Macon-Russell Community Action Agency, Inc. was created in June 1965 as Macon-County Community Action Agency, Inc., because of the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 by President Lyndon B. Johnson. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 created the Community Action Network of national and locally focused organizations that connect millions of children and families to greater opportunity.

The initial focus for the agency was and still is the welfare of low-income individuals and families of Macon and Russell Counties. 

Beulah C. Johnson was the first Executive Director, with Roselyn Price becoming the Deputy Director. The initial core programs operated by Macon-County Community Action Agency , Inc. included: housing, daycare, Head Start, home repair, rolling medical center, and outreach activities. 

The agency operated the Made N Macon shop which allowed seniors the opportunity to come together at a certain location to share their talents in sewing, making of quilts and other novelty items.

The Vocational Program allowed students to attend vocational schools in Montgomery, Alabama and Opelika, Alabama. The agency provided the funds for tuition and transportation.

In 1974, the agency received the first pilot grant through the Alabama Department of Transportation to operate a rural transportation program in Macon County. The agency also began providing training programs for youth and young adults through the Department of Labor.

In 1974, the Community Development Corporation was established as the for-profit arm of the agency. One of the key initiatives was the “Beefalo Project with about 20 beefalo cattle were housed on Hwy. 10. Other projects included Babco Service Station and the Tuskegee Wholesale Company.

In 1981, the name was changed to Macon-Russell Community Action Agency, Inc.

Throughout the years, the agency has operated programs such as: 

• USDA Commodities
• Summer Feeding Program
• Summer Recreation Program for youth
• Soup Kitchens
• LIHEAP (Low Income Heating Energy Assistance Program)
• Prescription Assistance
• Homeless Assistance
• Weatherization
• Medicaid Waiver Program