In the 1960s, rising poverty levels threatened our nation’s future. To stem the tide, President Johnson and Congress established the Economic Opportunity Act (EOA) of 1964, a sweeping reform measure that set the stage for a national “War on Poverty.” This ambitious statute aimed to eliminate both the systemic causes and disastrous effects of poverty. The EOA established federal and state Offices of Economic Opportunity, and created new community-based Community Action Agencies. In 1964, our government took its first major step toward eliminating poverty in America. Today, the Mayor's Office of Community Services (MOCS) continues that mission. As the only Community Action Agency serving Philadelphia, and the largest in Pennsylvania, MOCS serves as both a direct service provider and as the parent organization for a number of programs, services, and partnerships. Every day, MOCS strives to help Philadelphians strengthen themselves, their families, and their communities.
Our Vision: That all Philadelphians have the opportunity and the ability to maintain a stable quality of life by ensuring access to their fundamental needs.
Our Mission: To empower low-income individuals, families, and neighborhoods to reach self-sufficiency by providing program services and coordinating resources.