The mission of the ASSIST Agency is to raise the standard of living and improve the quality of life for low-income individuals, families, and communities in southwestern Louisiana.

ROMA GOALS

As a Community Action Agency (CAA), ASSIST works with guidelines that have been set at the national level to improve the quality of all agency services.  The primary guidelines are Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) goals.  Each CAA is expected to set goals for themselves in each of the six areas described below, and to monitor their progress toward these goals throughout every program year.

Family Goal 1: (Self-Sufficiency)  Low-income people become more self-sufficient.  People who are able get jobs and keep them, and provide for their needs.  Others improve their ability to compete for employment through various forms of education.

Family Goal 2: (Family Stability)  Low-income people, especially vulnerable populations, improve their conditions by better use of available community supports.  Not everyone is able to become independent and self-sufficient, and a variety of community supports have been established to assist the most disadvantaged.  Those in need know of these services and use them.

Community Goal 1: (Community Revitalization)  The conditions in which low-income people live improve.  Neighborhoods become safer.  More opportunities for employment and education become available, and existing opportunities improve.  Affordable housing is built, and existing housing is improved.

Community Goal 2: (Empowerment)  Low-income people have more invested in and are more in control of their community.  People buy and build houses and start businesses.  Community organizations address community needs, and get their voices heard by public officials.

Agency Goal 1: (Partnership)  Cooperation among providers of services to low-income people is improved.  Agencies giving similar services eliminate duplication.  Regional coalitions are formed.  Partnerships are created and made to work effectively.

Agency Goal 2: (Capacity Building)  Community Action Agencies improve their capacity to achieve results.  Feedback is sought from clients.  Appropriate new programs are developed.  Communication between staff and board is improved.  New resources (funds, staff members, volunteers) are acquired.