About Us
Our Mission
Community in Action (CinA) serves low- and moderate-income individuals and families by providing education and counseling, skills development, and access to community resources that help create self-sufficiency.
Our Vision
CinA envisions inclusive, diverse, and caring communities where all residents—regardless of income—have hope, optimism, and meaningful access to resources that strengthen quality of life.
Who We Are
The Community Services Network is made up of more than 1,100 local, private, non-profit, and public agencies that work to alleviate poverty and empower low-income families in communities throughout the United States. Most of these agencies are Community Action Agencies (CAAs) created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. CAAs provide services to more than 15 million low-income people annually in 99% of the nation’s counties. Among them are 4 million children.
Our office, located in Ontario, Oregon became the designated Community Action Agency on July 1, 2009, and serves the counties of Harney and Malheur.
There is no “typical” CAA. NO two are exactly alike because each is governed by the leadership and specific needs of the communities that it represents. In our office, we currently offer a variety of programs that serve low-income children, families, and seniors, and provide a range of services addressing poverty-related problems. We are offering fee for service programs that align with current programs offered. These programs fit our mission but are designed to offer solutions to moderate income people.
Community in Action (CinA) is a non-profit 501 c 3 and charitable contribution agency. CinA was formed in 2009 and is governed by a Board of Directors consisting of nine community members who represent Community Directors, Low-income Directors, and Elected Officials that reside in Harney and Malheur Counties. It was formed to help those residents who lack resources to thrive and to offer hope to those in need.
CinA manages grant funds that come through Oregon Housing & Community Services (OHCS), which is the backbone organization for weatherization, housing, energy assistance, and community services grants that are state and federally funded. CinA also manages grant funds directly through Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for housing rehabilitation, and accepts charitable contributions from local area businesses and private donations.
Our Board of Directors
Ron Verini
Chair -- Executive and Financial Committee
Veterans Advocates of Ore-Ida
Term: 7/1/2022 – 6/30/2028
Betty Holcomb
Board Member
Nyssa City Council
Term: 07/01/2025-06/30/2026
Don Hodge
Vice Chair - Executive Committee
Term: 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2027
Michael Braden
Board Member -- Financial Committee
Ontario City Council
Term: 01/01/2025-12/31/2028
Kayla Spencer
Secretary/Treasurer -- Financial and Executive Committee
Attorney- Oregon Law Center
Term: 7/1/2023 – 6/30/2026
Pete Runnels
Board Member
Harney County School District
Term: 7/1/2020 – 6/30/2026
Lynn McClintock
Board Member
Term: 07/01/2021 – 6/30/2027
Jim Maret
Board Member
City Manager – Nyssa
Term: 7/1/2022 – 6/30/2028
Jolene Cawlfield
Board Member
Harney District Hospital- Elected Member
Term: 10/01/2025-09/30/2027
Our Management Staff
Jody Warnock
Executive Director
Dedicated leader in social services and nonprofit management. She began her career in 1995 with the Division of Welfare for the State of Idaho and transitioned to the nonprofit sector in 2016.
Jody@cina.team
Kris Hurd
Program Manager
Specializing in Energy, Weatherization, and Housing Rehabilitation services. With 15.5 years dedicated to these programs and 36 years of overall management experience, Kris has built a strong reputation for operational leadership, strategic planning, and program sustainability. A key focus of Kris’s work has been securing continuation funding beyond traditional Federal and State sources, ensuring long‑term program viability and expanded community impact.
Kris@cina.team
Priscilla Garcia
Program Manager
Housing and Homeless Services Program Manager with over 10 years of experience working in community-based services. During her time with the agency, she has strengthened her skills in program management, client advocacy, and service coordination, focusing her efforts on supporting individuals and families experiencing housing instability. Priscilla is dedicated to developing effective programs, building strong community partnerships, and improving access to critical resources. She is passionate about creating sustainable solutions that help people achieve stability and long-term housing success.
Pricilla@cina.team
Thomas Huffman
Program Manager
Housing Resource Center Manager of Community in action, bringing over 10 years of experience in leadership and strategic growth. Known for fostering innovation and building high-performance teams, he has led the Housing Resource Center to disseminate millions of dollars to the residents of Malheur and Harney County. Thomas is passionate about home ownership, financial stability, and holds a bachelor’s degree from Eastern Oregon University. Before college, Thomas spent 8 years in the Army where he deployed 3 and was named the 10 Special Forces Group Soldier of the Year. In his spare time, you will find him with his family and training Ju-Jitsu.
Thomas@cina.team
Miranda Spivey
Finance and Grants Manager
Miranda is the Finance & Grants Manager who is detail-oriented with a background in accounting and five years’ experience managing budgets, tracking grant funding, and supporting organizational health. She enjoys spreadsheets, excel, and never turns down time to read.
Miranda@cina.team