Real People, Real Impact

Featured stories

Announcements

  1. The Community Action, Inc. Board of Directors will meet at 10:00 a.m. on November 12, 2026 in Brookville, PA. Meetings are open to the public, if you would like to attend please call (814) 938-3302, ext. 221 for more information.

  2. Do you care about strengthening communities, helping families thrive, and creating opportunities for those facing hardship? Community Action, Inc. (CAI) is seeking dedicated volunteers to serve on our Advisory Council for Clarion and Jefferson Counties. For more information, contact (814)938-3302, ext. 221 or contact@jccap.org.

  3. Are you ready to make a difference this tax season? We are looking for caring, community-minded volunteers to help local families through our Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

As a VITA volunteer, you'll receive FREE training and support to become an IRS-certified tax preparer. No prior tax experience is required! Once certified, you'll help eligible individuals and families in Clarion and Jefferson Counties file their tax returns at no cost, ensuring they receive the refunds and credits they've earned.

Every return prepared is an opportunity to reduce financial stress and help a neighbor achieve greater financial stability.

Contact us today! Self-paced training begins in December.

📞 1-800-997-7661, ext. 101
📧 volunteer@jccap.org

Featured Impact Stories

  • Make a Difference This Tax Season

    This winter, local residents have an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of their neighbors by volunteering with Community Action, Inc.’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program.

    Community Action, Inc. is seeking compassionate, community-minded individuals to serve as volunteer tax preparers, helping eligible families and individuals in Clarion and Jefferson Counties access free federal and state income tax preparation services.

    Through the VITA Program, volunteers receive free training and support to become IRS-certified tax preparers. Once certified, volunteers assist community members in filing accurate tax returns electronically, helping families claim valuable tax credits and receive the refunds they have earned.

    “No prior tax experience is required,” said Meagan Wrhen, Community Impact Director. “We provide the training and resources needed for success. What matters most is a willingness to learn, a desire to help others, and a commitment to strengthening our community.”

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  • October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month: Recognizing the Signs of Healthy and Unhealthy Relationships

    Community Action, Inc.'s Crossroads Project is encouraging community members to take time during Domestic Violence Awareness Month to reflect on what healthy relationships look like and how to recognize warning signs when something doesn't feel right.

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Successful Autumn Leaf Festival FoodStock Collection

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who donated during the 2026 Autumn Leaf Festival FoodStock collection in support of local food pantries throughout the Clarion area!

The success of this community effort was strengthened by the incredible volunteers from the Central Clarion Wildcats football team. The Wildcats generously volunteered their time to help load, unload, sort, and move donated food items, assisting with getting these contributions where they were needed most.

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robin hopkins robin hopkins

Beyond the Schoolyard: Digital Bullying in Today’s World

Bullying no longer ends when the school bell rings. Community Action, Inc.'s Crossroads project wants children and adults to understand today's bullying threats, know where to seek help, and learn how to go from a passive bystander (audience) to an active upstander, helping stop the bullying incident or being supportive and encouraging the person bullied. Research shows peer interventions can stop a bullying incident in less than 10 seconds; making the role of bystanders/upstanders critical.

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Volunteer Spotlight

Punxsy REACT Food Drive

During the Fall of 2025, amid ongoing state and federal budget impasses that have left many non-profits struggling, one local group stepped up to make a difference. Punxsutawney REACT, widely recognized for assisting law enforcement and emergency responders with traffic control and public safety, extended its mission of service by organizing a food drive to benefit survivors of domestic violence at Community Action, Inc.’s Crossroads Shelters in Jefferson and Clearfield Counties.

“During a recent meeting, we discussed Domestic Violence Awareness Month and learned about the urgent need for resources to keep shelters open,” said Charles Hoeh, Punxsutawney REACT President. “Although we couldn’t launch a project in October, we knew we had to help. A November food drive was something we could do to support survivors and the shelters.”

Community Action, Inc. CEO Misty Fleming expressed deep gratitude for the effort: “We are incredibly thankful for the generosity shown during the food drive by Punxsutawney REACT and the community. These donations will make a meaningful difference for individuals and families seeking safety and healing at our Crossroads Domestic Violence Shelters. In times of hardship, it is the strength and kindness of our community that lights the path forward.”

"Like many local non-profits, Community Action has navigated significant challenges during the budget impasse, working creatively to maintain services with limited resources. Thanks to Punxsutawney REACT and the return of funding, our shelters can continue supporting neighbors in need without interruption," added Ms. Fleming.