Governor Recognizes 45th Anniversary of Maine Community Action Organization
September 9, 2009
AUGUSTA – In a State House ceremony today, Governor John E. Baldacci welcomed officials of the Maine Community Action Organization (CAP), representatives from Maine’s Congressional Delegation offices and the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and other supporters to proclaim September as Community Action Month. The Governor recognized the 45 years of dedicated service of the Maine CAPs to people across the State.
“Maine CAPs fill an absolutely vital role in communities across this State and they’ve been a mainstay in our safety net for 45 years,” said Governor Baldacci. “They are one-stop shops where families can find support - from fuel assistance, to housing, to energy conservation and children’s programs. Thousands of families - each with their own story – are helped each year by Maine CAPs.”
According to Maine Community Action, its member agencies served more then 200,000 individuals in the past year. Among the many services offered by Maine CAPS, the agencies have been instrumental in providing fuel assistance through the Keep ME Warm program. They also provide resources to individuals and families through critical job skills training, early childhood education through Head Start and health services.
“In these very challenging economic times, there is no better time to recognize the important work that Maine CAPs do every day,” said the Governor. “Now, more than ever, we need a strong CAP network working on behalf of our people.”
The Governor issued the following proclamation:
WHEREAS, community action agencies were created when the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 was signed into law; and
WHEREAS, community action agencies have for 45 years promoted self-sufficiency for the limited income; and
WHEREAS, community action agencies have made an essential contribution to individuals and families in Maine by providing them with innovative and cost-effective programs; and
WHEREAS, community action agencies are needed as major participants in the reform of the welfare system as we know it; and
WHEREAS, welfare reform in Maine has benefited from the State’s partnership with community action agencies; and
WHEREAS, those with limited income continue to need opportunities to improve their lives and their living conditions thus ensuring that all citizens are able to live in dignity; and
WHEREAS, Maine and the entire United States must continue to wage war on poverty by providing support and opportunities for all citizens in need of assistance,
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOHN E. BALDACCI, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim the month of September, 2009 as
COMMUNITY ACTION MONTH
throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize community action agencies’ 45 years of continued service to the people of Maine.
