Contact Information
Office Hours
Mora Office Monday - Friday: 6:00am - 5:30pm (Main Office Hours Only)
Moose Lake Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
North Branch Monday-Friday: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Aitkin Office WEDNESDAY ONLY: 8:00am - 4:30pm
Saturday: Closed
Sunday:Closed
Closed All Major Holidays

Mailing Address
Lakes and Pines CAC, Inc.
1700 Maple Ave E
Mora, MN, 55051-1227
Telephone
Phone: (320)679-1800
Toll Free: (800)832-6082
Fax: (320)679-4139


Email Address
Go To Contact Form
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Office Locations
Main Office
1700 Maple Avenue E
Mora, MN, 55051
North Branch Office
39555 Flink Avenue
North Branch, MN, 55056
Moose Lake Office
221 Elm Avenue
Moose Lake, MN, 55767
Aitkin Office
14 3rd St NE
Aitkin, MN, 56431
Community Action Agencies
“Because it is right, because it is wise, and because, for the first time in our history, it is possible to conquer poverty; I submit, for the consideration of the Congress and the country, the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964.” President Lyndon Johnson.

In 1964, Congress passed legislation establishing the Office of Economic Opportunity. It was part of President Lyndon Johnson’s dream of a better society for all people of the US, aimed at eliminating poverty.

CAAs are nonprofit, public or private organizations created to fight poverty at the local level. The CAA network was established under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which was signed by President Lyndon Johnson to declare an “unconditional War on Poverty”.
Today, Community Action Agencies can be found in 96% of the cities and counties in the United States, including the Trust Territories. There are nearly 1,000 local CAAs connected by a national network that includes a national association, regional and state CAA associations, a national lobbying organization and a national association of Community Service Block Grant administrators.

Community Action professionals have over 40 years of experience in mobilizing and targeting scarce resources to best meet the needs of the low-income community. CAA staff work closely and with great success in both the public and private domain, leveraging support from diverse sectors of the community.

It was at that time the area’s county area officials came together to form and introduce into the seven county area of East Central Minnesota a new service organization...Lakes and Pines Community Action Council, Inc.

The Agency’s original staff of 10, which operated out of small office space in Braham, provided by East Central Energy, endeavored to discover where poverty was located, the causes of it and the possible correction for it. The annual agency budget was $60,000 in 1964-65.

Today the Agency employs over 100 staff and partners with hundreds of volunteers and community organizations. Although the central office facility is housed in Mora, satellite offices and weatherization warehouses are located throughout the target area.
The Employees of Lakes and Pines
      Lakes and Pines CAC employs over 100 staff members who provide dedicated services with a personal connection between lower-income households and community resources. Within the central office located in Mora administrative personnel, fiscal and data processing technicians, secretarial support, fuel assistance certifiers, advocates, program managers and coordinators oversee project management.

      Our field staff provide valuable "hands-on" services, which include weatherization crews, field managers, and heating system specialists who provide energy-conservation measures to homes, family advocates, home visitors, classroom teachers, child care leads, and lead home visitors, providing services to parents and children.
Board of Directors
The 21 member board assists with the development of policies, procedures and regulations to govern the operations of the 501(c)3 private, non-profit corporation, as well as to monitor the finances, programs and performance of the Agency.

The five key board responsibilities are to:
  •    • Work toward the mission of the agency and meet the needs of the lower-income people of the seven county area.
  •    • Set policies that guide the agency.
  •    • Monitor the progress of the strategic plan for the non-profit's growth and development.
  •    • Monitor and approve budgets and financial reports.
  •    • Provide the direction and support for the administrator (Executive Director).

The Board of Directors of a Community Action Agency Consist of:
  •    • 1/3 of its membership from the community at large representing business, industry, labor, faith groups, law enforcement education of other major groups and interests in the community served.
  •    • 1/3 public officials or their chosen representatives.
  •    • 1/3 being persons representing low-income individuals and families in their local community.
Advisory Council
A variety of Advisory Councils aid us in focusing more locally on the causes and issues affecting the area's low-income residents.

Head Start Policy Council
The Head Start Policy Council is comprised of parents elected from each community group, parents previously involved in the program, and representatives from community organizations.

Head Start Policy Council Video

Head Start believes "Parents are Partners" in accomplishing the goals of building families. An important part of this growth is helping adults develop new skills, In addition to being the focus on the home visit, volunteering at socializations, and participating in group social times, parents form the policy making board for Head Start.


FHPAP Advisory Committee
Family Homelessness Prevention and Assistance Program Advisory Committee provides guidance in administering projects to overcome housing barriers that exist within our communities; including homeless services planning ensuring compliance with administering the projects, selection of participants for MURL homes, advocating for more income-based housing.

Membership includes volunteers from community organizations, both private and public, and groups served (homeless representation).