Rural Resources’ commitment to the Community Action movement would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of staff who embody the vision, mission, purpose, and values of Community Action. In honor of Community Action Month, we are pleased to recognize Cruze Thompson, Director of Housing, and Katherine Gilbert, Emergency Housing Case Manager, for not only demonstrating this commitment to serving our community, but for going above and beyond by obtaining their Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) credentials.

The Community Action Network identifies the CCAP certification as foundational to understanding and applying the Community Action Promise—to change people’s lives, embody the spirit of hope, improve communities, and make America a better place to live for all. While Thompson and Gilbert completed their CCAP journeys in 2023 and 2025, respectively, both have displayed exceptional commitment to the Community Action mission throughout their time with Rural Resources.

Cruze has been with the agency for 12 years, serving as the Emergency and Transitional Housing Manager for over eight years before stepping into the role of Director of Housing in 2023. During that time, he has supported clients through some of the hardest moments of their lives, helping them achieve stability, independence, and in some cases, homeownership. With such meaningful experiences in his career, Cruze was inspired to pursue his CCAP certification to deepen his knowledge of Community Action and its history.

Though the application and certification process was, at times, grueling for Cruze—and Katherine alike—Cruze reflects that earning his CCAP has provided a clearer framework for understanding Community Action and reinforced his readiness to serve the community with clarity and purpose, not just as a service provider, but as part of a larger movement addressing the root causes of poverty.

As for Katherine, who began as a Receptionist and Intake Coordinator before moving into her current role as a Housing Case Manager, her drive to pursue this national accreditation stems from her upbringing and a desire to have the greatest impact on the community in which she was born and raised. Since earning her CCAP certification, Katherine says she has experienced a significant shift in her perspective on Community Action’s purpose and a renewed motivation to educate others about the causes and conditions of poverty, helping foster broader understanding and empathy within the community.

Cruze and Katherine both emphasized how collaboration and a shared vision strengthen not only the services Rural Resources provides to our rural communities, but also enrich the Community Action movement as a whole. We couldn’t agree more!

We commend Cruze and Katherine for earning their Certified Community Action Professional accreditations and thank them for their continued dedication to Rural Resources and the communities we serve. Their commitment to learning and professional growth strengthens both their individual roles and our agency as a whole. Congratulations to both Cruze and Katherine on this well‑deserved achievement!