Upper Chichester, PA —– In April, Edward T. Coleman celebrated an impressive 45 years as Chief Executive Officer of Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. (CAADC). Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. is a primary provider of social services in Delaware County helping economically disadvantaged low and moderate-income households needing assistance.
Ed actually started in service with Community Action 50 years ago as part of a job training program for the Scranton-Lackawanna Human Development Agency, Inc. in 1975; eventually becoming an Assistant Director. In April of 1980 he boldly stepped into the position of founding Chief Executive Officer of the Community Action Agency of Delaware County, Inc. His remarkable tenure at CAADC has been defined by profound success and impactful achievements over the past 45 years.
CAADC has progressed from an initial $50,000 planning grant to a $23 million annual budget. Ed was the Agency’s first employee but now CAADC employs over 140 staff members. Services provided to Delaware County residents include three homeless shelters, rental assistance, utility assistance, food assistance, workforce development initiatives, affordable rental housing, Veteran services, Weatherization (in 5 Counties) and many other programs and services. CAADC has provided over 5,000,000 units of service since its inception. CAADC assists over 8,000 residents annually.
Ed also supported Pennsylvania by serving as a Board Member of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania for over two decades. In addition, he served six (6) years as President of the Board of Directors for the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania. He has also advocated for social services networks at the local, state and federal levels many times over the years meeting with elected officials and governmental agencies.
Ed has also served on many local community and foundation boards. He has been recognized and received awards over the years for his many achievements including from Delaware County Council, PA Director’s Association for Community Action, National Association of Social Workers, Islamic Center of Chester, American Red Cross, U.S. House of Representatives, Community Action Association of Pennsylvania, CAADC Board of Directors, Upper Darby Caring Foundation, Darby Borough and many more.
Delaware County has truly been made better by all his amazing efforts over the last 45 years. Ed’s commitment to community service and his dedicated contributions have not only benefited numerous individuals and organizations but have also inspired others to engage in service, making a lasting difference in the lives of those around him.
Picture: Members of the CAADC management team recently recognized Mr. Coleman’s 45 year anniversary as CAADC CEO and 50 years with Community Action. Pictured from left to right: Edward T. Coleman, Sharon Grasty (42 years with CAADC), Danita Miller (40 years), Rodney Coley (35 years), Gina Ondo (40 years) and Kendall Watts (2 years).
Recent Comments