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SCHENECTADY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM (SCAP) Deb Schimpf, 518-374-9181,dschimpf@scapny.org FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE SCAP REMINDS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN CRISIS THERE IS HOPE AND HELP AVAILABLE Marking the 46th anniversary of service to the community, the Schenectady Community Action Program (SCAP) reminds community members of the hope and help they provide to families and individuals who are in crisis or in need of assistance due to homelessness, unemployment or poverty. “There are thousands of people who walk through our doors each year,” said Executive Director Deb Schimpf. “In these stressful economic times, it is important to let the community know that SCAP is here to help. We are dedicated to ensuring each individual receives the assistance they need – whether it is homeless intervention, career readiness or referrals to supportive services. “ More than 16,000 individuals live in poverty in Schenectady County and nearly 80 percent of those are families with children. “SCAP services are multi-faceted and provide critical assistance that can help these individuals remove themselves from poverty and its devastating effects,” added Executive Director Schimpf. SCAP programs and services include: For community members in need of basic essentials such as food, clothing, shelter, and transportation, SCAP’s Crisis Intervention Services can help. Unemployed men and women can receive Career Readiness training. Participants gain the skills needed to find meaningful employment and succeed in the workplace. Nearly 100 percent of those who take the class graduate and over half find gainful employment. With SCAP Head Start, children aged three to five are better prepared to start school. SCAP currently has 276 children enrolled in three locations: Bigelow Avenue, Schenectady; Lincoln Elementary School, Scotia; and Bellevue Reformed Church, Schenectady. Additional benefits for these families range from receiving health screenings; connecting families to health care; providing services to children with disabilities such as speech, occupational and physical therapy; and helping families access community resources. In January, SCAP will add a fourth site at the Howe Early Childhood Learning Center, Schenectady, and will serve 45 additional children. Homeless individuals and families can find permanent housing with the goal of becoming self-reliant. Sojourn House offers supportive, transitional housing for up to 18 months to homeless pregnant women or women with children. Also, SCAP’s homeless prevention, intervention and rapid re-housing provide housing for the homeless or those facing eviction. In addition, SCAP provides permanent supportive housing for families with a disabled adult and SCAP community advocates help individuals apply for public assistance and other government programs. Executive Director Schimpf continued, “ SCAP collaborates with the City and County of Schenectady and numerous other community organizations to ensure that we effectively plan for and meet the diverse needs of the community and the individuals we serve. The SCAP mission is to help families help themselves so they can break the cycle of poverty.” Those who need help should contact SCAP by calling 518-374-9181 or visiting SCAP at 913 Albany Street, Schenectady. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and till 6:30 on Wednesday. For more information about SCAP programs and services go to our Website at www.scapny.org.
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