Community Action of Napa Valley

Helping People
Changing Lives

In 1964, President Lyndon Johnson signed into law the Economic Opportunity Act to “eliminate the paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty in this nation by opening to everyone the opportunity for education and training, the opportunity to work, and the opportunity to live in decency and dignity.” In response, Napa’s local community leaders, governments, the faith community, schools, and low-income residents came together to create a vehicle for these new funds. In May of 1965, the Napa City Council for Economic Opportunity – now known as Community Action of Napa Valley – was granted non-profit status. Head Start was one of CANV’s first programs, quickly followed by Clinic Ole and Legal Aide. The Hispanic Network got its start under the CANV umbrella, as did Napa’s first program to offer services to domestic violence survivors and the Area Agency on Aging.

Today, we operate the Food Bank, Meals on Wheels for Napa County, Wellness on Wheels, and two licensed pre-schools for low-income students. In accomplishing our mission, part of the Food Bank program is the Napa Food Pantry, which offers seven locations. We believe in partnerships and are founding members of the Coalition of Non-Profit Organizations. We are active with many local initiatives and workgroups, including the Continuum of Care, Live Healthy Napa Valley, Area Agency on Aging, the Workforce Investment Board, and many more.

We help our fellow citizens improve their lives and situations, whether shelter or food, care, or attention; the program, staff, and supporters of Community Action of Napa Valley make a real difference for people throughout the Napa Valley. the Workforce Investment Board, and many more.