Community Action Month

Shine the Light Campaign

Shine the Light is NYSCAA’s annual Community Action Month campaign celebrating the people who are at the heart of Community Action. Each May, NYSCAA highlights stories from staff across New York State who are helping people, changing lives, and strengthening communities every day.

About Shine the Light

Shine the Light gives NYSCAA an opportunity to pause and hear directly from the staff doing the work every day in communities across New York State. These stories recognize the dedication, compassion, creativity, and perseverance of Community Action Agency staff at every level.

From direct-service teams to program leaders and behind-the-scenes support staff, Shine the Light helps show what Community Action looks like in practice and why this work matters so deeply.

The campaign reminds us that Community Action is not only about programs and services. It is about people helping people, building relationships, responding to needs, and creating meaningful change for individuals, families, and communities.

Why Shine the Light Matters

Now Accepting Submissions

2026 Shine the Light Campaign

NYSCAA is now accepting submissions for the 2026 Shine the Light Campaign. If you are part of New York’s Community Action network, we encourage you to share your story or recognize a colleague whose work deserves to be celebrated.

We are looking for short stories that reflect the heart of this work, including how you got started, what keeps you going, or a moment that reminds you why Community Action matters.

How It Works

2025 Honorees

Congratulations to Our 2025 Shine the Light Campaign Winners

NYSCAA was proud to recognize the following Community Action staff as our 2025 Shine the Light honorees.

Laurel Polttila

Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO)

A year into leading Weatherization, Laurel discovered that sealing drafts is really about sealing worry. Each insulated attic means a senior can heat their home and a single parent can keep food on the table. Seeing that empowerment ripple across Clinton and Franklin Counties is what fuels her every day.

Bridget Dolbear

Oswego County Opportunities (OCO)

From crisis-line advocate to Fund Development leader, Bridget’s 25-year journey began in a domestic-violence shelter and now ensures OCO programs, meals for seniors, after-school care, and housing stay strong so hope can flourish county-wide.

Bre Jackowski

Oswego County Opportunities (OCO)

After overcoming trauma and addiction, Bre joined OCO as a Direct Support Professional and found purpose helping others. Today, as Community Engagement Manager, she turns lived experience into a bridge of trust for neighbors moving from homelessness to stability.

Theresa Radley

Cortland County Community Action Program (CAPCO)

Theresa left a school secretary desk for CAPCO’s Adult Education classroom, where she has guided 35 adults to diplomas and many more to newfound confidence through academics paired with Community Action’s wrap-around support.

Karima Wines

Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA)

Flexible hours at MVCAA let Karima finish her psychology degree summa cum laude, but the agency’s compassion carried her through pandemic isolation, giving her purpose, family, and a new career devoted to mental-health advocacy.

Thank You to All 2025 Submitters

Thank you to all of the CAA staff who took the time to submit their stories in 2025. Your stories help show the heart, strength, and impact of Community Action across New York State.