Our Story

Bernice Mitchell Edwards has over 40 years of experience in program management and administration in the non-profit and social service field.

Mrs. Edwards’ association with First State Community Action Agency, Inc. began over 40 years ago as a head start parent. Her professional career started with First State Community Action Agency, Inc. (formerly known as Sussex County Community Action) December 1, 1978, obtaining several positions beginning as a Neighborhood Youth Supervisor, Housing Counselor, Community Development Director, Deputy Director to her current position as Executive Director. In this position, Mrs. Edwards, administers over twenty-one (21) anti-poverty programs with an annual operating budget of nearly 10 million dollars. With 182 plus employees, Mrs. Edwards is strongly committed to the mission of First State Community Action Agency, Inc.

Mrs. Edwards presently serves on the Human Relations Commission, Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Organization of Sussex County, Sunshine Circle Club, Georgetown-Millsboro Rotary Club, Sussex County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Delaware Access to Justice Coalition, Member of Board of Trustees of the Biggs Museum, Board of Sussex County Health Coalition, Delaware Racial Justice Collaborative (DRJC), Cape Henlopen Minority Advisory Committee.

Mrs. Edwards has an Associate Degree in Human Services, Delaware Technical and Community College, Bachelor of Science Degree of Behavioral Science, Wilmington University, University of Delaware, Completion of Community Development Certificate Course. Mrs. Edwards the widow of Willie James Edwards, Sr., and has two children – Christa and Willie, Jr., five grandchildren and five great grandchildren.