1965: Founded to Serve Local Community Needs
SCAP was founded in 1965 to address the specific needs of families in Schenectady County. From the beginning, our mission was clear: help people help themselves by providing the tools and support needed to achieve economic independence and self-sufficiency.
Building Strong Community Partnerships
Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, SCAP established itself as an integral part of the Schenectady County community. We developed innovative approaches to serve local families, building partnerships with other agencies and organizations to maximize our impact and stretch resources to help as many people as possible.
Adapting to Serve Our Community
When federal funding became less reliable in the 1980s, SCAP demonstrated the resilience that defines our organization. We employed creative networking strategies, pooled resources with other local agencies, and pursued diverse funding sources to maintain and expand programs focused on increasing self-sufficiency, improving living conditions, and building strong family support systems.
Continued Growth and Innovation
The 1990s saw SCAP taking bold steps to advocate for our community. We conducted the first-ever Hunger Study in Schenectady County, providing crucial data to better understand and address local needs. This research-driven approach exemplified our commitment to evidence-based solutions for our neighbors.
Today: A Legacy of Empowerment
For 60 years, SCAP has remained true to our founding mission of helping people improve their own lives. Today, we continue to evolve and adapt our services to meet the changing needs of Schenectady County families, always with the goal of helping them achieve lasting economic independence.
