Central Arkansas Development Council assistance programs.
Staff from Central Arkansas Development Council work to help the low income, unemployed, and less fortunate in the region. The agency has information on several resources and assistance programs, including some that are financial in nature such as LIHEAP. Specialists from the non-profit community action agency link qualified clients to programs and local resources. The goal is to improve the conditions that low-income people live in. Assistance is available across a large service territory, including the counties of Pulaski, Clark, Calhoun, Columbia, Dallas, Lonoke, Hot Spring, Montgomery, Ouachita, Pike, Saline, and Union.
CADC financial support for bills, food, and other needs
The USDA Commodity Food program is run by Central Arkansas Development Council. It is heavily used in Pulaski, Dallas, Montgomery and other Arkansas counties. Families can get canned and packaged foods. Aid is for seniors, children, and new mothers. Another food resource is the Summer Food Service Program, which will ensure low-income children and youth have access to well-balanced diets all the year round, even when free school lunches are not available.
Free Tax Preparation, as part of VITA, is offered by CADC, trained volunteers, and partners such as the Internal Revenue Service. Together they offer free tax preparation and filing to seniors and low to moderate income families in Arkansas. Tax sites are set up and they help taxpayers claim their Earned Income tax Credit and can have their tax returns E-Filed. The locations are in Little Rock and counties such Saline and Clark and they are staffed by trained, certified volunteers. The Free Tax Preparation programs help low and moderate income files keep more of their hard-earned money by ensuring deductions and other benefits are obtained.
Low income Energy Assistance - LIHEAP assists with utility bills and heating costs. There is also a Crisis Intervention to prevent disconnection. The government run program provides families and the working poor with short-term fuel assistance and credits on their account. Residents receiving LIHEAP in Arkansas are also connected to family development resources.
Rent, housing, and additional utility assistance may be part of the Emergency Food and Shelter program. This resource utilizes FEMA funds to assist eligible households with different expenses when they are faced with a crisis.
Weatherization is a form of conservation that will make homes and residences more energy efficient and safe to live in. The CADC and government sponsored program is a proven method of reducing high-energy costs, saving money and conserving energy in the home. Households can receive weather-stripping of doors and windows, free attic and wall insulation, caulking and sealing cracks and holes, furnace retrofitting, storm window installation, and other free updates.
Central Arkansas Development Council can provide low cost transportation and bus fares in partnership with Greyhound and South Central Arkansas Transit (SCAT). There are no income restrictions and anyone can use the service.
Self-sufficiency services from Central Arkansas Development Council
Family Development and Social Services is when staff work with clients on restoring into them a sense of self-reliance. The main objective of any CADC service is to support people who have lost their faith in their ability to provide for themselves. So case managers that are part of Family Development work with clients on creating a plan for employment, self-sufficiency, credit repair and more. Goals are set and measured throughout this process.
The Arkansas Head Start program is run by CADC. It provides educational resources, as well as dental and free health services, food, and even social services to children from low-income families. The program also assists their parents. It ensures three and four year old children are ready to grown and learn when transitioning to kindergarten and school after that.
Money Management / IDA can help clients become more financially stable, reduce debts, and offers other benefits. Several classes range from credit repair to banking and debt reduction, to saving and investing wisely, are offered. Also, IDA - Individual Development Accounts are matched savings accounts. The money raised, some of it from matching government grants, can be used to help pay purchase a home, college expenses or make some limited home repairs.
Senior Activity Centers are for residents over the age of 60 and their spouses. Centers are located in all counties, with a focus on Pulaski. It gives the older generation the chance to enjoy low cost, healthy meals and social activities with other senior citizens who have a common interest. Activities offered at the SACs include transportation, exercise, recreational event, computer training, guided tours, nutrition, and more.
Employment Services - SHARE Network is a place where the unemployed and job seekers can look for a new or better job in their field. People can search for employment in their own towns or counties. Trained individuals and specialists train users on the Arkansas JobLink (AJL) system. The program allows people to post resumes, train on computers and more. It is offered in partnership with the Arkansas Department of Workforce Service.
Single Parent Scholarship Fund is run by Central Arkansas Development Council with other partners. It is to pay for emergencies for single parents that would otherwise prevent them from attending job or a class. In addition to the financial aid, they can get counseling and referrals to other support services.
Central Arkansas Development Council office locations
- Arkadelphia Office, 1305 N. 10th. St., 71923 Arkadelphia, AR, Phone: 870-403-0679
- CADC Main Office is at 321 Edison Avenue, 72018 Benton, AR, telephone 501-315-1121
- Calhoun County Office, 210 South Lee P.O. Box 707, 71744 Hampton, AR, 870-798-2457
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