About Us
What is Community Action?
Following the vision and ideas set forth by President Kennedy, Lyndon B. Johnson took the first steps to create “The Great Society” by signing the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 into law, effectively creating the Community Action Network we know today. At its core, the mission was simple: defeat the burdens of poverty for every American citizen. This required a comprehensive plan that covered health, education, job opportunities, and other support programs. What made Community Action Agencies (CAAs) unique was their flexible funding, enabling local agencies to tailor their programs around the specific needs of their community. There are over 1,000 CAAs creating socioeconomic opportunity and change throughout the country today.

President Lyndon B. Johnson delivers his State of the Union address to a joint session of Congress on Jan. 8, 1964.
Who is Citizens for Citizens (CFC)?
Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) is the Massachusetts Community Action Agency that assists over 30,000 individuals in the Greater Fall River and Taunton areas each year. We provide short and long term services that empower low-income individuals and families with the tools necessary to overcome the burdens of poverty and financial crises while creating and maintaining self-sufficiency. With a wide variety of programs available, we can help improve your economic situation.
What is our mission?
The mission of Citizens for Citizens is to advocate on behalf of low-income residents and address the causes and effects of poverty through the provision of direct and integrated services, the promotion of self-sufficiency, and the advancement of social change.
What if I’m not from the area and still want to receive services?
You’re in luck — there are 23 Community Action Agencies in MA! If you’re not in CFC’s service area, you’re in another service area. To find your local agency, visit our parent agency MASSCAP’s website at https://www.masscap.org/agencies/.
Our History
Since 1965, Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) has offered assistance and hope to individuals and families living in poverty in Southeastern Massachusetts. The following timeline highlights many of the significant events occurring since the creation of CFC as a private, nonprofit, social service agency.
Timeline:
1965 – Citizens for Citizens, Inc. (CFC) is incorporated under the Economic Opportunity Act to serve as the Community Action Agency of Greater Fall
River.
Edward J. (Jud) Sullivan is CFC first Executive Director
1966 – Head Start opens centers throughout Fall River to provide pre-school educational programs for children ages 3 to 5 years.
1968 – Employment opportunities for persons age 55 and older are created through the funding of the Senior Aide Program.
1970 – Citizens for Citizens, Inc. relocates its headquarters from 101 Rock Street to its present site at 264 Griffin Street, Fall River.
1972 – Mark A. Sullivan, Jr. is hired as the agency’s Executive Director.
Citizens for Citizens Family Planning begins providing quality, comprehensive family planning and reproductive health care to low-income women and adolescents.
1973 – Operation Christmas is launched to provide toys for needy children.
1975 – Fuel Assistance and Weatherization programs are started to help reduce the burden of high energy costs for eligible area residents.
1976 – CFC purchases its headquarters on Griffin Street from United Methodist Ministers.
1978 – At the request of the Mayor and City Council, CFC’s service area is expanded to Taunton.
1979 – Women, Infants & Children (WIC) feeding program is funded to provide nutritional services to Greater Taunton.
1980 – In conjunction with Bristol Community College, CFC opens its Energy Information and Referral office on the campus of BCC.
1981 – After School and Family Day Care programs are funded to provide day care for children of working parents.
1982 – Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) is awarded funding by US/ACTION.
1985 – CFC purchases the Aldrich School from the City of Fall River for classroom space for 180 Head Start children.
1988 – The Family Child Care (home-based) program is expanded to the Town of Somerset.
1990 – CFC establishes the Edward “Jud” Sullivan Scholarship Fund for worthy high school seniors.
1999 – W I C celebrates 20 years serving Greater Taunton.
2000 – Early Head Start dedicates the Peggy O’Brien Sullivan Center.
CFC relocates its Taunton office into much larger professional building at One Taunton Green.
CFC observes its 35th year of service.
2005 – Citizens for Citizens, Inc. celebrates 40 years of providing assistance to area residents during difficult financial times.
2007 – Citizens for Citizens receives $50,000 grant from the Robert F. Stoico Foundation to fund a first-time home buyers IDA Program
2009 CFC starts Senior Home Safety Repair Program with funds from the Charles Farnsworth Trust.
2010 CFC begins its 45th year of service.
2010 CFC receives $8,500,000 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds to weatherize more than 1,200 homes and apartments.