Adirondack Community Action Programs,

Inc.

Community Action began when the Economic Opportunity Act (EQA) of 1964 was enacted.

The purpose of the statute was to "eliminate the causes and consequences of poverty in the United States". The Act established a federal Office of Economic Opportunity, formed state Economic Opportunity offices, and created the community-based organizations called Community Action Agencies.

Committee for Economic Improvement, Inc was established in 1965 as a Community Action Agency to serve the needs and advocate for all people in Essex County. The agency changed its name to Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. (ACAP) in 1999. ACAP assists families to become more self-sufficient through programs designed to assist them in meeting their goals. The agency is committed to providing services to children, adults, seniors and families. Its mission is to promote personal development, healthy interdependence and improved quality of life.

As an agency we no longer count the numbers of people served; instead, we measure our progress based on the degree of change in the people and community we serve. ACAP’s philosophy is to look at the strengths and values each person possesses and our relationship with families in our communities. We continue to change and grow to meet their needs. This outcome based measure determines our success and assures continued allocation of funding.

The core funding for Adirondack Community Action Programs, Inc. is the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG). CSBG was one of six block grant programs created under the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 when the federal government consolidated many domestic social programs. Community Action Agencies have worked for more then 38 years to continue to respond to the pressing problems faced by low-income people across the nation, while seeking new and effective ways to combat the causes, as well as the effects, of poverty.

It is estimated that 10% of all New York families live below the federal poverty level. In Essex County, 11.6% of all families live below the poverty level (US Census Bureau estimate 2001). This is staggering when you consider over 4,500 people in our community are living in poverty.

ACAP continues to mobilize resources, plan, and integrate programs and donations that best meet our community’s needs. By coordinating multiple programs and resources, ACAP achieves its mission working with families every day.