In 2016, Community Action Team (CAT) celebrated fifty years of serving Columbia County. This organization has a history filled with adaptation, expansion, and significant impact.
CAT’s Early Beginnings
In 1966, Columbia County joined the federally designated Community Action Partnerships, initially providing services for young children through Head Start and support for older Americans.
Funding and Growth
Governed by a Board of Directors, CAT is a stand-alone non-profit organization, primarily funded by state and federal programs and grants. Local municipalities and private donors provide additional funds, allowing CAT to expand its services over time.
Services Added Over the Years:
- Homelessness prevention
- Affordable housing
- Weatherization
- Housing rehabilitation
- Veterans benefits
- Disaster recovery
- Child and family development
- Utility assistance
Partnerships Across Counties
In the late 1980s, CAT extended its reach by creating advisory boards in Tillamook and Clatsop counties. These boards later became Community Action Resource Enterprises (CARE) in Tillamook and Clatsop Community Action (CCA) in Astoria.
Celebrating 50 Years
Join us on September 30 for a celebration of 50 years of service! As we approach the event, come back here to read inspiring stories of how CAT has impacted the lives of our community members and what the next 50 years might hold.
Spotlight on Veterans Services
Columbia County contracts with CAT to house its Veterans Service Officer (VSO). For three years, Russ Clark has been in this position, and during this time, he has increased the number of veterans served by sixty percent. There are over 6,000 veterans in Columbia County, but many have yet to take advantage of the services offered.
“Outreach is a critical part of the Veterans Service Officer’s responsibilities,” says Clark. “In addition to being accessible at the St. Helens office, I make monthly visits to Rainier, Clatskanie, and Vernonia.”
Russ Clark, VSO
Meet Russ Clark
Clark served almost 22 years in the Army, and his life has been dedicated to serving veterans. He worked at the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs and later at the Veterans Benefits Administration before joining CAT. His responsibilities include representing veterans at the Federal Board of Veterans Appeals and working as part of the Veterans Treatment Court.
Stories of Impact
A Veteran’s Wife
When a Vietnam veteran passed away from a heart attack, his widow was left with no income to support their teenage son. Clark discovered that the veteran’s death was related to his exposure to Agent Orange, securing $1,300 per month in death indemnity compensation, healthcare for the widow, and funds for their son’s college education.
Preventing Eviction
A Navy veteran from the 70s was at risk of eviction due to an inability to pay rent. Clark helped establish his physical disabilities as service-related, allowing him to secure Veterans benefits, stabilize his income, and eventually save enough money to buy a home.
Terminal Lung Cancer Diagnosis
A Vietnam veteran diagnosed with terminal lung cancer was able to receive $30,000 in a lump sum and $3,000 per month thanks to Clark’s efforts. This allowed him to visit family and enjoy an improved quality of life during his final year.
How to Contact CAT Veterans Services
Whether you’re facing a crisis or just want to learn about your benefits, Russ Clark is here to help. There are many benefits veterans may qualify for, but navigating the system can be challenging. Clark can assist with:
- Identifying compensation
- Clarifying health benefits
- Connecting you to vocational rehabilitation programs
- Assisting with home financing
- Untangling complex claims