Our History

Supporting Our Communities Since 1980

Inyo Mono Advocates for Community Action, Inc. (IMACA) was incorporated in June 1980 with a tri-partite Board of Directors, three staff people, and $16,000 a year. Established as a limited purpose agency, IMACA’s first tasks were to create a resource directory of services and a community needs assessment. The top priorities established through the needs assessment were housing and youth services.

In 1981, IMACA was officially designated as a Community Action Agency (CAA) by the federal government.  By 1987, we had a staff of 32, over 50 volunteers, and a budget of nearly one million dollars. The services provided during this time were focused on community-based services: housing, youth services, food distribution, energy crisis intervention, weatherization, community revitalization projects, and other programs.

Currently, IMACA operates food distributions across 15 towns throughout Inyo and Mono Counties, and provides energy bill assistance. A dedicated staff, along with community support and engagement, has been the cornerstone of IMACA’s success.  

IMACA is looking toward the future, ready to evolve with ever-changing needs and to meet funding challenges the current economic climate presents.