Shannon Bonsey, Chief Operating Officer at Penquis talks about May which is Community Action Month.

May is National Community Action Month. It was established by the national office of the Community Action Partnership to highlight Community Action Agencies' role helping low-income families achieve economic security. Each year, Community Action Agencies serve 20 million people in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the country through a variety of targeted programs, such as Head Start, Weatherization, financial education, housing, energy assistance, transportation, economic development, and many others.

During National Community Action Month, Community Action Agencies truly make the Promise of Community Action come alive by participating in events that help put a "face" on the families and individuals living in poverty. Community Action Agencies also use National Community Action Month to call attention to poverty related problems.

In light of Community Action Month, on Wednesday, May 23rd, Penquis will participate in Faces of the Poor, an evening to demystify the lives of the economically disadvantaged in our communities. A single mom, a U.S. veteran father of four, a homeless teen, and a senior who can't afford his medicine are among the spokespeople who will take to the stage of the Gracie Theatre at Husson University this Wednesday, 23 May at 7 pm. Six brave individuals -- some with their families by their sides -- will share openly the realities of their day to day lives living through the century's greatest economic disaster. "Invite your colleagues, neighbors, friends and family. Doors will open at 5:30 at Gracie Theatre at Husson University. The program on stage will begin at 7 pm.

As Penquis recognizes Community Action Month, it is also a great time to be reminded of the "Promise of Community Action", which states, "Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other>

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