ENROLLING NOW
About Us
Our
Story
Community Action Resource and Development, Inc. (CARD) stands as a beacon of hope and support in northeastern Oklahoma, working as a non-profit with a singular focus on eradicating poverty. Our reach extends across the heart of the community, serving the residents of Nowata, Mayes, Rogers, Wagoner, Washington, and selected areas of Tulsa counties with a variety of essential services.
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At C.A.R.D., we understand that the fight against poverty requires a multifaceted approach. That's why we offer a comprehensive suite of programs designed to meet the diverse needs of our community. Our Early Childhood Education Program lays a strong foundation for the youngest among us, ensuring that children from all backgrounds have access to quality learning experiences that prepare them for a bright future. For our seniors, the Senior Services Program provides vital support, enabling them to live with dignity and engagement in their later years.
Recognizing the importance of health in the well-being of our community, our RX for Oklahoma Program assists individuals in navigating the often complex world of prescription medication, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent access to necessary treatments. In times of crisis, our Emergency Services Program stands ready to offer immediate relief to those facing unexpected hardships, while our Housing Assistance Program works to secure stable and affordable housing options for families and individuals, laying the groundwork for a secure and prosperous life.
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At C.A.R.D., we are more than just a service provider; we are a partner in progress, a hand to hold, and a force for change, committed to lifting our neighbors out of poverty and into possibility.
Mission Statement
C.A.R.D.’s mission is to bring together resources to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income people to attain the skills, education, and opportunities to become self-sufficient.
Vision Statement
At C.A.R.D., we envision a future where every individual in our low-income communities thrives—free from the grip of poverty. Through unity, empowerment, and persistent innovation, we strive to create a world where access to education, skills, and opportunities is not a privilege but a given. Our vision is to be a beacon of hope and a catalyst for change, fostering self-sufficiency and a vibrant, prosperous community for all.
Established 1966
Since 1966, CARD has stood as a pivotal force for change in our communities, guided by a Board of Directors that represents the vibrant tapestry of private, public, and low-income voices. Our efforts are fueled by a mix of state, federal, and private funding, all under our designation by the State of Oklahoma as an official Community Action Agency — a designation rooted in the principles of the Community Service Block Grant Act.
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The Community Action movement sparked into life in 1964 with the historic Economic Opportunity Act. Recognizing that local communities held the keys to their own development, this act shifted the paradigm, understanding that local knowledge was crucial in tackling poverty. It's with this spirit that CARD was created — to harness local insight into actionable plans that address not just the symptoms of poverty, but its very roots. Our mission is deeply collaborative, bringing together local residents to forge solutions that are both effective and reflective of our community's unique challenges and strengths.