History

Formed in 1966 as the McLean County Economic Opportunity Corporation, the agency became a Community Action Program in May 1981.

Throughout the ‘60’s and into the early ‘70’s, MCEOC continued to advocate for more legal services for low income people, and in 1976, efforts paid off with the establishment of the McLean County Legal Aid Society, now known as Prairie State Legal Services

In 1976 MCEOC took on the federal and state energy assistance and emergency funds programs, because no other qualifying organization was willing to provide service.

The fundamental mission of the agency continued in the 80’s, when it added outreach and information and referral services for the elderly in Livingston.  When the YWCA lost its funding from the Coalition Against Domestic Violence, MCEOC – now calling itself Mid Central Community Action, Inc. – took over the program and it’s $8000 debt when no other agency would.   The program is currently housed in a restored Victorian building, Neville House, which serves as a shelter for abused women and their children.

In September 2004, Mid Central Community Action, Inc. became a chartered member of NeighborWorks® America. A network composed of more than 225 community-based nonprofit organizations that are working to revitalize more than 2.500 communities through resident-led affordable housing and community development activities.

In May 2005, the former Beich candy factory on Bloomington’s West side burned to the ground. The building had been donated to MCCA four years prior by the Beich family, and had been vacant since 1973. The subsequent demolition of the burned building made way for the development of a new housing subdivision, the Trailside Subdivision. This $3.7 million project is currently in progress, and will result in 23 new, affordable homes being constructed on the site.

In August, 2007, with assistance from State Farm Bank, MCCA launched an Individual Development Account (IDA) program. Participants in the program pledge to save $10.00 a week for two years and meet with a case manager weekly. At the end of the 2-year period, MCCA will match the funds 2:1, with the stipulation that the money be used as a down-payment on a house.

Also in August, MCCA moved to a much-needed larger building. The new location is more convenient for clients and staff alike. The construction of a Home Ownership Center within the new building will allow home owners and potential home owners to visit a one-stop homeownership facility, with programs including pre- and post-purchase education, mortgage services and foreclosure intervention. Programs are also provided in Spanish to serve the growing Hispanic population.