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 is CFC’s stance on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion?

Citizens for Citizens’ mission as a Community Action Agency is to uplift the most vulnerable communities and populations who are socioeconomically oppressed and in-need of quality and consistent services. At our core, the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion are foundational to work we accomplish everyday both internal and external to our agency. CFC commits to recognize, analyze, and challenge biases across age, background, gender, disability, sex, race, and more that have permeated societal norms and cultures. We vow to engage with our community members, staff, agency administration, and board of directors in conversations that promote equality and fairness so that we may always oppose embedded racism and discrimination while serving our community. By becoming defenders of diversity and inclusion, we may better serve the oppressed low-income communities we encounter every day and provide a more equitable workplace for old, new, and future employees. By swearing to and championing these aforementioned principles, we pledge to hold ourselves accountable as we work to create a better workplace, a better community, and a better world. 

As a proud member of MASSCAP, our DEI commitment as a member can be found here as well.

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/.