a. Although the economic well-being and prosperity of this State has surpassed most states in the United States and although these benefits are widely shared throughout the State, poverty continues to affect a substantial number of residents;

b. New Jersey can accomplish its full economic and social potential only if every individual has the opportunity to contribute to the full extent of each individual’s capabilities and to participate in the workings of our society;

c. One method to achieve these goals is to combine the resources of the private, public, and social service sectors of this State through the efforts of community action agencies;

d. These community action agencies provide a range of services related to the needs of low-income persons and helping families and individuals overcome particular problems in order to develop self-sufficiency;

e. In addition, these agencies develop and implement programs and projects designed to ensure maximum participation by the residents of the communities served, so as to stimulate and take full advantage of the capabilities of the residents and assure that those programs and projects are otherwise meaningful and widely utilized by their intended beneficiaries;

f. It is, therefore, in the interest of this State to recognize and support the work of community action agencies as these agencies provide efficient and effective means to prevent and eliminate poverty, and so, promote the well-being and prosperity of this State.

L.1991,c.51,s.2.