Lower Columbia Community Action Program (CAP) was formed in 1964, as part of President Johnson’s War on Poverty.

Today there are over 1,100 community action programs across the nation, including 30 in Washington State, who carry on the legacy by helping people achieve their dreams for a better life.

Basic to the philosophy of community action is that communities identify and work together to solve their most pressing problems. Over the years, in response to needs in our community, Lower Columbia CAP has started a number of programs that grew into important, vital organizations themselves; including the Family Health Center, the Emergency Support Shelter, the Ethnic Support Council, Head Start, and the Saturday Farmers Market. For almost 50 years, Lower Columbia CAP has worked to realize it’s mission of “building healthy communities, one family at a time.”

A message from CAP Executive Director Ilona Kerby:

Ilona Kerby

Success means different things to different people. Success may mean achieving your GED, or building your own home, or getting your first living wage job. For an older person, it may mean living out your last years in the comfort and security of your own home. For a single, working parent, success may be finding safe and nurturing child care for her child. At CAP, we are in the business of helping people succeed in realizing their goals for a better life for themselves and their families. By giving them a hand up—not a hand out—CAP is helping people become successful in their lives, and that means a better, stronger, healthier community for us all. Their success is our success.

The Promise of Community Action

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.

CAP Partnership