Community Action Month

Shine the Light Campaign

Shine the Light is NYSCAA’s Community Action Month campaign celebrating the staff whose dedication, skill, and compassion strengthen communities across New York State.

2026 Campaign Progress

2 of 5 honorees announced: Michael Dougherty and Joanna Seaman. More stories will be shared throughout Community Action Month.

Newest 2026 Honoree

Now in the Spotlight

Joanna Seaman

Greeter, Tioga Opportunities, Inc.

Joanna came to Tioga Opportunities after spending years as a stay-at-home mom. When the pandemic changed everything, she was ready to find work with purpose. She found exactly that at the front desk of her local Community Action Agency.

“It’s important to feel seen. It’s important to know you matter.”

2026 Honorees

Meet the 2026 Shine the Light Winners

Throughout Community Action Month, NYSCAA is recognizing five staff members from across New York State whose stories reflect the heart, skill, and dedication of Community Action.

Michael Dougherty Winner

UCCAC — Weatherization Program Director

Joanna Seaman Newest

Tioga Opportunities, Inc. — Greeter

Why Shine the Light Matters

A spotlight on the people who make Community Action possible

Shine the Light gives NYSCAA a way to pause during Community Action Month and recognize the people whose work often happens quietly, consistently, and with deep impact in communities across New York State.

How to Participate

Share a story. Recognize a colleague.

The campaign is designed to make it easy for Community Action staff to share stories that show the people and purpose behind the work.

Past Honorees

2025 Shine the Light Honorees

NYSCAA was proud to recognize the following Community Action staff as 2025 Shine the Light honorees.

Now Accepting Submissions

Help NYSCAA shine the light on Community Action staff across New York State

Share your story or recognize a colleague whose work deserves to be celebrated during Community Action Month.