The Community Action Partnership of Huntsville/Madison and Limestone counties will receive $187,457 in grant funds to offer programs for low-income residents seeking to improve their quality of life.

Gov. Robert Bentley recently announced the awarding of $3.1 million in Community Services Block Grants to 21 community action agencies throughout the state. The funds will be used to offer employment skills and parenting classes, transitional housing, summer youth programs, financial literacy programs and emergency food and shelter.

Residents seeking assistance should contact their local community action agency.

“These programs and services are valuable in helping low-income families along the path to self-sufficiency,” Bentley said. “I am pleased to support the efforts of community action agencies across Alabama to help many of these families learn new skills to improve their quality of life.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Data from the 2010 Census and the poverty level of the counties served are factors used to determine the amount awarded to each agency.

“The partnerships and programs supported by the Community Services Block Grant program help many residents learn valuable new life skills and job skills that will help them take critical steps toward self-improvement,” ADECA Director Jim Byard Jr. said. “ADECA is pleased to work closely with the network of community action agencies across our state to ensure that these programs continue to assist those most in need.”