History and Background

Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency is a private, not-for-profit corporation that was incorporated in 1965 through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to fight the war against poverty locally in Cayuga County, New York.

Since its incorporation more than 40 years ago, the Agency has achieved enormous success. Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency began serving one county, with three staff members. Today, the Agency has expanded to serve both Cayuga and Seneca Counties, with a staff of more than 130 employees. The Agency’s objective is to serve all low-income families and individuals respectfully, on a personal basis, so that they may live a life of decency and dignity while becoming self-sufficient. The Agency has gained a positive reputation throughout the community for advocating the rights of economically challenged families and individuals and changing society’s stereotypes regarding poverty. We currently administer more than 15 different programs including Healthy Families, Homeless Intervention and Homeless Vulnerable Programs, Early Head Start, Head Start, Food Pantry, Domestic Violence Intervention Program, and Weatherization.

The Agency is governed by a 15-member tripartite Board of Directors with representatives from the public, private, and low-income community sectors. This structure ensures that the Agency’s customers have a voice in the decisions that affect them. Cayuga/Seneca Community Action Agency is audited annually by an independent auditor. The Agency has an excellent record of audits and program monitoring, as well as fiscal control.

Every three years, the Agency conducts a two county needs assessment of the low-income community. The data derived from the community assessment is analyzed and used to develop programs to fill gaps in services.

Board of Directors

Greg Hinman, Chairperson
Tom House, Vice Chairperson

Nelsa Selover, Secretary
Bonnie Logue, Treasurer

2011-2012 Policy Council

Agency Directors