CMCA - Services Provided Through CMCA

Head Start - Since 1965 CMCA has provided Head Start services to children from 3-5 years of age that are income eligible. Head Start uses a child and family development approach to services.

Early Head Start - CMCA has Early Head Start serving pregnant mothers, infants and toddlers (0-3 years of age) and their families. Early Head Start provides comprehensive child and family development services to income and age eligible children.

Section 8 Rental Assistance - Section 8 Rental Assistance Service is funded by the Department of Housing and Urban Development. This service adheres to housing quality guidelines that ensure the people served live in safe, decent and sanitary housing. Section 8 Rental Assistance is offered in: Callaway, Cole, Cooper, Howard, Moniteau and Osage counties.

Employment & Training - Employment and Training programs are designed to provide services to help people become successful in the workforce and the community. The Workforce Investment Act (WIA) and the Career Assistance Program (CAP) provide the services to low income adults and youth entering or re-entering the labor force. It also provides retraining and reemployment assistance to eligible dislocated workers. CMCA is a subcontractor in the Central Region, operated by the C-WIB that receives funding from the State of Missouri, via the Department of Labor, to operate employment and training programs.

Foster Grandparents - The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP) is a program with a big heart and a heartfelt purpose. Senior men and women have the opportunity to interact with children wherever they gather such as day care centers, Head Start centers, state-supported facilities, public/private schools and home settings. The "Grandparents" also serve youth with exceptional and special needs.

Weatherization- Central Missouri Community Action weatherizes more than 120 homes per year. Homeowners with qualifying income levels are eligible to receive weatherization services at no charge. Renters may be eligible if their landlord agrees. Each home weatherized receives a comprehensive assessment of their furnace or other heating source, as well as the energy efficiency assessment of their home. Private contractors are then hired to repair or replace furnaces if needed, insulate the home and perform other energy conservation measures as determined by the agency Auditor.

Housing Development - CMCA has been designated a CHDO (Community Housing Development Organization) by the Missouri Housing Development Commission and the city of Columbia. CMCA is a member of Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation. CMCA is a member, and has a staff member on board of directors, of the newly formed Missouri Association of Community Corporations.

Energy Assistance - The agency's crisis assistance program works to help families in many energy related areas. The program receives funds from state and local sources to assist qualifying households pay fuel bills. It also provides information about alternate energy sources and education in the area of energy conservation.

Family Support - Through intake, assessment and referral Family Support Services provide crisis and long term intervention for families living in poverty. By promoting self-sufficiency, Family Support Services help alleviate external stress and amend circumstances by helping families to identify and embrace community support and resources. Through this process families are able to achieve greater stability.

VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) - VITA volunteers provide free basic tax assistance for low to moderate income taxpayers. CMCA and the Internal Revenue Service partner to give free training in basic tax preparations to volunteers. VITA is a nationwide program.

EITC is a special tax benefit for working people who earn low or moderate income. It has several important purposes: to reduce tax burden on low to moderate workers and to supplement wages. The EITC program that CMCA provides offers free tax assistance, assistance in opening a free to low cost bank account, and money management education classes and one-on-one counseling.