About Us
ACAP is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation registered in the state of New York. A variety of social services are provided to diverse cross sections of our community through ACAP's outreach offices in Albany and Cohoes as well as its numerous early childhood development classrooms throughout Albany County.
Mission Statement ACAP works in partnership with families and communities to empower people to achieve economic self-sufficiency and an improved quality of life.
ACAP’s History
Started in 1966, ACAP is one of New York’s 52 Community Action Agencies (CAA’s) and one of 1000 nationwide. CAA’s are independent nonprofit organizations designated by the federal government in 1964 to combat poverty in various locales. ACAP’s purpose as Albany County’s CAA remains the same today as when we opened our doors over 40 years ago, which is to offer connections and services that help economically vulnerable individuals strengthen their families through The Power of Change. As ACAP continues to expand and diversify our services and partnerships, we remain committed to our core values and mission – making ACAP an exceptionally accessible and safe place for people to seek a better way of life and a great place for our employees to maintain fulfilling careers.
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Kathleen Cloutier,
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What makes ACAP different?
Individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency by receiving a helping hand from ACAP, not a hand out. All of our programs and services strive to evoke The Power of Change in our customers. This approach encourages a belief in one’s self, and a long-term sense of empowerment. Once geared with this strength, we believe our customers can then break the cycle of poverty for themselves and future generations. For instance, when we provide Head Start/UPK and child care, we are also providing confidence and security to working parents. When we help customers pay or reduce energy costs, we are allowing for comfort and safety while freeing up income for other important household needs. When we set customers on specific career tracks, we are helping to provide them with marketable job skills that will last a lifetime!
What We Do
- ACAP provides centralized and comprehensive support services to local people in need
- ACAP unites all community support systems (governmental, nonprofit and corporate) to benefit each of our customers individually
- ACAP consistently reports a measurable impact on poverty in the local community
- ACAP involves the community and our customers in our operation and corporate direction
- ACAP provides living wage employment with comprehensive benefits and career growth opportunities to a staff of over 145
ACAP Customers
59% earn less than 100% of the Federal Poverty Threshold
44% have a single parent as the Head of Household
56% do not have health insurance
55% are working poor, earning less than $2,000 per month
34% often must choose between paying for food or housing
74% are renters, with nearly 50% of their income spent on housing
75% of our customers have a minimum of a GED, 5% have a college degree.
For more information about community action agencies, please click here.