PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — On Aug. 20, 1964 in Washington, D.C., President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act which established a variety of programs as part of his war on poverty, including community action agencies. Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. (ACAP) was founded in 1972 as a community action agency to serve Aroostook County in addressing local poverty issues.
“ACAP’s track record in Aroostook County over the last 42 years highlights the positive impact we have had assisting our neighbors through a variety of financial and personal challenges,” said Connie Sandstrom, executive director. “We help thousands of individuals every year achieve greater economic independence by responding to emerging human needs with programs such as Head Start, Early Head Start, Low-Income Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), WIC (Supplemental Food for Women, Infants and Children), case management services, energy audits, homeownership education, employment and training services, and more.”
During 2014, community action agencies across the country are commemorating the 50th anniversary of Community Action. In addition, the month of May is National Community Action Month. ACAP is actively celebrating the occasion as well. On May 5, Presque Isle’s City Council issued a proclamation declaring May as Community Action Month in the City in recognition on ACAP’s hard work and dedication.
The employees of ACAP are also actively declaring their pride in being able to assist those in need in Aroostook County. On May 4, a team of ACAP employees and friends participated in the second annual Safe Homes Aroostook “Move to End Homelessness” walk. The event was sponsored in part by Healthy Aroostook, a Healthy Maine Partnership and program of ACAP, which provided pedometers to participants.
Visitors to ACAP’s main office at 771 Main St. in Presque Isle during the month of May will instantly be aware of the celebration and the employee’s satisfaction and pleasure at being able to provide services to make life better for others. Around the mission statement on the entry wall are posted over 100 word balloons from employees and clients alike. Employees all completed the phrase “I make life better for clients by….” and clients answered how ACAP made their lives better.
For more information on ACAP and its services and programs, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, visit ACAP at www.acap-me.org or call 764-3721.
