About

A Few Words About Us

 

North Iowa Community Action Organization (NICAO) is one of 16 Community Actions agencies in Iowa, and part of a national network of Community Action organizations created by the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964. The organization is a private, not-for-profit organization governed by a local Board of Directors, 1/3 of whom are elected officials, 1/3 represent the private sector, and 1/3 are consumers of services or elected low income advocates. Our institution is an equal opportunity provider, and employer.

NICAO maintains office locations and Head Start classrooms in nine North Central Iowa Iowa counties: Butler, Cerro Gordo, Floyd, Franklin, Hancock, Kossuth, Mitchell, Winnebago, and Worth.  In order to reduce poverty in our communities, NICAO works to better focus available local, state, private, and federal resources to assist low-income individuals and families acquire useful skills and knowledge, gain access to new opportunities and achieve economic self-sufficiency.

The Promise of North Iowa Community Action is to change people’s lives, to embody the spirit of hope, to improve communities, and to make North Central Iowa a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.

Mission Statement:

To provide quality services that empower people in need to achieve and sustain economic stability through collaborative efforts.

 Vision and Values:
  • People in need will become self-sufficient and improve their quality of life.
  • The conditions in which people live will be improved creating the desire for individuals to contribute to their community.
  • State, local and community partnerships enhance services to individuals and families.
  • We treat everyone fairly and with dignity by acknowledging the causes and conditions of poverty.