History

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Since the Community Action Partnership of Rockland County, Inc., inception in March of 1996 with the funding of the Community Service Block Grant, and Rockland County, the low income population of Rockland County has embraced our in-house motto: H.O.P.E - Helping Other People Exceed and they have.

Now, more than ever, individuals and families in need are struggling to survive. The passage of the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Act of 1996 has forever changed the structure of public assistance, thus presenting low-income persons and families in need with a multitude of challenges and difficult transitions. As a result of these complex changes, the role of the Community Action Partnership is being reinvented on a daily basis as we seek to assist Temporary Assistance for Needy Families recipients cope with these complex changes.

In addition to dealing with welfare reform and its changes, the persistent and plaguing problems that impoverished persons and families endure remain intact. Problems such as inadequate education, substandard housing, malnutrition, limited or no access to proper health care information and services, and a range of other psychological and physical barriers contribute to keeping people in poverty. The Community Action Partnership of Rockland County, Inc., assisted over 3,863 low-income families and individuals in Rockland last year. Families, at risk youth, and low-income persons were provided with vital services and referrals.

Current policies and procedures emphasis on strengthening the most fundamental unit within our society - THE FAMILY. CAPROC developed innovative strategies that efficiently and effectively addresses the needs of low-income individuals and families. In particular CAPROC is the Family Development and Resource Center in the heart of Spring Valley with a satellite in Haverstraw and serving all of Rockland County.

One the of the Community Action Partnership's goals is to move and motivate low-income individuals into the job market. Other related goals include development of support groups for participants to identify issues pertaining to job searches, and program expansion offering specialized training as well as general skill acquisition.

CAPROC has mechanisms that increase opportunities for self-employment, micro-business, and expansion of small business, development programs include job training, career development, and follow up assistance.

CAPROC has expanded and strengthened the Family Development components in all programs and increased family outreach services. Highlights of Family Development include educating parents on the importance of communication and fostering positive relationships with their children, community development with CAPROC leadership promoting and advocating conflict resolution, peer mediation, decision making, family development, and support skills.

While there are strengths in the local economy and growth is taking place, there is an incongruity between the current state and the direction of the economy and the abilities and the aspirations of those living in the community. CAPROC is focusing on developing a local economy and the abilities and the aspiration of those living in the community. CAPROC is focusing on developing a local economy and that is more inclusive and likely to accommodate the economic needs and capacities of all residents. CAPROC conducts monthly or quarterly public forums where shared goals for economic growth and inclusion are being discussed and fostered.

CAPROC has saved Rockland County thousands of dollars with each job placement in addition to revenue from the employee's contribution in the local income tax. This program has helped a number of people become independent and economically self-sufficient. Low-income persons and families have gained self-esteem and rebuilt shattered lives.

CAPROC employs 16 of Rockland's citizens and utilizes 55 volunteers. We are an active participant in the OJTP, Youth employment, Workfare and an advocate for volunteerism from the public and private sector. CAPROC has forged strong links with local businesses to assure business participation and give public recognition to businesses that provide good jobs and services. The agency has also developed mechanisms that increase opportunities for self-employment and micro business.

CAPROC contributions to the low-income population promote economic health to the entire community. There is a broad diversified economic base, higher rate of employment, and all sectors of the community benefit equally from the community's strong economy. CAPROC has created and collaborated with other agencies to ensure that education and training resources are available, accessible, and effective in preparing community members to participate in and contribute to the economic life and health of the community, there is a widely shared vision of a healthy and vibrant economy.

The beneficiaries of CAPROC services are all or any Rockland County low-income persons regardless of age, gender, ethnic or racial classification, or geographic location with a concentrated effort in the targeted areas of Spring Valley, Nyack, Haverstraw, Garnerville, and Hillburn.

Since a majority of our consumers do not have transportation, our Family Development and Resource Centers are located in the most centralized and accessible location in the county. The Outreach Team is mobilized into the targeted areas, utilizing churches and other agencies or existing space to insure that the low-income populations are reached.

The Community Action Partnership of Rockland County, Inc., embraces the Family Development Philosophy that supports integration of staff, linkages of programs and agencies working with the same clients as a team. CAPROC is currently integrating staff to umbrella services provided by each program to make services more comprehensive, meaningful, responsive and affective. CAPROC has linkages to various organizations and businesses in Rockland County. Integrating staff, linking programs and networking are proven effective methods to reduce duplication and waste, thus saving the state and county money.

CAPROC staff are trained and indoctrinated in the Family Development philosophy. This will ensure that every client who walks though the doors will receive effective and individualized services delivered with compassion and respect. Family development entails service provision of a personal support network. Staff diversity has fostered good relationship between the organization and the community and the ability to interact effectively with members of the English, Spanish, and Creole/French speaking communities. This personal support network will maximize strengths and create opportunities for individuals and families to become self-sufficient, independent, and productive members of society. CAPROC continually assessed the needs of the community and it was evident that affordable housing and adequate health care in the new millennium are major concerns. Resources have been mobilized and program development has been implemented to address these outstanding issues. The Community Action Partnership believes that all members of society should have access to affordable housing and healthcare. These fundamental issues are essential entitlements, which increases an individual's potential to experience fulfillment.

The Community Action Partnership of Rockland county, Inc., has proven to be an "oasis in desert" for many low-income persons who are un-served or underserved. The organization has significantly impacted the low-income population on a countywide basis and has changed behaviors that cause unemployment and dependency. The development of the human potential coupled with the Family Development model in all programs for low-income persons and family utilizing our services is unique in and of itself. As with Community Action Agencies, the Community Action Partnership of Rockland County, Inc., is committed to the mission of Helping People. Changing Lives

EXCELLENCE

We strive continually and together to excel in the eyes of our consumers and the community. We remain committed to measuring and achieving the highest possible levels of performance from ourselves and our organization.

TEAMWORK

As family of dedicated employees, volunteers and board members. We work together to foster teamwork, creativity, talent and individual growth.

SERVICE

We strive to provide personalized and caring services to every consumer every day. Each individual is treated with respect and dignity and every effort is made to uphold and protect our customers' right to participate in decisions.

EFFICIENCY

We commit our limited resources prudently in order that we can continue to make investments in our people, and in future growth.

INTEGRITY

We keep and protect confidential information as part of our commitment to the highest possible standards of ethical conduct. We are sincere and truthful.