History of CAPP
What is Community Action?
The Community Action Partnership of Northeast Missouri (CAPNEMO)
In 1964, the federal government initiated a wide-reaching program aimed at improving the lives of all Americans, regardless of their circumstances. This vision, which followed President Kennedy’s New Frontier, sought to fulfill the promise of equal opportunity for all citizens. In August of that year, the Economic Opportunity Act was signed into law, creating the nationwide Community Action Network.
Addressing Economic Inequality
In 1963, just before President Kennedy’s passing, he tasked his economic advisors with developing proposals to address the issue of economic inequality in America. President Johnson, upon succeeding Kennedy, took on this responsibility and, in his first State of the Union address on June 8, 1964, called for a comprehensive effort to combat economic hardship. Building on Kennedy’s original proposals, Johnson introduced the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, which established several critical initiatives aimed at fostering greater economic stability:
Head Start
Job Corps
Work-Study program for university students
VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America)
Neighborhood Youth Corps
Basic education and adult job training
Community Action Programs (CAP)
The Economic Opportunity Act was groundbreaking legislation, but it was allocated only about $1 billion to fund the various programs, which proved insufficient. By 1966, Congress increased funding to $4 billion for these efforts.
Community Action: A New Model
Community Action represented a bold step forward in reshaping the federal approach to assistance. It emphasized a decentralized model, allowing local communities to design programs specifically tailored to meet their needs. This “maximum feasible participation” approach gave individuals in economically disadvantaged areas a direct role in shaping the solutions that would best support their well-being. The local community's involvement was crucial in making these programs effective, and it marked a shift from previous methods of top-down decision-making.
President Johnson appointed Sargent Shriver, a respected leader with a background in international service, to lead the newly established Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) in October 1964. Shriver worked with a dedicated team of advisors, including author Michael Harrington, to design and implement policies aimed at addressing the root causes of economic inequality.
Adapting and Evolving
The Community Action model was inspired by successful urban renewal projects and community development efforts. One key element of these programs was the active participation of low-income citizens in designing and managing the programs that would serve them. The focus was on self-empowerment and ensuring that the voices of the community were heard at every stage.
In 1967, the Economic Opportunity Act was amended to include provisions that formalized the tripartite governance structure of community action agencies, ensuring local community members had a direct voice in program decisions.
Changes and Continuing Impact
In 1981, the introduction of Block Grants shifted the way federal funding was distributed to local agencies, placing more responsibility on state offices and increasing oversight. Despite challenges in funding, CAPNEMO and other Community Action programs continue to play a vital role in providing services and support to individuals and families in need.
Over the years, efforts to improve accountability and transparency have continued. The National Community Action Partnership now promotes the use of the Results Oriented Management and Accountability (ROMA) framework to enhance the effectiveness of Community Action Agencies and ensure they meet the needs of those they serve.
Ongoing Commitment to Local Empowerment
The principle of maximum feasible participation remains at the heart of Community Action today. Local boards, representing all segments of the community, ensure that programs remain responsive to the evolving needs of residents.
Thanks to the dedication of those who continue to advance this mission, CAPNEMO provides affordable housing and support for residents across Adair, Knox, Schuyler, Scotland, and Clark counties. Through a variety of assistance programs, CAPNEMO works to strengthen families, support economic growth, and provide safe, stable housing to the most vulnerable members of the community.