The Community Services Department provides assistance to a range of low-income individuals and families within EMAA’s service area.
We take a holistic approach to ending poverty; starting by addressing the most basic needs, eliminating them and applying progressive programs designed to move families into financial freedom. Over 21,000 people received services last year through EMAA’s Community Service programs.
Services We Provide
• Family Intake, Assessment & Referral
Community Service Representatives (CSR) are housed in all eight EMAA Outreach offices. CSR’s analyze each household member’s individual needs as well as the family as a whole. Referrals are made to EMAA programs as well as community partners and local resources based on identified needs.
• SEED$
Southeast Economic Development Fund Inc, (SEED$) was established by East Missouri Action Agency (EMAA) in 2014 to be a local resource for entrepreneurs. SEED$ offers micro loans up to $100,000, technical assistance, and individualized services based on the needs of the clients.
SEED$ is actively involved in the economic development and chambers of commerce in the 8 counties of the EMAA service area and strives to bring successful small businesses to the communities. Located in Park Hills SEED$ staff are easily accessible and will often meet clients where they are which provides a opportunity to see their businesses first hand.
• Supporting, Empowering & Leveraging for Families (S.E.L.F.)
This program helps low-income families overcome barriers to achieve success by providing support and bundled services. This program is a combined effort between all EMAA departments.
• Emergency Food and Rental Assistance
Emergency food is distributed primarily through a network of food pantries established by local churches and organizations in cooperation with EMAA and the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP). EFSP funding is also utilized to assist in emergency situations with rent.
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
This is a federally funded program. The LIHEAP program has two components: Energy Assistance (EA) and Energy Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP). EA is a onetime benefit designed to assist low-income people with their heating bills between October 1-May 31. To qualify applicants must meet income guidelines and be responsible for their heating bill. ECIP is designed to alleviate a crisis. To qualify, applicants must be in disconnection threat, low on propane or wood.
Community Services also administers privately funded emergency energy programs such as Dollar More, Dollar Help, Round-Up, and Liberty Utilities. Funds are limited and certain restrictions apply.
• Health Insurance Marketplace Enrollment
Please visit the “find local help” tool on the Cover Missouri website at covermissouri.org, You can also call 1-800-466-3213 in Missouri and someone will help you find an insurance counselor near you. If you would like text updates regarding Open Enrollment and policy changes, text COVERED to 84444.
Community Projects
• Step Up to Leadership
This is a 12-session course designed for low-income people who are interested in making a difference in their local community. There is a strong focus on developing leadership skills, service on non-profit boards, public speaking and grant writing. The goal of this program is to offer low-income people a voice and skills to make a change in their community.
• Summer Food Service Program
The Summer Food Program is available to all children through age 18, as well as disabled adults 18-21 who are enrolled in public or private school during the regular school year.
Find Free Meals in Your Area
Text ‘Food’ to 877-877
• Reality Enrichment And Life Lessons (REALL)
The REALL simulation was developed by Ozarks Area Community Action Corporation (OACAC). It is designed to challenge youth to think critically about how choices and decisions made in adolescence may have consequences in adulthood. During a REALL Simulation, youth will encounter issues of inadequate education, inadequate income, managing a budget, being labeled as an ex-offender, caring for small children and more. They will be challenged to make REAL decisions.
• Community Action Poverty Simulation (CAPS)
Understanding the day-to-day reality of poverty is important for everyone involved in fighting poverty –
from policymakers to service providers. MISSOURI’S COMMUNITY ACTION POVERTY SIMULATION (CAPS) is a unique tool that helps people begin to understand what life is like with a shortage of money and an abundance of stress.
Information on all programs administered by East Missouri Action Agency, Inc. may be obtained from any Community Services Outreach Office, or by contacting the Nicolle Hahn, Community Services Department Director.