Who We Are and What We Do

Carry out the promise of Community Action which

“…changes peoples’ lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live.  We care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and help each other.”

The Darlington County Community Action Agency (DCCAA) is a public, non-profit agency that was established in 1965 by the County Delegation under the authority granted by the General Assembly of South Carolina in Act #314 as part of the Great Society programs under President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty.  As the county’s designated poverty prevention agency, DCCAA is responsible for the fulfillment of the Economic Opportunity Act, including “securing all available local, state, and federal resources to assist low-income families and low-income individuals to attain the skills, knowledge, and motivation to become self-sufficient.”

The Darlington County Community Action Agency’s service area includes all cities and communities in Darlington County.  The central office is located in Hartsville, SC with satellite offices in Darlington, Lamar, and Society Hill. 

The Darlington County Community Action Agency is governed by a Board of Commissioners that consists of representatives from various populations:  1) public officials or their designees; 2) elected representatives of the poor; and 3) representatives from community organizations that provide service to low-income families.  DCCAA provides human and economic development services and related activities that are designed to alleviate the causes and characteristics of poverty in Darlington County.  The agency establishes partnerships with other community agencies and organizations, the State of South Carolina, and the Federal Government to accomplish its mission.

The agency assists economically disadvantaged individuals and families in increasing and improving their education level, job skills, parenting skills, asset management skills, and other areas needed to ensure empowerment and self-sufficiency.  DCCAA operates under the following service programs:  Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), Project Share, Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP), Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, Low Income Home and Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Youth Leadership, Head Start/Early Head Start, and Summer Food Service Program (SFSP).