Our Mission
AEOA strengthens communities by providing opportunities for people experiencing social and economic challenges.
Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency
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 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 is guided by a 27-member Board of Directors, representing a balanced mix of low-income individuals, public officials, and private sector partners. With a dedicated team of more than 350 full- and part-time employees and the support of over 1,000 volunteers, we proudly serve as a leading resource for individuals and families of all ages facing social and economic challenges that stand in the way of achieving financial stability and independence. Every service AEOA delivers is rooted in creating pathways to stability, opportunity, and lasting change. Offering a broad range of services and personalized support, we help individuals and families break down barriers and take meaningful steps toward a brighter, more independent future.
Helping People, Changing Lives
Our Vision
All people served will make measurable progress toward self-reliance or independence.
Our Values
Respect
We value and respect the people we serve. When they succeed, we succeed.
Stronger Together
We believe in local wisdom and build coalitions with partners that move our mission forward.
Believe
We believe in our mission and support each other in our work.
What Causes Poverty
Poverty is shaped by many interconnected barriers. It’s rarely as simple as “just getting a job.” Generational poverty, limited access to reliable transportation or childcare, mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and the ongoing cycle of unstable housing or low wages can all make escaping hardship incredibly difficult for individuals and families. These barriers often compound over time, creating circumstances that require support and understanding. Understanding these complexities is the first step toward building a stronger, more supportive community.
History of Community Action
Community Action Agencies emerged from President Lyndon B. Johnson’s War on Poverty and were inspired by the advocacy of leaders such as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In 1964, President Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act, declaring a “war on poverty” and empowering communities to take action.
Local officials, service providers, schools, and neighbors came together to design and implement programs that would support individuals and families in need. This united effort became known as Community Action, a movement grounded in collaboration, dedicated to addressing root causes of poverty, and committed to creating pathways out of poverty.
AEOA is proud to be one of more than 1,000 agencies nationwide, and one of 24 in Minnesota, united by the belief that meaningful change starts within our communities and working together to fulfill the promise of our founding mission: empowering communities and creating opportunities for all.
AEOA receives the Minnesota Community Action Grant and Community Services Block Grant funds through the Minnesota Department of Children, Youth, and Families – Office of Economic Opportunity. Executive Director, Mark Page, and Chief Financial Officer, Emily Celley, directly manage and oversee this grant contract. To reach them, call 1-800-662-5711.
This website is supported by Grant Number 229391 from the Office of Community Services within the Administration for Children and Families, a division of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Neither the Administration for Children and Families nor any of its components operate, control, are responsible for, or necessarily endorse this website (including, without limitation, its content, technical infrastructure, and policies, and any services or tools provided). The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Administration for Children and Families and the Office of Community Services.
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