NICA traces its roots back to 1969 when several area churches pooled their resources to better address and prevent community decline, and to combat poverty. For decades NICA has been helping families, seniors and children living in poverty to not only meet their basic needs, but also to confront and address the underlying causes of poverty, and to ultimately move out of poverty, and live better lives. In addition to emergency assistance, and professional social work services for low-income individuals, families, youth, homeless, elderly, and disabled clients, NICA provides educational programs, and mentors at-risk youth. Pressing community needs are met through our direct-aid programs, which are designed to address the immediate needs of each client such as food, clothing, and some emergency financial assistance. Client’s long-term goals are met through Case Management, Crisis Counseling, Employment Assistance, and Educational Classes.