Our History
The year is 1964. Lyndon B. Johnson is President. The Beatles hold the top five positions on the Billboard Top 40, we are deep into the Vietnam War, and the average cost of a new home is around $13,000.
Twenty three percent of all children in the US are living in poverty and political forces demand change. August 20, 1964, President Johnson signs the Economic Opportunity Act in the White House Rose Garden.
This Act establishes the Office of Economic Opportunity to direct and coordinate a variety of educational, employment, and training programs. These concepts are the foundation of President Johnson’s “War on Poverty.” The plan is to fund local Community Action Programs as the primary vehicle to end the war. Community Action Programs are to be overseen by a board made up of residents in the neighborhood being served. This gives people a voice and allows them a direct say in how their funds are to be spent and establish the top priorities.
Overview
You can see the imprint of Community Action Programs (CAP) throughout the country. Upon declaration of the “War on Poverty,” which resulted from the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson created what has grown to over 1,000 of these Community Action Agencies across the nation – together Helping People, Changing Lives.
Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County has been partnering with low-income families and individuals to help them achieve economic and social stability; to build community, and to advocate for social and economic justice since 1967 and has a rich history and strong allies here in Sonoma County.
Our Mission Statement
Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County partners with the community to empower low-income families through community engagement, health and wellness, education and financial stability strategies
Our Vision
Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County strives to eliminate poverty and invests in families through partnerships, advocacy and high-impact programs.
Our Promise
Community Action changes people’s lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Join Us
We invite you to join us by becoming a Community Action Supporter by volunteering, advocating, or making a donation.
To learn more, take a tour of our programs or simply come in to visit and chat, contact Vince at vharper@capsonoma.org
