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Who We Are and What We Do

Who We Are

  • Established: The Children’s Advisory Commission (CAC) was created by the Indiana County Commissioners in 1994.

  • Status: Tax-Exempt Governmental Entity and Political Subdivision of Indiana County.

  • Funding:

    • Not a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

    • Relies on voluntary membership dues, fundraising events, limited grant opportunities, and donations from civic organizations, local businesses, and individuals.

  • Membership:

    • Membership in the CAC is beneficial as it provides opportunities to network with professionals in the field, engage in advocacy efforts to influence policies, participate in collaborative projects to improve child welfare, access resources and support for professional development, and find personal fulfillment through contributing to meaningful causes. 

    • Includes community members and representatives from over 40 child-serving non-profit organizations and agencies. To view a full list of agencies that participate in the CAC, click here.  

    • Members come from Indiana County, surrounding counties, and the broader commonwealth.

  • Monthly Meetings:

    • Provide opportunities for members to share, learn, and educate each other about their organizations’ purposes, goals, successes, and plans.

    • Foster productive partnerships, community engagement, resource sharing, and reduction of service redundancy.

  • Community Connection:

    • Organizes free community events to bring members and families together.

    • Events include the annual Family Fun Fest (since 2004) and Family Nature Palooza (since 2013).

    • These events are attended by over 800 families and more than 1,500 children each year.

Purpose

  • To develop and enhance communications and collaboration among the advocacy organizations, faith-based organizations, educational systems, human services providers, juvenile justice system, social justice agencies, and members of the community.

  • To identify the needs of children, adolescents, and their families in order to strengthen or provide opportunities for growth.

  • To leverage human and financial resources to support identified services.

  • To provide knowledge, feedback and support to CAC members in the development of their programs related to grant collaborations and community connections.

  • To serve as a resource gathering and information sharing organization.

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