The History of CAC

The History of Saginaw County Community Action

The story of the Community Action Committee (CAC) is a vivid tapestry woven over more than half a century, reflecting the changing needs, challenges, and triumphs of Saginaw County’s fight against poverty. Founded in 1965 at the height of the War on Poverty, CAC arose from the belief that grassroots action and citizen involvement could transform communities. Its earliest days were humble, with operations run out of UAW/CIO Local 699 and St. Rita’s Catholic Church, but these beginnings set the tone for a legacy of resilience and service.

The mandate for citizen participation in 1966 laid the foundation for CAC’s inclusive approach, and that same year saw the launch of the Medical Alert and Legal Aid Programs, critical resources for county residents. The following year, CAC secured funding for the now-legendary Head Start Program, opening doors for generations of children. Initiatives like the Neighborhood Youth Corps and Saginaw Black Arts Festival reinforced the organization’s commitment to education, culture, and youth development.

As the late 1960s unfolded, CAC expanded its reach by organizing the Poverty People’s Alliance, establishing the Sphinx Art Council, and introducing dental care and adult education programs. The Busy Beavers Sewing Club and Model Cities projects showcased the organization’s creativity in addressing local needs. In the 1970s, CAC navigated shifting funding landscapes and changing community demographics, launching programs like the Sickle Cell Anemia Program, Addicts Action Coalition, and Model Cities Senior Citizen Program. These years also saw the establishment of the Career Development Program with Delta College and the first Black Students Honor Convocation, further cementing CAC’s commitment to empowerment through education.

Physical moves to new locations, such as the Multi-Purpose Center on Janes and later Cherry Street, reflected the organization’s growth. New initiatives kept pace: the Urban Gardening Program, Hunger Task Force, Energy Conservation and Weatherization, and a range of nutritional and home repair programs responded to emerging needs. CAC’s engagement with health, housing, and environmental issues was deepened through partnerships, such as with the Area Health Education Center and Inter-Tribal Association, and the creation of programs like the Fuel Stamp/Utility Assistance initiative.

The late 1970s and 1980s were marked by activism and outreach—CAC published Nommo, launched the Students’ Rights and Information Center, and moved to the Perkins Street site. It spearheaded efforts like the JTPA, CEDA, and Project Self-Reliance, and played a key role in commodity food distribution. CAC celebrated milestones such as its Twentieth Anniversary and joined regional and national boards, ensuring that Saginaw County had a voice at every table where solutions were crafted.

The 1990s brought a new era of innovation and adaptation. Amid leadership transitions, including the departure of CAC legendary leader, Executive Director Robert Vierra, CAC continued to centralize client intake and conduct local dialogues on poverty, always seeking to refine its approach and reach more residents. CAC introduced Environmental Code/Neighborhood Cleanup Project, the First Time Homeowner Project, Income Tax Assistance, and Minority Senior Outreach, while expanding its scope with the CHDO set-aside for rental rehab and establishing the Community Service Scholarship Fund. Emergency relief and food assistance programs became a critical focus, as did housing counseling certifications and the Senior Commodity Supplemental Food Program.

As the new millennium dawned, CAC embarked on major renovations, established new scholarship funds, and deepened its commitment to health with initiatives like glaucoma testing and partnerships with healthcare providers. Strategic planning, technology upgrades, and the return of housing counseling positioned the organization for a rapidly changing world. The Family Self-Sufficiency Program—later known as Dream Catchers for Life—emerged as a beacon of hope, integrating job readiness, GED classes, financial literacy, and parenting skills. CAC’s achievements were recognized with numerous awards and designations, including “low risk” scoring from oversight bodies and accolades from community partners. The agency is grateful for the leadership of Alfred Loveless as he made his transition off of the board.

The 2010s and beyond saw CAC stepping up during crises, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, when it secured $700,000 through the CARES Program to address countywide emergencies. The organization was awarded millions in ARPA funding for capital improvements, housing, and emergency food response, and received grants for food storage and neighborhood revitalization. Building renovations, new partnerships, and the certification of Executive Director Hurley Coleman III as a Community Action Professional underscored CAC’s commitment to professional excellence and community impact.

By 2025, the Community Action Committee stands as a central hub for food, housing, emergency assistance, and senior outreach. Its legacy is written not only in the programs it has delivered, but in the lives transformed, the neighborhoods rebuilt, and the hope restored. Through every decade, the dedication of its leaders, staff, and partners has ensured that CAC remains a beacon of empowerment and opportunity for Saginaw County’s most vulnerable, faithfully carrying forward the mission that began more than fifty years ago.