The 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 help them in meeting their goals.

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 50 years to continue to respond to the pressing problems faced by low-income people across the nation, while seeking new and innovative ways to combat the causes, as well as the effects, of 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.