We have taken on a big task: to help reduce poverty and increase self-sufficiency among county residents through an array of human service programs.

The past several years have seen exciting changes within our Community Action agency. These changes reflect the success we've experienced. Most recently, we have combined under one "umbrella" our three agencies (Lawrence County Social Services, Inc., Allied Coordinated Transportation Services, Inc. and United Community Services, Inc.). Under the flagship name Lawrence County Community Action Partnership, we are expanding existing programs and developing new programs as we continue to aid lower-income individuals and families through our county.

Head Start, serving the county through Lawrence County Social Services, Inc. since June 1,2002, continues to grow. This nationally-known program offers Lawrence County children between the ages of three and five years old the opportunity for a free preschool education, socialization and activities for families.

Our New Beaver Borough Water Project has provided 4.6 miles of water lines and 35 fire hydrants to 106 residents. A partnership between Lawrence County Social Services, Inc., New Beaver Borough, Lawrence County Commissioners, Lawrence County Planning Office and other government agencies received a grant to provide water for residents with gasoline contaminated wells in North Beaver Township. LCSS spearheaded the county's efforts to address the new lead-based paint regulations affecting the housing rehabilitation program.

Through Allied Coordinated Transportation Services, Inc. (ACTS), our transportation arm, we began offering the Persons with Disabilities Transportation Program. This service expansion provides transportation to anyone under the age of 65 who may have a permanent or temporary disability.

Through these pages we seek to acquaint our county with the Lawrence County Community Action Partnership, to review our contributions and to discuss some of our goals.

We look forward to enhancing the partnerships we have made while creating even more opportunities for our clients. Thank you for your support and commitment to Lawrence County Community Action Partnership.

Sincerely,

Thomas Scott, CEO