Who We Are
Why We Do What We Do
Last year, thousands of Jackson County residents were not able to cover the basic cost of living — like food, heat, rent, and medical bills. We are able to help fill the gaps with services made possible by the help of community partners, other agencies, and our generous donors.
About ACCESS
ACCESS provides food, warmth, shelter, and other essential services to Jackson County’s low-income children, families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities. As the Community Action Agency of Jackson County, Oregon, ACCESS has been helping residents break the cycle of poverty since 1976.
What is a Community Action Agency?
Founded in 1976, ACCESS is the Community Action Agency (CAA) for Jackson County. Community Action Agencies serve as cornerstone institutions in the fight against poverty, acting as both service providers and strategic coordinators within their communities. Established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, CAAs are locally governed and uniquely positioned to respond to the specific challenges facing low-income individuals and families. With more than 1,000 CAAs across the country, their core mission is to empower people to become self-sufficient by addressing both immediate needs—such as housing, food, and utility assistance—and long-term goals like rental housing stability, homeownership, and financial literacy.
ACCESS, like other CAAs, fulfills this mission through a dual approach. First, we operate and administer a wide array of direct services tailored to local needs. Second, we act as grant-makers – sub-granting public funds to trusted nonprofit partners. Through monitoring, audits, and capacity-building support, CAAs help maintain high-quality service delivery and compliance with federal, state, and local regulations within their respective communities.
Additionally, as a CAA, ACCESS is required to operate under a Tripartite Board of Directors, composed of three equal parts: one-third must represent low-income individuals and families, one-third must be elected public officials or their representatives, and one-third must represent key community groups and stakeholders with an interest in the agency’s mission. CAAs are deeply committed to financial stewardship and organizational transparency. They operate with rigorous internal controls and conduct regular evaluations to ensure that funds are used responsibly and effectively. This commitment builds public trust and demonstrates their accountability to funders, policymakers, and the communities they serve.
Our Mission
Through partnerships and service, ACCESS provides food, warmth, and shelter to promote stability for vulnerable populations.
Our Vision
Food, warmth, and shelter for all.
Guiding Principles
Respect
ACCESS treats all participants, volunteers, and employees with dignity and kindness.
Integrity
ACCESS takes responsibility for their actions and their words.
Empathy
ACCESS is caring and words to understand everyone’s unique experiences.
Development
ACCESS supports and encourages personal and professional growth and continuous learning.
Inclusion
ACCESS creates and supports a welcoming environment that embraces diversity and promotes equity.
Transparency
ACCESS is open with community partners, employees, and participants, sharing information wherever possible.
Service
ACCESS is consistently responsive to each other and those we serve in the broader community.
Our History
