Semcac is a nonprofit, community action organization that was founded in 1966. Community action agencies were established under the Economic Opportunity Act to fight America’s “War on Poverty.”

According to a press release, Semcac assists people to achieve or maintain independence and self-reliance utilizing community resources. The governing board is tripartite, consisting of equal representation from each of the seven designated counties including one-third consumer members; one-third public officials; and one-third private community organizations.

Semcac is designed to serve the southeastern Minnesota counties of Dodge, Fillmore, Freeborn, Houston, Mower, Steele and Winona. There are Semcac contact offices located in each of these seven counties. Semcac also offers limited services in the five counties of Olmsted, Goodhue, Rice, Wabasha and Waseca. Semcac operates over 25 programs within the departments of Head Start, senior services, outreach and emergency services, community development, family planning and transportation.Some of the programs include Meals on Wheels; Semcac Clinic Community Education; homelessness prevention, food shelves in Preston, Rushford, Caledonia and Kasson; energy assistance program; weatherization, Rolling Hills Transit; Early Head Start and many more.

On May 20 approximately 230 staff and board members will gather at RCTC Heintz Center in Rochester for an afternoon event, including training and exhibits. Visit www.semcac.org for more information about Semcac programs. Follow @Semcac and like Semcac on social media.