We're one of the largest social welfare agencies in WNY and the designated anti-poverty agency for Erie County. We're on the frontlines in the War on Poverty! The Community Action Organization of WNY was incorporated in 1965 and operates anti-poverty programs in Erie and Niagara counties. Annually, CAO serves more than 50,000 families and individuals in WNY through various programs and services. For more than 40 years, the Community Action Organization of Erie County, Inc., has helped low-income people and working poor families gain access to opportunities, resources, education and training, and a wide range of programs and services.We were funded with a federal grant through the Office of Economic Opportunity to develop community organizations through which disenfranchised people could work toward positive change. Throughout the years, we have expanded our programs and services to become a comprehensive community services agency.