Strengthening our communities
Providing opportunities for people experiencing social and economic challenges
AEOA provides programs and resources to help individuals and families thrive. We offer opportunities for everyone to achieve stability, growth, and a brighter future.
The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) was incorporated in April 1965, as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization and established as a Community Action Program (CAP) for the Northeast Minnesota counties of St. Louis, Lake, and Cook in response to the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act.
AEOA offers services in these counties, as well as in the nine neighboring counties of Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Crow Wing, Isanti, Itasca, Koochiching, and Pine, making it one of the largest private, non-profit Community Action Agencies in Minnesota. AEOA serves individuals of all ages and primarily serves low-income households and people experiencing life challenges, preventing them from moving out of poverty.
Over the years, the Agency has grown in response to community needs and offers a range of services through six service departments including Employment and Training, Head Start, Housing Weatherization and Rehab, Housing Resources, Senior and Nutrition Services, and Transit.
Arrowhead Head Start is accepting preschool registrations for the 2026-2027 school year. Parents and caregivers of three and 4-year-old children are encouraged to apply to the school readiness program. Orientation for all preschool classrooms is on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Classes begin Wednesday, Sept. 9.
In a backyard barbecue style event, AEOA brought more than 1,000 community members together for a neighborhood block party. AEOA’s 4th Annual Block Party took place on a picturesque summer day in the agency’s parking lot downtown Virginia on Thursday, July 23.
Her children thought she was a celebrity. While she may not be famous, her work is well-known across Minnesota’s Arrowhead region. Friday, July 31, Marilyn Ocepek will walk out the front doors of the Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency building downtown Virginia for the last time – as an employee.
Farmers Markets have opened across the Range offering locally grown produce. SNAP customers can shop area markets in Cook, Hibbing, Tower and Virginia thanks to AEOA’s facilitation of staff and equipment enabling EBT purchases.
Area youth and the young at heart recently shared a day of smiles and support for our advanced age community at Senior Expo 2026 in Virginia. Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) hosted its 40th annual spring event Wednesday, May 6, at Iron Trail Motors Event Center.
AEOA’s Volunteer Services program will be hosting its annual Purple Ribbon Volunteer Recognition Event on Wednesday, April 22 at the Mountain Iron Community Center. The event is part of a weeklong effort to thank St. Louis County volunteers.
Arrowhead Head Start staff spent a day refreshing their preschool curriculum skills Friday, March 6, at Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia. Attendees were part of an interactive, “I am Moving, I am Learning,” presentation.
Arrowhead Head Start is taking registrations for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year. Parents and caregivers of three and 4-year-old children are encouraged to apply to the school readiness program.
AEOA’s YouthBuild program, based in Grand Rapids, was granted $180,000 from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
Youngsters on the Iron Range are missing out on an opportunity to get a jumpstart on kindergarten.
