Access Community Action Agency

About Us

Access Community Action Agency (Access) was incorporated in 1965 after the passing of the federal Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. It is the federal and state designated anti-poverty agency for Windham and Tolland counties, while also providing services in New London County. Throughout its 50-year history, Access has partnered to fight poverty, staying true to its Mission: To create opportunities that empower under-resourced individuals, families, and communities to achieve and sustain economic stability. All the programs and services we provide meet at least one of our four Strategic Commitments: 1) meet basic human needs, 2) build capacity for income and asset accumulation, 3) foster positive at-risk-youth development, and 4) mobilize stakeholders to advocate and act.

Services we provide include case management and job readiness development, food banks, Women, Infants and Children Nutrition program (WIC); a 50-bed emergency shelter for families and single adults, Supportive Housing for Families, home energy/heating fuel assistance, a group home serving adolescent boys and girls, community-based youth programs, and affordable housing development and management. In fiscal year 2018 Access served approximately 24,000 individuals.