The North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) installed new officers and directors at its annual meeting Oct. 25.NECAC, which has a 36-member board of directors, is one of 19 nonprofit Community Action Agencies in Missouri and part of a national network of 980 agencies.These individuals were installed as part of the executive committee for 2016-17 session: Vice-Chairman, Fred Vahle of Warrenton, Warren County; Secretary, D. Randall Cone of Louisiana, Pike County; and Trustees, Troy Dawkins of Shelbina, Shelby County, John Bracey of Canton, Lewis County, and Mike Bridgins of St. Peters, St. Charles County.NECAC President and Chief Executive Officer Don Patrick also took the oath of office.Numerous directors were sworn in including Angie Scott of Warrenton and Jeff Thomsen of Innsbrook.Charles McCann of St. Joseph, former director of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) with the Missouri Department of Social Services and a Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) with the National Community Action Partnership, performed the installation ceremony.NECAC is a 12-county area social service, community health and public housing Community Action Agency that contracts with federal, state and local governments, private businesses and other not-for-profit organizations to operate and administer self-sufficiency service programs for the low-income, elderly, youth, disabled and disadvantaged population.The agency’s central administration offices are located in Bowling Green, with NECAC Service Centers operated in each county.In his annual report, Patrick gave a complete and thorough account of the past year’s activities and offered praise to board members, staff and volunteers who helped make 2015-16 another successful year for serving the disadvantaged, despite difficulties. He also looked ahead.“As we march forward into the coming NECAC year, I’m sure we will seek more opportunities and confront more and different challenges,” Patrick said. “However, I am confident that, with the resources, experience and dedication of our board of directors, employees and volunteers, we will take full advantage of all opportunities and face and overcome all challenges – that we will succeed once again next year.”Chairman of the Board and Presiding Marion County Commissioner Lyndon Bode of Palmyra thanked the board for allowing him to serve in the position.“It’s an opportunity that I appreciate,” Bode said. “We’re all in this together. I look forward to another great year. We’ll just keep working and keep things moving here in Northeast Missouri and Central Missouri.”The annual meeting and installation of officers and directors dinner was held Oct. 25 at the Church of the Nazarene Fellowship Hall in Bowling Green.The dinner was well-attended by NECAC board members, employees and guests. Entertainment was provided by St. Louis comedian and magician Steve Barcellona.The not-for-profit North East Community Action Corporation (NECAC) held its Annual Meeting and Installation of Officers and Directors Dinner on Oct. 25. NECAC President and Chief Executive Officer Don Patrick, left, and NECAC Board Chairman Lyndon Bode, center, presented a certificate of recognition to NECAC Warren County Board Member Fred Vahle of Warrenton. Not pictured are NECAC Warren County board members Angie Scott of Warrenton and Jeff Thomsen of Innsbrook. The agency celebrated 51 years of helping people and changing lives. Submitted photo.
