In 1965, local officials created TEAM, Inc. to combat poverty in the region and to help low-income families increase their self-sufficiency. Today, TEAM manages over a dozen programs that seek to improve the lives of economically vulnerable families. With its central office in Derby, the agency is an integral part of the regional social safety net. TEAM provides both direct service and referrals to other area agencies. A private, non-profit corporation, TEAM gives financial assistance, training, and supportive services to over 4,000 families in the region each year. Customers generally remain the poor, but the client base also includes parents, day care home providers, and frail elderly. TEAM, Inc. is one of twelve Community Action Agencies in Connecticut and one of about 1,000 nationwide.