Human Services News

Community Action Partnership:

Thirteen individuals who fight poverty on the local level have received the Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) designation from the Washington, DC-based Community Action Partnership.

A national professional executive development strategy, the CCAP program recognizes exceptional Community Action leaders who are helping low-income people change their lives.

In order to become a CCAP, candidates must demonstrate a keen grasp of the history and mission of Community Action and innovative approaches for fighting poverty by completing a comprehensive candidate data form, developing an executive skills portfolio, and passing a written exam.

The program draws on the knowledge and insights of hundreds of local Community Action executive directors and senior-level staff who have developed, and continue to refine, each of the steps toward recognition as a Community Action professional.

All CCAPs commit themselves to the highest standards of behavior by signing the Community Action Code of Ethics.

The CCAP program was developed in 1991 to raise the profile and national awareness of the nation's most accomplished and motivated Community Action leaders.

"The CCAP program is a rigorous process that requires the advanced skill set and expertise our staff members have displayed for more than forty years fighting poverty on the local level," said Karen K. Lueck, CCAP, Chair of the CCAP Commission.

"It is a great way to acknowledge the extraordinary individuals who are working so hard to help others that they rarely take stock of what a positive impact they are having on the community."

CAAs care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.