Virginia's Poverty Fighting Network

Two groups in the city [Waynsboro] are joining forces to cut poverty by starting a program called Community Action. Shenandoah Valley Social Services Director, Elizabeth Middleton, says the public would be shocked to know how many people in the area are considered to be living in poverty. She says, "There are many people in poverty in this area, and this is one of the largest federal and state programs to help ameliorate poverty at its root causes."

Middleton is teaming with the Director of the Office on Youth, Carol Blair, to start Community Action. She says most localities in the state already have the program. "Community Action has been in Virginia since the 1960s, and was started as a part of civil rights legislation with the economic opportunity act of 1964," says Middleton.