1965
- Designation: Anne Arundel County's official anti-poverty agency
- Chief Executive Officer (CEO): Charlestine R. Fairley, Ph.D.
- Key Leadership Staff:
- Jennifer Glover (Chief of Staff of the Chief Executive Officer)
- Joshua Hatch (Vice President of Dars)
- Susan Pumphrey (Director of Housing)
- Main Office Address: 251 West Street, Annapolis, MD 21401
- Recent Expansion: Opened a new satellite office to extend services into the southern part of the county.
The 7 Core Programs and Services Driving Economic Mobility in Anne Arundel County
The AACCAA administers a diverse portfolio of programs designed to address poverty from multiple angles, ensuring that families receive holistic support. These services are often updated based on local fiscal year (FY) allocations, such as the FY26 Action Plan for housing and the FY 2025 Community Support Grant Program. The following are the most critical programs currently offered:
1. Comprehensive Energy and Water Assistance Programs
Utility assistance remains one of the most in-demand services, especially with fluctuating energy costs. The AACCAA is the primary administrator for several state and federal programs in the county, providing critical relief to prevent disconnections and maintain household stability.
- Energy Assistance: This program helps low-income residents manage their heating and cooling costs. Applications are continuously accepted, and the service is a cornerstone of the Agency’s support structure.
- Low Income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP): This vital program provides assistance to eligible households with their water and wastewater bills. This has become an increasingly important tool for maintaining health equity and preventing utility shut-offs.
2. Housing Stability and Eviction Prevention
In partnership with organizations like ACDS, the Community Action Agency plays a crucial role in addressing the county’s housing crisis. The focus is on preventing homelessness and assisting residents in securing new, stable housing.
- Housing Assistance: Services range from emergency rental assistance to long-term housing counseling. The Agency is a key partner in the county’s Eviction Prevention Program, helping at-risk residents remain housed.
- Mortgage Assistance: Aid is available for eligible Anne Arundel County residents who are at risk of foreclosure, often working in conjunction with ACDS resources.
3. Early Childhood and Youth Development Initiatives
Investing in the future workforce is a core principle of Community Action. The Agency operates programs that provide comprehensive support for children's development and educational readiness.
- Early Head Start: This program provides early, comprehensive child development and family support services for low-income infants, toddlers, and pregnant women. It focuses on health, nutrition, and school readiness.
- Youth Development: Programs aim to empower young people through educational support, life skills training, and mentorship to help them transition successfully into adulthood and the workforce.
4. Diversion and Reentry Services
Recognizing the challenges faced by individuals returning to the community, the AACCAA offers specialized support to promote successful reintegration and reduce recidivism.
- Diversion & Reentry Services: These programs provide resources, counseling, and connections to employment and housing for formerly incarcerated individuals, helping them overcome barriers to economic stability.
The New Wayson's Corner Office: Expanding Reach and Access
One of the most significant recent developments is the opening of a new satellite office, a strategic move to ensure that services are accessible to all residents, particularly those in the southern regions of the county. This expansion highlights the Agency’s commitment to localized, community-based service delivery.
The new office is strategically located at the Bay Community Health's Wayson's Corner medical center at 5408 Southern Maryland Boulevard in Lothian. This location allows the AACCAA to integrate its economic support services with primary healthcare, creating a holistic hub for families in need. The Lothian office is crucial for residents who face transportation barriers in reaching the main Annapolis location, strengthening the Agency's ability to address economic challenges across a broader geographic area.
How to Access Assistance and Eligibility Requirements
Accessing the programs offered by the Community Action Agency of Anne Arundel County begins with demonstrating financial need, typically based on the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The Agency aims to serve low-income families and individuals, promoting self-sufficiency and long-term economic stability. While specific eligibility varies by program—for instance, Energy Assistance has different income thresholds than Early Head Start—the first step is always to apply.
Residents are encouraged to visit the AACCAA's official website to access online applications for various services, including Energy Assistance. For those needing in-person guidance, staff at both the main Annapolis office and the new Wayson's Corner location are available to assist with the application process, documentation requirements, and connecting applicants with the right resources. The Agency’s commitment to providing multiple access points, including satellite sites, ensures that help is available where and when it is needed most.
The AACCAA continues to be the bedrock of anti-poverty efforts in the county, leveraging partnerships and federal grants to make a tangible difference in the lives of Anne Arundel County residents. By focusing on essential needs like energy, housing, and education, the Agency is paving the way for a more resilient and economically mobile community.
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