Our Mission: To improve the lives of people with low income by helping them become self-reliant, thereby enhancing the economic vitality and well-being of our community.
The Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) has been serving families in the Charlottesville area since 1965. MACAA’s service area includes the City of Charlottesville, and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson. As a Community Action Agency authorized by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, (one of more than one thousand nationwide), MACAA’s overarching goal is to improve people’s lives by helping them become self-reliant. MACAA achieves this through a variety of programs and skill development initiatives serving families and individuals below 125% of the Federal poverty level.
Rural Outreach offices in Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson Counties provide crisis intervention to hundreds of families through assistance with food, clothing, and financial help with housing, fuel, utilities and other emergency situations. Rural Outreach staff assess clients’ circumstances beyond the immediate situation and link these low-income families with a wide variety of organizations and services to meet their many needs.
Financial education workshops (Budgeting and Credit Repair) offered through MACAA’s Steps To Success program are now being scheduled in Fluvanna, Louisa and Nelson Counties. Call MACAA’s Outreach offices for times and locations.
Tax preparation services are offered each year at various times and locations throughout the area in conjunction with MACAA’s partners in the United Way EITC (Earned Income Tax Credit) Coalition. Call MACAA or the United Way Thomas Jefferson Area for details.
Nelson Outreach Office:
Margaret Morton
Nelson Senior Center
8445 Thomas Nelson Hwy
Lovingston, VA 22949
434-263-8119
nelmacaa@macaa.org
Website
Project Discovery promotes academic achievement as a means of propelling high school students from low-income families out of poverty, and specifically focuses on encouraging and helping these students prepare for and pursue a college education. Approximately 120 Project Discovery students each year, many of whom are the first in their family to pursue post secondary education, receive assistance with college applications, locating financial aid, career planning, and academic preparation. Students participate in campus visits and are exposed to cultural activities and experiences outside of their usual environment to help them choose a “best-fit” school and prepare for a successful college experience. Project Discovery serves students in Charlottesville, Albemarle, Fluvanna and Nelson Counties.