To the editor:
This year represents the 50th anniversary of the formal fight against poverty. The Community Action Program concept was established by President Lyndon B. Johnson with the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964. When created, Community Action Programs were charged with eliminating the causes and conditions of poverty. That mandate still exists, and Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. (ACAP) responds to it by offering services that address poverty in a comprehensive way.
Aroostook County Action Program was organized in 1972 and is one of 10 Community Action Programs in Maine and one of approximately 1,000 nationwide. ACAP provides the people of Aroostook County with services and resources that help individuals and families achieve greater economic independence. As a leader, or in partnership with others, ACAP provides guidance to the community in responding to emerging human needs. These services are provided in the areas of: community services, employment and training, energy and housing, and family services.
In order to better respond to these emerging human needs, ACAP conducts a community needs assessment survey on a fairly regular basis. This survey guides ACAP’s administration and board of directors in the assessment and development of programs and services to meet the needs of the people of Aroostook County.
With today’s economy, unemployment rates, and other challenges, the efforts of Community Action agencies are even more needed. For this reason, everyone’s voice is more important than ever.
Hard copies of the 2014 Community Needs Assessment Survey are now available at our offices in Houlton (91 Military Street), Fort Kent (40 Alfalfa Street, Suite 102), Madawaska (88 Fox Street), and Presque Isle (771 Main Street). In addition, the survey may be accessed from our website at www.acap-me.org or directly at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8SN5NDJ.
The survey will be open until Friday, Feb. 14. The survey is completely anonymous and does not affect anyone’s eligibility for services from ACAP.
Kimberly R. Smith, MSB,
resource developer
Aroostook County Action Program
