Our Mission
Achieving Self-Sufficiency
History
The Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (JCCEO) is one of over 1000 Community Action Agencies nationwide, all created by the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA), which Lyndon B. Johnson signed into law on August 20, 1964, to wage a national "War on Poverty." The goal of the act was to encourage communities to organize and use available resources to help improve the conditions in which people live, learn, and work.
On January 21, 1965, the Birmingham Area Committee for Development of Economic Opportunity was incorporated to carry out the activities of a nonprofit organization pursuant to the 1964 EOA. In June 1965, the City of Birmingham and Jefferson County made an agreement to appoint directors to a countywide board of directors for a Community Action Program. On December 5, 1965, the Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity opened its doors to provide a wide range of services to low-income residents of Jefferson County.
For over 50 years JCCEO has provided many important social welfare programs that have changed the face of service delivery in Jefferson County. Segregation had prevented access by African-Americans to vital services, so providing equal access to social services for all people was a major goal for JCCEO. The JCCEO multipurpose Neighborhood Service Centers pioneered the concept of bringing vital services to the neighborhoods of people in need. Through these centers JCCEO also provided a training ground for leadership development, previously unavailable to African-American residents.
The concept of "neighborhood empowerment" was also advanced by JCCEO through its Neighborhood Advisory Councils, which gave representatives of low-income people opportunities to sit on boards and advisory bodies. It was a model for numerous current neighborhood and community organizations to empower citizens.
Current JCCEO programs and services utilize available resources to meet the needs of and assist people and include coordination, referrals, and partnerships with other major service providers in our communities.
"We Deliver More than Promises" continues to be more than a slogan at JCCEO; it is a way of life. JCCEO has served as a channel through which several hundred million dollars have flowed to provide vital services for those with low incomes. It also has provided a significant economic boost to Jefferson County, Alabama. JCCEO is a special place in our community where people find the means to cope with the gaps in their lives and to better themselves in ways that often last a lifetime.
JCCEO Founders
Incorporation Date: January 21, 1965
C. H. Erskine Smith
J. Lawrence Arnett
Mamie Pearson Battle
Orzell Billingsley, Jr.
B. Campbell Blake
Donald C. Brabston
Joseph S. Bruno
Robert F. Coar
Lawrence P. Compton
Jerome A. Cooper
J. Mason Davis
Edward L. Foster
Elias Hendricks, Sr.
James M. Jones
Noah M. Pennington
Mrs. Sam Phelps
Sheldon Schaffer
David D. Wendel
Contact Us
JCCEO
300 Eighth Avenue, West
Birmingham, Alabama 35204-3039
Phone: 205-327-7500
Fax: 205-326-4179
JCCEO considers applicants for all services without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.
USDA Non-Discrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.
Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.
To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:
1) Mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;
(2) Fax: (202) 690-7442; or
(3) Email: program.intake@usda.gov
This Institution is an equal opportunity provider.
JCCEO ©2019 All Rights Reserved.