"Helping People. Changing Lives."

Family and Youth programs assist individuals and families who are struggling to make ends meet. Case workers in two offices help clients set their own goals and build a plan of action. Through advocacy and referrals to over 40 health and human service agencies throughout the county, CAP connects people with the resources they need to maintain stable housing and employment, and to meet basic family needs. If you live in Madison County, CAP is here to help.

CAP is excited to announce a new employment services program!

Employment Services

Whether you're new to the workforce, trying to get back into the workforce, or have worked all your life, Community Action Partnership offers employment services that help you get a job, keep a job or get a better job.  CAP employment services include:

-Resume Building
-Job Search
-Interviewing Skills & Tips
-Professionalism & Making a Good First Impression
-Professional Clothing Closet
-One-on-one Assistance

To receive employment services at CAP, you need to live, work or be looking for work in Madison County and meet the income guidelines below.  For more information or to meet with an employment counselor, please contact Jodee Osborne in Canastota (697-3588) or Kim Krula in Morrisville (684-7862).

Income Guidelines

Family Size     Maximum Gross
                          Income/Year

1                                     $21,660
2                                     $29,140
3                                     $36,620
4                                     $44,100
5                                     $51,580
6                                     $59,060
7                                     $66,540
8                                     $74,020

For family units with more than 8 members, add $7,480 for each additional family member.

Housing
Unexpected events (illness, loss of employment, rising costs) can result in a housing crisis for families. CAP offers:

• Housing counseling – listing of available rentals; referrals to Section 8 subsidies.

• Assistance with rent, security deposits, and utilities based on income eligibility. (Eligibility Requirements )
  
• Housing location for homeless individuals or families.

• Transitional apartments for families with children.
  
  

 Food
For families and individuals who are going hungry in Madison County, CAP provides:

• Access to the federal food stamp program through an outreach worker supported by a grant from the Nutrition Outreach and Education Program. CAP has developed a web-based screening and application process for food stamps. (Click Here)

• Coordination of county-wide food pantries (including one located at our 3 East Main, Morrisville office) which provide up to three days of emergency food assistance for families in need.

• Grocery vouchers for emergency food assistance.

• Assistance to maintain a vehicle which may include repairs, gas vouchers, insurance payments, registration, and defensive driving courses. 
  
• Keys to Work – a vehicle purchase program supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor in partnership with Morrisville State College and Alliance Bank. (Click here for more information)

Family Action
For those families experiencing serious economic and emotional stressors, CAP offers:

• Family reunification and preservation services to maintain a stable home for children within the family.
• Voluntary home-based program partnering with families to determine a goal plan to achieve healthy self-reliance.

• Budget and credit counseling is offered to all consumers.
• Free voluntary income tax assistance (VITA) through a partnership with Colgate University and Department of Social Services for all recipients of the Earned Income Tax Credit.

• Information, referral, and support.
• Specialized staff to assist families who have children with developmental disabilities or who are seeking to understand the Committee on Special Education (CSE) process.

Services for Youth
For youth in need of additional support from outside the family network, CAP has developed:

Mentoring program for children ages 8 to 16 providing positive role models, consistent support, development of meaningful social relationships, and enhanced school achievement.

Mentoring matches are based on specific needs, compatible interests, and geographic location.

Limited funding for camp scholarships and extra-curricular activities may be available.

Informational and Helpful Links

The following informational articles were written and provided by Madison County's Promise, The Alliance for Youth:

Underage Drinking Norms and Call to Action (September 2009)

It's Time to Talk to Our Youth About Underage Drinking (May 2009)

An Open Letter to Parents About Underage Drinking (March 2009)

Prescription Drugs and Young People (March 2009)

Do You Know How to Properly Dispose of Your Old Medications? (March 2009)