Cenla Community Action Committee, Inc. (Cenla CAC) was incorporated as the anti-poverty agency for Rapides Parish in 1965.  The objective and purpose of this corporation was and still is to promote and develop economic opportunities in the community comprising all of the Parish of Rapides in the State of Louisiana; the provision of services directly and indirectly to those in need of increased economic opportunities; to act as a liaison between Public Housing Authorities, Private Sector Landlords and low-wealth to moderate-income individuals and the homeless; to provide housing counseling services designed to enable clients to obtain, retain and/or maintain ownership or rental rights of acquired housing; and to link clients with other available resources to combat poverty and economic instability in Rapides Parish. 
 
The roots of Community Action’s work are in intervention to alleviate the most immediate, destabilizing effects of poverty in the lives of individuals and families, as well as in the larger community.  Over the years we have come to interpret our mission broadly to include, not only people who have lower incomes but others who are marginalized, such as youth and members of minority groups. Our desire to secure our community’s future health and prosperity, and our sense of ethical practice, compelled us to offer primary prevention services in order to get ahead of the need for intervention. While many of our programs are targeted to intervene with specific issues or populations, many also incorporate prevention practices and are open to all who meet state income guidelines. 
 
Cenla CAC currently operates under the administration of Executive Director Sally C. Cowan.  She oversees a managerial staff that includes the Finance Manager, General Community Programs Director, and Executive Secretary/Board Executive Assistant.  Cenla CAC is governed by an 18-member Board of Directors, representing a cross-section of the public, private, and low-income sectors of Rapides Parish.  The volunteer board serves as the legal entity of the organization.  

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