Who We Are

About Us

Since 1965, Monticello Area Community Action Agency (MACAA) has worked alongside individuals and families across Central Virginia to reduce poverty and expand opportunity. Founded in response to the War on Poverty, MACAA was built on a simple but powerful belief: local communities are best positioned to create meaningful solutions to local challenges.

As a community-driven nonprofit organization, we partner with families to remove barriers and help them build pathways toward long-term stability. Through essential services, education, advocacy, and direct support, we help families strengthen their independence, improve their well-being, and move toward economic security. For over 60 years, MACAA has remained rooted in partnership, dignity, and the belief that every individual deserves the opportunity to thrive.

MACAA proudly serves the City of Charlottesville and the Counties of Albemarle, Fluvanna, Nelson, and Louisa.

Family of mom, dad, and their son.

Our Mission

We empower people to navigate pathways to social and economic stability and opportunity by educating, inspiring, and advocating for those in need.

Core Programs

MACAA offers a range of locally designed programs that support individuals and families at every stage of life:

Early Learning Center at Hickory Hope

Located within the Hickory Hope affordable housing complex, this bilingual Montessori program increases access to high-quality, affordable care and learning for Southwood families.

 

Community outreach

Provides short-term support in the form of utility (electric, water/sewer, and gas) and housing (rental/mortgage) payments or other emergent needs for residents of Charlottesville and Albemarle, Fluvanna, Louisa, and Nelson counties in crisis, along with referrals to regional resources.

 

Fluvanna Food Pantry

Offers weekly no-cost food distribution, including fresh produce, proteins, dairy, and pantry staples, to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

 

Fluvanna Thrift Store

Sells affordable, gently used clothing, household goods, and accessories. Proceeds support MACAA’s programs.

 

Hope House

Provides affordable housing in Charlottesville/Albemarle, along with coaching, education, and skill-building for families facing homelessness.

 

Project Discovery

Supports career readiness for first-generation and low- to moderate-income high school students, assisting with college applications, financial aid navigation, career planning, and professional development.

 

Part of a National Movement

Community Action Agencies (CAAs) operate in nearly every county and city across the United States, working to reduce poverty through locally designed and delivered programs tailored to each community’s unique needs. MACAA is one of 28 local agencies in the Virginia Community Action Partnership (VACAP) network. Community Action is rooted in shared governance and community voice. Each CAA is guided by a tripartite Board of Directors that includes representatives of the low-income community, local elected officials, and private and public sector stakeholders. This structure ensures that those most impacted by poverty help shape the solutions.

MACAA receives federal funding and authority through the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG), which supports locally responsive strategies that strengthen families, build community capacity, and create measurable change.

Our Team

MACAA’s work is powered by dedicated professionals who are deeply committed to strengthening our community. Our team brings together expertise in human services, education, housing stability, food access, workforce development, and nonprofit leadership—united by a shared belief in the dignity and potential of every individual we serve. Behind every MACAA program are people who care deeply about this region. Many of our staff live and work in the same communities we serve and bring cultural knowledge, lived experience, and strong local relationships to their roles.

Interested in joining our team? Visit our Careers page to learn about current opportunities and how you can be part of MACAA’s work in our community.

Bertha Armstrong Suzanne Bowers Alexis Bragg Taneia Dowell Lauren Egan
Thrift Store Manager Executive Director Case Manager Project Discovery Director Director of Community Outreach

Dalia Escobar Amaya Nancy Kidd Linda Kyle Phillip Love Wanda Johnson
Intake Coordinator Hope House Director Case Manager Director of Finance Food Pantry Manager

Our Board

MACAA is guided by a committed Board of Directors that ensures our work remains community-driven, accountable, and responsive to local needs. Our Board provides oversight of agency policy, financial stewardship, strategic planning, and executive leadership. Board members bring diverse professional expertise and lived experience, strengthening MACAA’s ability to respond thoughtfully and effectively to the complex challenges facing our region. As a Community Action Agency, we operate under a tripartite governance model, meaning our Board is intentionally structured to reflect three essential voices:

  • Individuals who represent and reflect the low-income community

  • Local elected officials (or their representatives)

  • Private and public sector community stakeholders

Interested in serving on the Board or learning more about our governance model? Contact us to explore current opportunities for community leadership.

Johnette Burdette
Vice President
Constituent Representative

Ann Mische
Board Member
Nelson County Representative

Angela Critics
Secretary
Louisa County Representative

Sarah Shalf, JD
President
City of Charlottesville Representative

Tiera E. Farley
Board Member
Community Representative

Price Thomas
Board Member
Constituent Representative

Whitney Johnson Taliaferro
Treasurer
Community Representative