About Us

Monroe County Opportunity Program

From transportation to supplemental food, from providing a home, saving a home, or offering in-home services, MCOP is there to reduce the effects of poverty by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and mobilizing resources.

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Monroe County Opportunity Program

Monroe County Opportunity Program (MCOP) is a private, 501-C3 non-profit corporation created in 1965 under the Economic Opportunity Act in response to former-president Lyndon B. Johnson declaring a “War on Poverty.” As a result, Community Action Agencies were formed. The Community Action network spans across the United States, including 30 in the State of Michigan alone.

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Monroe County Opportunity Program

MCOP provides services to low-income individuals and families in Monroe County. We are able to meet the needs of our low-income community by administering millions of dollars of federal, state, local, and private funds to achieve our mission to reduce the effects of poverty by empowering individuals, strengthening communities, and mobilizing resources. Our Vision: All community members have the resources and support systems to obtain and sustain self-sufficiency. View Annual Report

MCOP Through Time

1964

President Lyndon B. Johnson signs the Economic Opportunity Act, declaring a “War on Poverty,” and creates the Community Action Network.

1965

The Monroe County Opportunity Program (MCOP) was established as Monroe County’s only Community Action Agency.

1976

MCOP was chosen as 1 of 3 CAA’s to be included in a film about energy conservation at the Regional Conference in Chicago. Over the past 10 years MCOP has weatherized 1,170 homes.

1983

The Monroe County Food Bank was created and in 2002 was acquired by MCOP. Over the last 5 years MCOP has distributed over 4.4 million pounds of food to Monroe County residents in need!

1989

MCOP begins to provide specialized Transportation for seniors and the disabled. Since 2006, MCOP has provided 88,520 rides traveling across the region.

2000

MCOP builds a new office facility located at 1140 S. Telegraph Road. View location on a map

2004

MCOP is certified at the Community Housing Development Organization for Monroe County. Since 2004, MCOP has Preserved and developed 257 homes through Monroe County.

2009

A new program called Bridges out of Poverty is implemented as a result of the funds from the American Reinvestment & Recovery Act. Today, MCOP celebrates 78 graduates who’ve changed their lives for the better.

2011

The Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program is started at MCOP in partnership with Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency. To date, 178 veteran households have been served through this program.

2012

In January, MCOP opens the Lord’s Harvest Pantry, a 4,000 square foot expansion to address the growing need for food in the community.


2014

In December 2014, the MCOP Board of Directors approved the 2015-2017 Strategic Plan that outlined community, agency, and family goals for the next 3 years.

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