Tucked away in a small office on the second floor of the Tamaqua Salvation Army Community Center is the key to every resource available to Schuylkill County's low-income residents.

From emergency assistance to affordable housing opportunities, Tina Soley of Schuylkill Community Action knows just what services are available through the county, state and even the federal government. She has provided assistance to more than 4,000 people in the past year alone.Soley oversees SCA's outreach program. In addition to being in Tamaqua most weekdays, she can be found at the Mahanoy City office once a month and in Shenandoah by appointment. She's been with the nonprofit organization for the past 26 years, more than half as many years as the program has been available.SCA celebrated its 50th anniversary this year, with a dinner last week.Executive Director Ted Dreisbach, who has been with the organization 36 years, provided a mini history lesson on the program.Created in 1965 as a result of the combination of two economic grants, one to Schuylkill County and the other to the city of Pottsville, the program has grown and diversified, partnering with municipalities, corporations, business people, politicians and dedicated volunteers. Core funding is through Pennsylvania's Community Development Block Grant program. This year's CDBG allocation of $300,000 has been leveraged into a total of $3 million through the partnership's collaboration.Programs range from emergency shelter, food and utility assistance to the promotion of self-sufficiency, such as welfare to work, assistance with filing income taxes, housing counseling, home repairs/weatherization and budget counseling. SCA works with communities throughout the county to reduce blight, develop affordable homes and rental opportunities and improve public spaces."Our main mission is to help low-income individuals find affordable housing and offer services to help them become self sufficient," Dreisbach said. "By providing emergency assistance and offering a hand up, we help improve communities."Soley said, "We're helping people. It's a true community effort that has made the organization a success over the years. I want people to know there is help available, and not just through Schuylkill Community Action. Our website has a human services directory listing our and other programs for low and moderate income residents. If you don't have a computer, come see me in my office and I'll do whatever I can to help."Soley's hours in Tamaqua are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. She can be reached by phone at 570-668-1038."It's been an interesting ride, one we hope to continue and be able to celebrate a 75th anniversary," Dreisbach said.