About CEDA

Our Mission

Our mission is empowering individuals, families, and communities facing poverty to secure a better quality of life.

Our Vision

We envision supportive and resilient communities where individuals and families are healthy, economically secure, and thrive.

Who We Help

The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA) is one of the largest private, nonprofit Community Action Agencies in the country, serving residents throughout Cook County, Illinois.  We serve more than 300,000 people and more than 150,000 households every year.

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What We Do

CEDA offers a variety of programs and services in the areas of community and economic development, education, emergency assistance, employment and training, energy conservation and services, health and nutrition, and housing.

Our History

About Community Action

Community Action was established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson, as a part of the “War on Poverty.” The goal of the program, which is now part of the Community Services Block Grant, is to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income individuals and families to become fully self-sufficient. The program is carried out by a national network of over 1300 designated Community Action Agencies (“CAAs”), which provide a diverse array of services to and advocacy on behalf of low-income individuals and families.

Testimonials

What Our Program Participants Say