Vision:
- Improve the community by promoting economic independence and sustainability.
Mission Statement
- The mission of MEO is to strengthen the community while helping people in need restore their hope, empowering them to reach their potential and enrich their lives.
Core Values:
- Teamwork
- Integrity
- Personal Excellence
- Empathy
- Creativity
- Flexibility
- Respect
MEO is a nonprofit Community Action Agency committed to helping people become stable and achieve economic security. MEO’s programs are constantly changing to meet the needs of the community. MEO works with more than twenty-five community partners to help people and change lives. All MEO programs are tangible translations of the Promise of Community Action.
MEO has been “helping people…changing lives” for over 60 years. From transportation and early childhood education, to supporting small business development, MEO works in concert with the public and private sector.
MEO offers tools to help people and change lives through five departments:
- The BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER supports small business entrepreneurs with developing a business plan, start-up and expansion education, credit assessment, and microloans.
- COMMUNITY SERVICES offers a wide array of programs including, employment training and job placement; acculturation and education; rental, weatherization and energy credits; senior club coordination supporting education and access to fresh fruits and vegetables; reintegration and job placement for returning citizens, and more.
- EARLY CHILDHOOD SERVICES supports quality early childhood education for children 12 months to five years of age, including Head Start Preschool educating children and strengthening families.
- TRANSPORTATION Services offers rides to the doctor, to work, to school, to adult day care, for necessary shopping, and for other needs with both standard and wheelchair lift-equipped vehicles.
- The YOUTH SERVICES Department supports youth with assistance to succeed in school and life through fun-filled opportunities to learn life skills, prepare for the workforce, and serve the community. The prevention of underage drinking, substance abuse, tobacco use, teenage pregnancy, and teenage suicide curriculum and activities are consistently blended with youth program activities.
MEO is dedicated to providing tools for living, for earning, for self-reliance, and for community involvement. All programs are designed with the underlying belief that instead of giving people a fish, it is better to teach them how to fish for themselves.
