Community Action Opportunities, Inc.

Our History (1980 - Today)

In 1981, the agency filed for a name change in their articles of incorporation from CLIP to Community Action Opportunities, Inc.

In the mid 1980’s, Community Action broadened its program emphasis beyond advocacy and added new programs. A need for transportation was identified: CAO obtained an overland bus, and as a result, a couple in Burke County began a transportation Service. The agency also operated a large greenhouse in Bottineau. CAO staff was instrumental in starting the Meals-on-Wheels program in the Kenmare area, and also maintained a community garden in the Minot area called the Rainbow Garden. When the food programs first started, CAO involved as many as 400 volunteers. The organization now supports 13 food pantries throughout Region II.

The transportation, greenhouse, meals on wheels and the community garden programs were spun off to other entities. Community Action continued with the Weatherization program and added the Self Reliance program in 1988.

In 1996, the Board of Directors was reduced from 21 members to 9. This consisted of 3 representatives from each sector: public, private and low-income and all from different counties.

In 1999, the agency entered a phase of substantial change. In July the organization relocated to a new, greatly enhanced office building with an attached warehouse totaling 13,355 square feet from an office building of 5,923 total square feet.

In August, the organization’s well known Executive Director of 19 years, Chuck Duke, retired. After a search, Denise Norsby was promoted to Executive Director. Mrs. Norsby began her career with Community Action in July 1992 as Office Manager/Executive Secretary. In August 1994, she was promoted to Assistant Director and in September 1999 she was promoted to Executive Director.

Go back to 1900 to 1964 or 1964 to 1980.