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GCCSA History
The 1964 Economic Opportunity Act authorized the establishment of Community Action Agencies to combat poverty related conditions. In 1964 the Houston Action for Youth organization began operation and the following year the Houston-Harris County Economic Opportunity Organization was formed. In 1967, these two organizations were merged to become the Harris County Community Action Association, predecessor of today's Gulf Coast Community Services Association (GCCSA).
During its 39-year history, GCCSA has administered hundreds of millions of dollars in public funding and has served over 500,999 low-income individuals. As a result, it has established itself as one of the most experienced community service providers in the gulf coast region and the largest Community Action Agency in the state of Texas.
GCCSA Purpose
The Gulf Coast Community Services Association exists to strengthen the educational, social, and economic well-being of children and families as they move toward independence and self-sufficiency.
GCCSA Core Values
- Safety as a Priority - Safety is a priority in meeting the needs of our diverse citizens. A safe environment must be provided for every customer and employee.
- Increasing Accountability - The responsibility of the organization is to respond to human needs by building greater public awareness and credibility through honest practices. The organization is responsible to its customers and diverse communities for both the quality and the scope of educational and social services it provides.
- Valuing Innovation - Decisions and actions, at any level, emphasize empowering employees to develop new ways to reorganize and deliver educational and social services. Each employee is accountable to focus on results and excellence to enhance the quality of services.
- Communities as Partners - Diverse communities are valued partners to meet basic human needs. Newer and more creative ways of team building between the organization and the broader civic communities are fostered through community engagement and leadership.
- Honoring Human Diversity - All members of the organization, both employees and customers are given respect and provided courteous treatment. Human diversity is an asset that enhances our community leadership and models of service.
GCCSA Governance
GCCSA is governed by a fourteen (14) member Board of Directors. One third of the membership is composed of public officials or their representative, one third represents private groups and interests. The remaining one third is composed of elected target representatives serving the county's low-income community. Directors serve a five-year term and can serve a maximum of two terms. The Board convenes on a monthly basis. The following is a list of the current members of the Board of Directors:
Christopher M. Lopez, Chairman |
Walter Hunt |
Louis Nealy |
Dr. R. Joseph Rodriguez, Vice Chairman |
Dr. Susan Moreno, Secretary |
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| Elaine Barber, Parliamentarian |
Fran Gentry |
Pam Guthrie |
| LaTonya Nelson |
Polton Winfrey, Jr. |
James Ogonosky |
| Mark Black |
Charlene Johnson, Treasurer |
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