The Arrowhead Economic Opportunity Agency (AEOA) is a private, nonprofit Community Action Agency with over 56 years as a major provider of self-sufficiency services to low-income and disadvantaged persons throughout Northeastern and Central Minnesota. AEOA's mission is to strengthen communities by providing opportunities for people experiencing social and economic challenges. This mission is based on the belief that all people should be treated with respect and given the same opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency. AEOA’s service delivery area includes twelve primarily rural counties, which make up the Arrowhead region: Aitkin, Carlton, Cass, Chisago, Cook, Crow Wing, Isanti, Itasca, Koochiching, Lake, Pine and St. Louis. Over the past five decades, the Agency has grown in response to community needs and currently offers a wide range of services through five major departments including Housing, Head Start, Senior and Nutrition Services, Employment and Training, and Transit. The Agency is governed by a 27-member Board of Directors representing an equal cross section of low-income individuals, public officials and private sector representatives. With an annual budget over $35 million, AEOA is one of Minnesota's largest non-profits.