Senate honors First State Community Action Agency and hears leaders cite service gaps

The Delaware Senate recognized Community Action Month and heard testimony from Bernice Edwards, executive director of First State Community Action Agency, who described the agency’s work and urged continued legislative support.

Edwards told senators that First State Community Action Agency, now in its 61st year, served 7,974 Delawareans in fiscal year 2024 and received $120,000 from the state’s grant-in-aid program. She said 54% of those served—4,339 individuals—achieved measurable outcomes in housing stability, employment, education, nutrition and independence. “We are not just responding to immediate needs; we’re helping individuals through pathways forward,” Edwards said, introducing the agency’s program mix and its statewide reach across all three counties.

Multiple senators praised the organization. During remarks, one lawmaker described a constituent’s furnace that needed repair and said administrative red tape delayed assistance; senators credited First State staff for persistent outreach that eventually secured a hotel for the resident and a repair. Senator Cruz and others lauded the agency’s leadership and collaboration with partners such as United Way.

Senator Pettyjohn introduced the resolution recognizing Community Action Month; the witnesses from First State were excused after the remarks.

The recognition highlighted the agency’s programs for housing, energy assistance and support for older adults and children, and put lawmakers on record in support of continued partnership with community-action providers.