At Rural Resources, we strive to put the action in Community Action. We do this through the hard work of our dedicated staff, who carry out the Community Action Promise by embodying the spirit of hope and lifting the entire community – by helping people help themselves and each other. A powerful example of these grassroots efforts can be seen in the day‑to‑day work of our Community Services Department.

In this Community Action Month Staff Spotlight, we’d like to show our appreciation to Michelle Thomas, Director of Community Services, and Kirste Coots, Lead Navigator of Services, for their exemplary work within our community and their outstanding achievement of becoming Certified Community Action Professionals (CCAP).

Michelle, Kirste, and the entire Community Services team work tirelessly to address the diverse needs of the communities Rural Resources serves. Through one‑on‑one engagement, they help participants navigate available resources while ensuring support throughout the process. These individualized sessions allow the team to identify barriers that may impact a participant’s success and to advocate, alongside community partners and local agencies, for improved services and resources that lead to better outcomes. With such close insight into some of the most vulnerable moments in people’s lives, it is no surprise that both Michelle and Kirste felt compelled to pursue their CCAP accreditation.

Michelle shared that balancing the intensive reading required for the certification process alongside her leadership responsibilities was challenging; she credits the CCAP credential with strengthening both her belief in and commitment to this work. Michelle noted that the certification has “deepened [her] understanding of systemic oppression, power, and equity,” allowing her to show up for clients in a more meaningful way. She also shared that becoming a Certified Community Action Professional has made her “more strategic and thoughtful when considering new programs or services, ensuring they are rooted in the values of Community Action.”

Kirste echoed much of this sentiment, sharing that earning her CCAP certification has “reinforced the importance of leading with dignity, compassion, and respect, and meeting people where they are.” This perspective continues to guide her work as she supports participants and helps connect them to the resources they need to move forward. For Kirste, knowing that someone leaves an interaction feeling even a little less alone is a powerful reminder of the impact of this work.

These moments of relief, dignity, hope, and—most importantly—human connection, are at the heart of Community Action and what make their work so meaningful for both women.

We applaud Michelle Thomas and Kirste Coots for earning their Certified Community Action Professional credentials and for their continued dedication to the communities Rural Resources serves. Their leadership, empathy, and commitment to professional growth strengthen not only the Community Services Department but help us to achieve our agency’s mission to improve lives. We are proud to recognize their accomplishments during Community Action Month and grateful for the meaningful impact they make every day.