Shine the Light Campaign
Shine the Light is NYSCAA’s annual tribute during Community Action Month each May, created to honor the people who are the heart of Community Action. While Community Action Month highlights the impact of the broader network, Shine the Light gives us the opportunity to pause and hear directly from the staff doing the work every day in communities across New York State.
Through this campaign, we recognize the dedication, compassion, creativity, and perseverance of Community Action Agency staff at every level. From direct-service teams to program leaders and behind-the-scenes support staff, these stories help show what Community Action looks like in practice and why this work matters so deeply.
Shine the Light is also a chance to celebrate the people whose work often happens quietly, but whose impact is felt in powerful ways every single day. Their stories remind us that Community Action is not only about programs and services. It is about people helping people, building relationships, responding to needs, and creating meaningful change in the lives of individuals, families, and communities.
Why Shine the Light Matters
- Elevating Voices: We give CAA staff a platform to tell their own stories in their own words.
- Honoring Commitment: We recognize the dedication and heart it takes to serve communities every day.
- Inspiring Others: These stories highlight the many ways Community Action changes lives across New York State.
- Building Community: Sharing experiences across agencies strengthens connection, pride, and our shared mission.
How It Works
- Call for Stories: CAA staff are invited to submit a short personal story about their work, their journey, or the impact they have seen through Community Action.
- Selection: A review panel selects featured stories to highlight during Community Action Month.
- Spotlight: Selected stories are shared on NYSCAA’s website, social media, and other communications throughout May.
2026 Shine the Light — Now Accepting Submissions
We are now accepting submissions for the 2026 Shine the Light Campaign.
If you are part of New York’s Community Action network, we encourage you to share your story or recognize a colleague whose work deserves to be celebrated. Whether your impact happens on the front lines, behind the scenes, or somewhere in between, your story helps shine a light on the people who make Community Action possible.
We are looking for short stories that reflect the heart of this work, how you got started, what keeps you going, or a moment that reminds you why Community Action matters.
Ready to submit your story for 2026?
We look forward to hearing from the incredible people across New York who are helping people and changing lives every day.
Congratulations to our 2025 Shine the Light Campaign winners
Last year, NYSCAA was proud to recognize the following Community Action staff as our 2025 Shine the Light honorees.
Laurel Polttila, Joint Council for Economic Opportunity (JCEO)
Hear from Laurel:
 A year into leading Weatherization, Laurel discovered that sealing drafts is really about sealing worry. Each insulated attic means a senior can heat their home and a single parent can keep food on the table. Seeing that empowerment ripple across Clinton and Franklin Counties is what fuels her every day.
Bridget Dolbear, Oswego County Opportunities (OCO)
Hear from Bridget:
 From crisis-line advocate to Fund Development leader, Bridget’s 25-year journey began in a domestic-violence shelter and now ensures OCO programs—meals for seniors, after-school care, housing—stay strong so hope can flourish county-wide.
Bre Jackowski, Oswego County Opportunities (OCO)
Hear from Bre:
 After overcoming trauma and addiction, Bre joined OCO as a Direct Support Professional and found purpose helping others. Today, as Community Engagement Manager, she turns lived experience into a bridge of trust for neighbors moving from homelessness to stability.
Theresa Radley, Cortland County Community Action Program (CAPCO)
Hear from Theresa:
 Theresa left a school secretary desk for CAPCO’s Adult Education classroom, where she has guided 35 adults to diplomas—and many more to newfound confidence—through academics paired with Community Action’s wrap-around support.
Karima Wines, Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency (MVCAA)
Hear from Karima:
 Flexible hours at MVCAA let Karima finish her psychology degree summa cum laude, but the agency’s compassion carried her through pandemic isolation—giving her purpose, family, and a new career devoted to mental-health advocacy.
Thank you to all of the CAA staff who took the time to submit their stories in 2025.
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