HISTORY

In 1965, a group of black community leaders and concerned citizens of Sussex County met at the Galilee Baptist Church in Stony Creek, Virginia with “Scope Workers” and formed the Sussex County Improvement Association.  The primary purpose of the organization was to increase the number of eligible blacks and women registered voters in the county and address the other racial and injustices throughout Sussex County.  

In 1968, The Improvement Association established an emergency food and medical nutrition program.  The purpose of the program was to curtail problems of hunger and malnutrition by providing self-help programs.  The agency’s strategy was to involve the total community in solving community programs through the use of self-help initiatives.  These services were offered to persons regardless of race, creed or color.

On April 25, 1979, the agency became incorporated as The Sussex County Improvement Association, Inc. and, subsequently, received its 501(c) 3 designation from the IRS.  One year later on October 22, 1980, the agency held a public hearing in the Sussex General District Courtroom for the purpose of exploring the benefits of becoming a Community Action Agency as designated by the President Johnson’s “War on Poverty”.   During this time, the agency expanded its services to include transportation for the elderly, services for individuals with disabilities and conducting survey’s to alleviate outside toilets.  The agency’s annual budget was $52, 191. 
The agency received its full designation in 1982 as a non-profit community action agency.  The agency also expanded the scope of services and programs to serve Surry, Greensville, & Brunswick Counties and the City of Emporia.  Services included:

  • Summer jobs program                             
  • Alternative education programs for youth
  • Job placement programs for adults
  • Free tax preparation assistance
  • Head Start Program
  • Homeless Intervention Program

Today The Improvement Association’s budget is in excess of 3 million dollars with approximately 35 employees.  The Improvement Association’s Board of Directors is still committed to providing comprehensive services to combat poverty and its causes throughout Southside Virginia.