The Bay Area Chamber of Commerce  Independent Business Operators luncheon on Wednesday in North Bend will feature a presentation to launch  Community Action Connect.

The new program would help vulnerable families to receive a variety of services and items that will allow them to rebuild their lives after a crisis or in a time of urgent need.

Sen. Joanne Verger, Rep. Arnie Roblan and Coos Bay Mayor Jeff McKeown will speak about the new initiative at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday at the Chamber’s weekly luncheon. This kick-off event will signal the beginning of Community Action’s new program focused on neighbors helping neighbors.

The program will explain how Community Action Connect will link people in need directly to local businesses and community members to provide items or funds that can help them improve their lives. Verger and Roblan also will discuss legislative issues.

Twenty businesses have become partners in this new program, by donating services or items. Business supporters include Yellow Cab, Colette’s: Good Food + Hungry Minds, Goodwill Industries, Curl Up N Dye, Books by the Bay, Shaklee, Awesome Cuts, Roger’s Zoo, Books by the Bay, Whoozit's Whatzit's Gadgets, Bi-Mart, McKay’s Fresh Mart, local programs such as the Department of Human Services Clothing Closet and Community Outreach, Bay Area Enterprises and the Salvation Army.

For more information on Community Action Connect, call 888-7171. The forum lunch will be held in the Salmon Room at The Mill Casino-Hotel in North Bend. To reserve a seat, call the chamber at 266-0868.