Groups to host four-day tour around Ohio

From Aug. 4-7, Community Action of Appalachian Ohio (CAAO) and Appalachian Understories will host a private four-day bike tour around Ohio to highlight the region and its Community Action facilities for David Bradly, a creator of the Community Services Block Grant and co-founder of the National Community Action Foundation.

The tour will include visits to the Community Action Agency of Columbiana County, Robinson’s Cave in New Straitsville, the Southeast Ohio Foodbank and Regional Kitchen operated by Hocking Athens Perry Community Action (HAPCAP), and will conclude at the Christopher Conference Center in Chillicothe for the COAD 2024 Annual Conference.

“We are grateful to ride with our friend and mentor, David Bradley, through the beautiful country of Appalachian Ohio, sharing appreciation for history, culture and the 60-year journey of Community Action,” remarked Megan Riddlebarger, executive director of the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD).

Community Action of Appalachian Ohio (CAAO) is a membership organization devoted to promoting and advocating for the issues, successes and challenges facing 17 community action agencies who are aligned in their mission to help people and change lives in 30 of Ohio’s counties.

Appalachian Understories, a social enterprise of Rural Action, provides natural and cultural historic tourism in Appalachian Ohio, hiring local guides, historians and naturalists to create outdoor experiences for people. The tours allow participants to enjoy the natural beauty of Southeast Ohio while learning about the rich cultural history of the region. Learn more about Appalachian Understories at www.appalachianunderstories.com.

Rural Action is a regional community development organization with a 32-county footprint working with members and community leaders on a range of quality of life, environmental and economic projects across rural Appalachian Ohio. Its mission is to build a more just economy by developing the region’s assets in environmentally, socially and economically sustainable ways. Learn more about Rural Action at www.ruralaction.org.