Community Action Agencies began with the Great Society as envisioned by Lyndon B. Johnson; a society in which all persons would have an opportunity to reach their full potential. The vehicle through which this empowerment was to be achieved was the community action groups. In 1967 the Brazos County Community Association was chartered and that same year, the Economic Opportunity Corporation of Robertson County also received a charter. These two community groups were formed primarily to seek funding for Head Start Projects which were also a new initiative of the Great Society. During President Nixon’s years in the White House, a number of new social service programs were added and expanded. During this growth period, a limit of 850 Community Action Agencies nationwide was put into place. As a result, the organizations in Brazos and Robertson counties were combined and Brazos Valley Action Agency was chartered in 1972.
During the 70’s, the states became more involved and under Governor Bill Clements’ administration it was mandated that all counties in Texas were to be served by a Community Action Agency. At that time, Burleson, Grimes, Leon, Madison and Washington counties were added to our service area. In the late 70’s a Houston area community action program closed and Walker, Waller and Montgomery counties were added. Later state legislators discontent with the lack of services being provided added Chambers and Liberty counties. Brazos Valley Community Action Agency has operated successfully bringing opportunities and services to the 12 county area for 35 years.