Community Action Porgram of Evansville and Vanderburgh County, Inc (CAPE)

CAPE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping low-income families build lasting pathways to economic stability and well-being. The organization is governed by a tri-partite Board of Directors representing the public and private sectors and the communities servedand its mission is to expand opportunities and empower individuals to overcome poverty through programs and services such as early childhood education (Early Head Start and Head Start), food and basic provisions (Emergency Needs Food Pantries), utility assistance (Energy Assistance Program and Water Bill Assistance), weatherization, community health services, foreclosure mitigation, housing development, owner-occupied rehab, residential properties, and the Foster Grandparent Program. Founded in 1965, CAPE fosters upward mobility and strengthens families across Vanderburgh, Gibson, and Posey counties, helping them thrive. In 2024, CAPE supported more than 14,000 households in its service area. Its impact includes: •1,933 individuals served through Social Services •2,583 individuals supported through Emergency Food Pantries •7,540 individuals receiving Utility Assistance •493 children enrolled in Early Head Start/Head Start, receiving high-quality early childhood education. •2,219 individuals assisted through Housing Services. These numbers highlight CAPE's unwavering commitment to creating opportunities, breaking down barriers, and empowering families throughout the counties we serve. CAPE's major strategies are guided by its Strategic Plan, which focuses on 4 key priorities: building community awareness of CAPE's services, improving organizational efficiency through technology, expanding and diversifying funding sources to ensure long-term sustainability, and recruiting, retaining, and developing staff, recognizing that a strong workforce is indispensable to providing high-quality services. Regarding the target population, CAPE serves low-income individuals and families through a comprehensive network of programs. Depending on the program, eligibility is determined using federal income guidelines or Area Median Income (AMI) thresholds. The agency primarily serves households experiencing financial hardship, including families living at or below the federal poverty guidelines, households earning at or below 80% of the Area Median Income, and working families facing housing, energy, and economic challenges.

The mission of CAPE is one that encompasses the community as a whole. Our Agency addresses the customer’s needs in a non-judgmental and respectful manner to promote economic and social self-sufficiency. This mission is supported by employees committed to addressing the needs of the community we serve. Our objective is accomplished by collaboration with the community to provide tools, skills and services through programs that meet individual needs. Therefore, CAPE's core purpose is to help families build lasting pathways to economic stability and well-being. Guided by its mission, CAPE has promoted upward mobility and strengthened families across Vanderburgh, Gibson, and Posey counties for more than 60 years. In 2024, CAPE served more than 14,000 households through programs and services such as Affordable Housing, Food Pantries, Early Head Start, Head Start, Weatherization, Energy assistance, Community health services, Residential properties, and more, expanding opportunities and empowering individuals and families to overcome poverty and achieve long-term self-sufficiency.