Meeting needs in Marin head on

As Community Action Marin heads proudly toward almost 60 years of helping people and changing lives, I’m aware that this moment holds precious value for our understanding of poverty in Marin County. Despite the daily challenges people face, this is equally an opportunity to feed hope among us.

Community Action Marin’s team of more than 235 staff, along with hundreds of volunteers and community members, nurtures hope each day. The work we do is hard, but nevertheless, dedicated people are making connections, having an impact, and continuing to build momentum toward an equitable Marin. Sometimes what we do is simply show up to meet a neighbor just where they are. 

From a place of recognizing our shared humanity, dignity can be restored. Programs and services become more than urgent lifelines because people are taking the time to listen, offer respectful support, and stay in trusted relationship for the long haul. This is how we get results and shape a community and a sustainable tomorrow. This is how we end poverty. 

The data show that we are gaining ground. The stories people share say that we are making a meaningful difference. As you’ll read in this 2024 Impact Report, “Change Happens Together,” we are working not only to get vital services to people in need of help, but also to move the needle for systems-level change in service to better outcomes for all. This is anti-poverty movement building in action. 

Together, our voices are being heard and more of us are taking steps to address the causes and consequences of poverty. Together, we are creating a community where everyone has a seat at the table, and we can be proud. Let’s dig in.

Chandra Alexandre, CCAP
Chief Executive Officer