RurAL CAP Receives Master Innovator Award from Community Action Partnership
The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. received the 2013 Community Economic Development Entrepreneurship and Innovation Award in the Master Innovator category from the Community Action Partnership. RurAL CAP was recently honored at the Partnership's 2013 Annual Convention in Chicago. RurAL CAP is a part of a national network that provides services and programs to low-income people and families.
Winning projects were evaluated on effectiveness in job creation, asset building and economic impact on low-income communities. RurAL CAP was recognized for four innovative programs: Fairview Affordable Housing Project, serving low-income people in Anchorage; Rural Energy Enterprises, a wholly owned subsidiary of RurAL CAP and wholesale distributor of energy-efficient products; Karluk Manor which is a housing first facility providing safe housing to the homeless population; and Energy Wise, a comprehensive residential energy-efficiency and conservation education program.
"In many communities, the Community Action Agencies are THE go-to organization for helping people, creating jobs and improving communities—and this role increases during challenging economic times," said David Hardenbergh, Executive Director of RurAL CAP. "We're proud that our program has been cited as one of the best in the country and that it's making a considerable positive impact in our communities throughout Alaska both financially and personally."
The award, created in 2010, honors Community Action Agencies (CAAs) for exemplary leadership and innovation in creating change for low-income people and families—specifically in economic development. It is part of the Partnership's Community Economic Development Exemplary Practice Initiative, funded by the federal Office of Community Services/Administration for Children and Families/U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
"Despite the fact that CAAs are under increased pressure due to budget cuts and growing requests for services, they are still leading the way in terms of novel approaches that are really helping low-income people and communities thrive," said Stacy Flowers, Director of Community Economic Development at the Community Action Partnership. "The award winners highlight CAAs' unique ability to spearhead programs that promote economic security and reduce poverty."
About Community Action Partnership
Based in Washington, DC, the Community Action Partnership provides training and other services to more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies across America that are helping low-income people and families improve their lives, strengthen their communities and embody the spirit of hope.
About RurAL CAP
The Rural Alaska Community Action Program, Inc. (RurAL CAP), founded in 1965, is a private, statewide, nonprofit organization working to improve the quality of life for low-income Alaskans.
RurAL CAP press release