From unexpected hardships following an injury or job loss to the need for care and support for children or aging loved ones, there are moments in all our lives when we need someone to lean on. Community Action exists to meet people in those moments—offering support, connection, and opportunity when it matters most.

Since the rise of the Community Action movement following the declaration of the War on Poverty in 1964, this work has been guided by a shared vision of eliminating poverty through expanded access to education, employment, and a life of decency and dignity for all. At Rural Resources, we remain deeply committed to these anti‑poverty efforts and are proud to recognize staff who demonstrate exceptional dedication to this mission. In honor of Community Action Month, please join us in celebrating Ryan Johnson, Director of Senior and Independent Living Services, and Anne Crane, Title XIX Case Management Specialist from our SAILS division, for their achievement in earning their Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) credentials.

The Senior and Independent Living Services (SAILS) department supports seniors, individuals living with disabilities, and their families through a range of essential services, including Information, Assistance, and Referral; case management for in‑home care services; Health Benefits Advising through SHIBA representatives; legal assistance; support groups; and more. Through their work, the SAILS team helps individuals maintain independence, navigate complex systems, and access the care and resources needed to live safely and with dignity in their communities.

Ryan Johnson, who has held multiple roles over his seven years with the agency before stepping into his director position in June 2025, shares that a day in the office is never boring. In his role, Ryan oversees a wide‑ranging and ever‑evolving portfolio, including nine programs across five counties, several grant‑funded initiatives, and ongoing expansion efforts such as WA Cares benefits navigation and potential new programs.

Despite the demands of constant coordination, communication, and adaptability, Ryan remains level‑headed and quick on his feet, guiding the SAILS team with steady leadership and a commitment to excellence. He credits the CCAP certification process with strengthening his confidence in navigating challenges, deepening his connection to the mission of Community Action, and reinforcing his pride in the impact this work has across the communities we serve.

Reflecting on the experience, Ryan shared, “It’s inspiring to learn about the history, the ins and outs of our structure, and the well‑thought‑out theories and practices (from people much smarter than I am), and to realize the incredible amount of work that came before I even started.”

Through his leadership and commitment to professional growth, Ryan helps ensure continuity of services for some of our most vulnerable clients across a large region, while positioning SAILS to grow and respond to emerging community needs.

Anne Crane, who has dedicated over 32 years to Rural Resources, brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and perspective to her role. Beginning as a parent volunteer with our Head Start program when her children were young, Anne worked her way up the career ladder to her current role as a key leader within our Title XIX program—a Medicaid‑funded long‑term care program that promotes independence for low‑income seniors and people with disabilities. As a Title XIX Case Management Specialist, she works closely with case managers to ensure program quality and compliance while providing guidance and mentorship rooted in decades of service. Anne plays a critical role in maintaining high standards of care and consistency for participants receiving in‑home services.

She shared that the CCAP process further expanded her understanding of Community Action and strengthened her appreciation for the work she has long been a part of. Drawing from her own lived experience of accessing support when her family first came to the area, Anne has carried a deep sense of purpose throughout her career. She expresses gratitude for the opportunity to give back and continues to be inspired by the ability of Community Action to bring safety, stability, and opportunity to others.

Through their years of service with Rural Resources and the broader Community Action movement, Ryan and Anne have shown both professional and deeply personal commitment to this work. They understand firsthand that there are moments in all our lives when we need someone to lean on, and they have dedicated their careers to being that source of empathy, understanding, and purpose for others. Ryan and Anne’s unwavering support of program participants and Rural Resources staff alike reflects their shared belief that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect, and that access to the right resources at the right time can create meaningful, lasting change.

Ryan and Anne’s leadership and dedication to this work help ensure that the individuals we serve are not only supported, but empowered to live with greater stability, independence, and hope. We applaud them for earning their Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) credentials and for their continued commitment to strengthening our communities. Their work embodies the very heart of Community Action—advancing opportunity, restoring dignity, and helping build a stronger future for all.