Liz Scharf

Founded in 1965, Capstone Community Action improves the lives of Vermonters in need by providing opportunities, education, and vital assistance. By breaking down the barriers that prevent people from thriving, we offer the hope people need, the dignity everyone deserves, and a better community for all. Capstone Community Action is part of a nationwide network of community action agencies (CAA) established by the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 in order to fight America’s War on Poverty. Today, there are nearly 1,000 CAAs across the United States. CAAs are a primary source of support for Americans who are living in poverty in both rural and urban areas. Capstone Community Action is one of five CAAs in Vermont. Capstone Community Action (formerly known as Central Vermont Community Action Council) has served low-income residents of Lamoille, Orange, and Washington Counties and nine communities in Windsor, Addison, and Rutland Counties. Over the years, Capstone has earned a reputation for leadership in education on poverty issues, advocacy on behalf of low-income families, and developing innovative strategies and programs to reduce poverty in Vermont. As a result, we rebranded in 2014 from Central Vermont Community Action Council, Inc. to Capstone Community Action, Inc. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, we provide a wide offering of programs and services for low to moderate income Vermonters aimed at reducing poverty and creating prosperity. The core source of funding for CAAs comes from the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) which channels federal funds through the states to local agencies to fight poverty and promote self-sufficiency. Nationally, CSBG funding accounts for less than 10 percent of CAA funding. We use these federal dollars to build and attract additional investments in their programs from state, local, and private sources.