In 1964, President Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act, declaring the “war on poverty” “because it is right. Because it is wise. Because for the first time in history, it is possible to conquer poverty.”

Forty years later, many individual battles have been won, but the war wages on.

Community action agencies were created as a result of the Economic Opportunity Act to fight on the front lines of this war.

Penquis Community Action Program, the community action agency for Penobscot and Piscataquis Counties, works to alleviate and eliminate the causes and conditions of poverty and to engage the community in addressing economic and social needs. It served nearly 8,400 families in 2003 through a variety of programs in such areas as health, housing, child care, family enrichment, transportation and economic development.

Locally, Penquis Community Action Program has experienced an increase in the number of families needing assistance. This should come as no surprise given the rise in poverty nationally.

U.S. Census Bureau numbers indicate that in 2002, 1.7 million more Americans and 400,000 more children lived in poverty than in 2001. Yet, funding for social services programs has not increased. In many cases, it has been cut and in some cases, eliminated.

Like any war, winning requires resources and public support. But, despite its prevalence, poverty is not a national priority.

In spite of the current challenges, I remain optimistic. With the assistance of local media, we are raising awareness of poverty issues and helping people access the resources they need. We have a growing number of caring and dedicated people – Community Action Partners – who are helping us improve the quality of life in our communities. And there are many individuals in both the public and private sectors who are working tirelessly on problems such as health care, affordable housing and quality child care.

I remain optimistic because of the battles won: the families that became free from domestic violence; the teen parents who raised happy, healthy children while carving out a future for themselves; the families who achieved their dream of home ownership; the children who blossomed in the care of nurturing child care providers; laid off workers who became successful small business owners; and others too numerous to mention here.

I remain optimistic because of the battles that continue to be fought every day. There are thousands of people fighting their War on Poverty, and they are not fighting alone. Penquis Community Action Program is helping them in their fight and will continue to fight the war, started 40 years ago, until it is won.

May is National Community Action Month. For more information on Penquis Community Action Program, your community action agency, go to www.penquiscap.org or call 973-3500.

Charles Newton is executive director of Penquis Community Action Program.