Greater Bergen Community Action

Introduction

Greater Bergen Community Action (GBCA) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization operating as a Community Action Agency. Founded in 1967, it is part of a broad network of agencies established in the United States to combat poverty. GBCA focuses on mobilizing resources to address the conditions that impact low-income communities, aiming to reduce poverty by addressing its underlying causes and fostering economic stability.

Mission and Objectives

The mission of GBCA is to reduce poverty in the communities it serves by tackling the causes and conditions of persistent economic instability. This is achieved through a variety of programs designed to empower individuals and families, enhancing their living and working conditions.

Programs and Services

GBCA offers a comprehensive range of services and programs:

• Education and Training: GBCA provides Head Start and Early Head Start programs focusing on early childhood education. These programs offer a curriculum that includes education in letters, numbers, social skills, and cultural awareness. Additionally, English as a Second Language (ESL) and High School Equivalency preparations are available to support educational advancement.
• Health and Wellness: The organization provides health-related outreach, education, and referrals. As part of the Head Start program, children receive free health, dental, and vision screenings, with subsequent referrals to local health services.
• Financial and Housing Support: Services include Home Energy Assistance, Home Weatherization, Lead Remediation, Credit Counseling, and Financial Literacy education. GBCA also offers Community Housing In Partnership for affordable housing and supportive housing programs like The Ladder Program for men in recovery.
• Immigrant Support: Through its Education and Resource Center, GBCA provides case management, legal consultations, application assistance for naturalization and other benefits, and no-cost notary public services to immigrants in Bergen, Passaic, and Hudson Counties.
• Food Assistance: GBCA has distributed a significant number of meals to families and individuals in need.
• Banking Services: It facilitates quality banking services for underbanked households through partnerships like the 1st Bergen Federal Credit Union.

Impact

Over recent years, GBCA has made substantial investments in the communities it serves, investing over $350 million and distributing $54.2 million in grants directly to small businesses. It has provided banking services to thousands of underbanked households and enabled nearly 2,000 children to receive early childhood education through Head Start.

Governance

GBCA is managed by an outstanding Board of Directors comprising members from both the private and public sectors, as well as community leaders. This diverse board ensures that GBCA remains focused on its mission to combat poverty and improve living conditions for low-income residents.