Sep 7, 2017 2 min read

Community Action Southwest will undergo a name change this week to better reflect expanded services and programming.

“Blueprints” was chosen by the nonprofit’s staff and board of directors.

“We were really looking for something that would better communicate who we are,” said Executive Director Darlene Bigler. “We worked with everyone in the organization for a six-month process, looking for a name that would encompass all of our products and services.”

CAS started in 1965, serving Washington and Greene County residents. In 52 years, services have expanded to several more counties in Pennsylvania. Three years ago, the organization acquired Try Again Homes, which operates in West Virginia.

“It was confusing (using) the name Community Action Southwest because there are other Community Action agencies,” she said. “The whole idea of Southwest really didn’t apply.”

The organization is one of 43 Community Action agencies in the state and one of more than 1,100 across the United States.

The nonprofit’s mission, to end poverty in the community, is carried out through a multitude of programs. About 20,000 people are enrolled in early childhood intervention, economic success, nutrition, foster and adoption and senior programs.

“We really do equip and educate people to improve their lives. That’s one commonality among all programs,” Bigler said. “We wanted a name that would speak to all of those.”

The new logo, a heart made of two thumbprints, signifies staff designing solutions with clients. The new tagline, “Break barriers, build futures, powered by community action” bridges the old name to the new.

An updated website is scheduled to be available in early 2018.