Duane Yoder, President

Phone: (301) 334-9431
Fax: (301) 334-8555
dyoder@garrettcac.org www.garrettcac.org

Incorporated: 1966

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STRATEGIES & ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Child Services
Head Start programs continue to be an important part of GCCAC’s agenda. The group operates nine Head Start Centers serving 219 children, two Early Head Start Centers serving 41 children, a childcare facility for 80 children, and two after-school childcare centers for 64 children. GCCAC also offers the Home Base Program, where Head Start staff visits homes to work with the parent and child on learning and child- development skills. Home Base workers also provide information on a variety of topics, including nutrition, education, health, and social needs for all family members. GCCAC’s Kids-N-Corporated offers after-school and summer programs that include tutoring, mentoring, and recreational activities for students age 8-16.

Elderly Services
The Area Agency on Aging for Garrett County is housed within GCCAC. It provides long-term care for 100 seniors (including health insurance and assisted living centers), in-home services for another 400 seniors (personal care, prescription drug assistance, and transportation), support services for 350 seniors (recreation, continuing education, senior centers, and social activities), and a nutrition program serving 600 seniors (home-delivered meals and congregate meals). The group also engages in policy and advocacy work on elderly issues on behalf of the community.

Housing Development
GCCAC has an impressive record in housing development. Since 1983, it has produced or financed over 900 units of housing. It is the general partner for 190 units of Low Income Housing Tax Credit housing, and the owner of 65 rental homes. Since 1997, GCCAC has helped finance and package 228 successful home mortgages for first-time buyers. The organization also operates a home repair and weatherization program that has rehabilitated 324 homes, and is currently finishing another 111.

Its Rental Assistance Program provides transitional 6-month financial help to families experiencing money troubles. GCCAC provides assistance to 80 households via the State's Rental Allowance Program, and provides rental assistance to 30 individuals with disabilities and mental illnesses. It also administers Section 8 rental assistance vouchers, provides loan packaging assistance, and operates emergency shelters.

Through its emergency loan and assistance programs, GCCAC helps low-income families through crises such as eviction and utility shut-offs.

GCCAC is very supportive of the local Habitat for Humanity, providing administrative support, office space, and telephones. Their partnership also involves sharing site development, closing costs, and home ownership education.

Family Services
GCCAC’s Family Self-Sufficiency program is designed to assist families to move from crisis to self-sufficiency by providing counseling, financial assistance, and training on the job search and other social skills needed to become self reliant.

GCCAC’s homeless programs focus largely on prevention.  GCCAC has counseling staff and financial assistance devoted to preventing evictions.  However, on an emergency basis, GCCAC provides temporary shelter in local motels for persons who become homeless.  The goal is helping people transition from emergency shelter to a rental assistance program or one of GCCAC’s 300 rental residences in a small amount of time.

 GCCAC developed a shelter for victims of domestic violence and abuse.  GCCAC manages the property and leases the building to a local non-profit that provides the services. 

Individual Development Accounts administered by GCCAC encourage systematic savings for low-income families and individuals. Currently 35 participants receive a two to one match for their savings.

Economic Development
GCCAC has organized and operated several small businesses, including a bakery and janitorial service. Both hire disabled people. Since 1983, GCCAC has developed 80,000 square feet of commercial and community facilities. GCCAC also operates four loan funds, which have made 900 loans to businesses totaling over $2 million. Recently, it added Garrett County Action Microworks, a micro-enterprise and entrepreneurial support component providing technical assistance and loans up to $15,000. So far, GCCAC has committed 30 microloans. GCCAC also assists small towns to promote revitalization.