Richard English Jr. building at CAFI

Published 2:00 pm Saturday, February 25, 2023

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For over 40 years the Community Action for Improvement, Inc. (CAFI) has been serving Georgia residents in Carrollton, Coweta, Heard, Meriwether and Troup County with unrivaled service and rehabilitation.

In 2001, CAFI named its administrative facility in Troup County after long-time commissioner Richard English Jr. to honor his dedication and service to the organization. 

According to current county commission chairman Patrick Crews, English was the only African American commissioner in Troup County history at the time. 

English was first elected to the Troup County Board of Commissioners in 1978 and would go on the be the longest-serving commissioner on the Troup County Board of Commissioners, serving for 43 years as the District 5 chairman.

During his time, English would help spearhead the implementation of MLK Day in Troup County and help create an affirmative action program for employees in the county. 

Throughout his many years of service to Troup County, he has earned countless awards and recognition for his humanitarian work. In 2001, English was recognized in the Congressional Registry for his instrumental contributions to Georgia and the United States. He was the Chairman of the Community Action for Improvement Board (CAFI) for 35 years and the Chairman of the FEMA Board and Emergency Food and Shelter Program for 38 years.

English graduated from Speight High School in Fort Gaines, Georgia and later attended West Georgia Technical College. He is a United States Army veteran and worked locally as an independent contractor.

According to their website, since its creation, CAFI has helped more than one million residents through meticulously planned administration of social services, advocacy and community education. The organization works to empower citizens to become self-sufficient by offering programs and services that enable individuals and families to emerge from economic despair, prevent homelessness and enhance educational goals for an improved quality of life.