KENNEBEC VALLEY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM
Helping people, changing lives
Programs and results
What we aim to solve
Since its inception in 1965, the Kennebec Valley Community Action Program (KVCAP) has worked to meet its mission of addressing poverty at the individual, family and community level.
KVCAP provides services to residents in Kennebec, Somerset, Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties. This large, diverse area is a microcosm of Maine: forestlands, mill towns, retail centers, and beach towns. In some places, such as the rural and manufacturing communities of Somerset County, economic challenges threaten entire towns and poverty is widespread. In other places, such as coastal Lincoln and Sagadahoc counties, poverty exists in hidden pockets. Individual households and residents struggle despite their proximity to vast wealth. Between those extremes, residents of Kennebec County experience both the challenges and opportunities of metropolitan life: access to greater economic and educational opportunities but higher crime and deeper poverty.
Our programs
What are the organization's current programs, how do they measure success, and who do the programs serve?
Energy & Housing Services
KVCAP Energy & Housing Services Energy and Housing Services is dedicated to developing strategies for those struggling with economic insecurity and working families in the community to: improve energy efficiency to reduce the energy burden; support affordable housing; and sustain opportunities for home ownership.
This is done through a variety of education/assistance programs, such as Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Low Income Assistance Program (LIAP), Emergency Crisis Intervention Program (ECIP), Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP), Weatherization, Home Repair, CMP Line Extension Assistance Program, DEP Home Heating Oil Tank Replacement Program, Foreclosure Counseling, Homebuyer Education, and Affordable Housing Development.
Social Services
KVCAP Social Services department provides support and education for families and children though the Maine Families Home Visiting program and the Family Enrichment Council of Kennebec/Somerset Counties.
Maine Families Home Visiting works in partnership with expectant parents and parents of babies and toddlers to ensure safe home environments, promote healthy growth and development for babies and young children, and provide key connections to needed services. Participation is voluntary and free of charge.
The Family Enrichment Council of Kennebec/Somerset Counties provides a variety of education for parents, children and providers. The mission of the Council is to prevent child abuse and neglect.
Transportation Services
KVCAP Transportation Services is the only large-scale provider of affordable, accessible public transportation in Kennebec and Somerset Counties.
The Kennebec Explorer is a flex-route public bus service operating throughout the Greater Waterville-Augusta Region. This redesigned service uses mid-sized, air conditioned buses with state-of-the-art accessibility. Routes offer convenient, affordable transportation for the general public. No advance notice or eligibility requirements apply.
The Somerset Explorer Public Bus System provides flex-route public bus service throughout the greater Skowhegan area three days a week.
The KV Van offers door-to-door service for income eligible, elderly and/or disabled passengers traveling to doctor’s offices, hospitals, adult day care, community workshops, mental health facilities and other medical, therapeutic, and developmental services. Passengers ride in accessible vans and buses or in the private vehicles of volunteer drivers.
Community Initiatives
Community Initiatives partners with a variety of organizations, businesses, churches, coalitions, and community members to increase opportunities for youth, adults and families, especially those living in poverty. Current programs and initiatives include the South End Teen Center; Resource Navigator program; and coordinating the Poverty Action Coalition.
The South End Teen Center offers a safe after school environment for teens in grades 6-12, including meals/snacks, a computer lab, recreational activities, field trips and much more. The South End Teen Center (SETC) works in collaboration with and as a unit of the Waterville Boys and Girls Club. During summer months, the SETC offers its Summer Blast series of field trips and serves as a site for the Waterville School system’s free summer lunch program.
The Poverty Action Coalition is a grassroots group of individuals and service providers to work to address poverty-related challenges in the greater Waterville area.
Child & Family Services
KVCAP Child & Family Services provides comprehensive, high quality early care and education for children (ages birth to 5 years) in public school based care, Educare Central Maine, and through home visiting throughout northern Kennebec and Somerset Counties. The verarching goal is to increase social competence and school readiness skills of children so they acquire the skills necessary for success in public school. A range of service options include preschool collaborations with public schools that offer integrated curriculum and easy transition to kindergarten. The program prioritizes low-income families eligible for Early/Head Start and child care, yet serves all income levels through a universal design.
Where we work
Awards
Agency of the Year 2017
Crisis & Counseling Centers
Community Partner Award 2023
Heart of Maine United Way
Affiliations & memberships
NeighborWorks Charter Member 1999
External reviews
Our results
How does this organization measure their results? It's a hard question but an important one.
Evaluation documents
Download evaluation reportsNumber of clients served
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Seniors, Families, Economically disadvantaged people
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Total number of volunteer hours contributed to the organization
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Number of youth receiving services (e.g., groups, skills and job training, etc.) with youths living in their community
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
At-risk youth
Related Program
Community Initiatives
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
These youth were active members of our South End Teen Center and ranged from grade 6 to grade 12. While membership has decreased, the frequency of attendance of members has significantly increased.
Number of rides provided through the Kennebec/Somerset Explorer public bus system.
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Adults, Economically disadvantaged people
Related Program
Transportation Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
We are restructuring this service in FY2024 to increase efficiency and ease of use.
Number of non-emergency miles driven, bringing people to medical and social services appointments and programs.
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Seniors, Economically disadvantaged people, People with diseases and illnesses
Related Program
Transportation Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Increasing
Number of organizational partners
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Input - describing resources we use
Direction of Success
Increasing
Context Notes
This includes both formal and informal partnerships with other non-profits, school systems, businesses, and community groups and coalitions.
Number of households that were warmer because of our Fuel Assistance Program.
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Economically disadvantaged people
Related Program
Energy & Housing Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
2015 - 2021 data reflects number of people, NOT number of households that received Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) services.
Number of children who had access to high-quality early childhood education birth to age 5.
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Infants and toddlers
Related Program
Child & Family Services
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Number of parents who increased their parenting skills as a result of programming efforts.
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Population(s) Served
Caregivers, Families
Type of Metric
Outcome - describing the effects on people or issues
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Number of press releases developed and distributed
This metric is no longer tracked.Totals By Year
Type of Metric
Output - describing our activities and reach
Direction of Success
Holding steady
Context Notes
Press release contents vary from program information, upcoming agency events, and changes in leadership. The goal of press releases is to increase communication with our clients and the community.
Our Sustainable Development Goals
Learn more about Sustainable Development Goals.
Goals & Strategy
Reports and documents
Download strategic planLearn about the organization's key goals, strategies, capabilities, and progress.
Charting impact
Four powerful questions that require reflection about what really matters - results.
What is the organization aiming to accomplish?
KVCAP's Mission is to strengthen individuals, families and communities through direct services and community collaborations that create solutions to poverty.
KVCAP's vision for the Kennebec Valley Region is thriving communities made up of individuals and families who are healthy, financially secure and able to reach their fullest potential.
What are the organization's key strategies for making this happen?
Strategic Goals & Objectives October 2022 - September 2025
Goal I. Strengthen systemic infrastructure to support organizational growth. (Agency)
A. Multi-Year Objectives - Human Resources
1. Create a succession plan with identified training strategies to ensure critical leadership needs are met.
2. Streamline hiring process to align with industry best practices to reduce time to hire.
3. Engage in department-specific internship and/or apprenticeship programs that include job development and professional development by utilizing higher education institutions and select businesses within the KVCAP catchment area.
4. Ensure compensation and benefits are at or above competitive market rates.
B. Multi-Year Objective - Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA)
1. Complete an evaluation of systemic structures and create strategies to increase diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility in both internal and external processes.
C. Multi-Year Objective - Resource Development and Community Engagement
1. Enhance resource development and community engagement systems to address the needs of the organization and ensure long-term sustainability.
D. Multi-Year Objective - Data Management & Modernization
1. Create uniformity in collecting, tracking, and reporting KVCAP data through three key areas: Data Collection, Data Storage, and Data Analytics/Reporting.
Goal II. Increase availability of safe and affordable housing. (Community)
A. Multi-Year Objective Housing Development
1. Create 3-5 new real estate development projects by 2025
B. Multi-Year Objective Housing Rehabilitation
1. Increase the capacity to weatherize and repair local housing stock.
Goal III. Increase family stability through a Whole Family approach. (Individual/Family)
A. Multi-Year Objective Family Stability
1. Increase the number of families moving from crisis or vulnerable to stable, safe or
thriving as measured by the Success Measures tool
2. Secure additional funding sources to support expansion efforts.
B. Multi-Year Objective Workforce
1. Increase the number of families in the workforce.
C. Multi-Year Objective Staff Professional Development
1. Increase number of staff with knowledge and skills of a whole family philosophy
Goal IV. Enhance transportation options in Kennebec and Somerset counties. (Community)
A. Multi-Year Objectives Public Transportation
1. Enhance rural transit options
2. Expand services in and between the 3 service center areas.
3. Secure additional funding sources to support expansion efforts
What are the organization's capabilities for doing this?
KVCAP is part of a network of more than 1,000 Community Action Agencies throughout the United States. As the Community Action agency for central Maine, it has extensive experience – over 58 years – developing and implementing programs to help low-income people become financially and socially self-sufficient and managing both federal and state contracts. KVCAP has developed a positive reputation with other non-profit organizations, businesses, local and statewide coalitions, municipalities, school districts, and the community at large. As a result, KVCAP partners with many different groups to implement the broad range of services that they provide to residents in our catchment area.
The organization has a long history of implementing successful programming designed to help low-income residents build their social and economic security. Over the years, programming has evolved to meet the needs of the specific communities served. Some programs have been present since the 1960's, such as Head Start and public transportation. These valuable programs have grown and expanded to meet current needs. Other programs were developed more recently to address identified needs at the local level, such as the South End Teen Center and the Resource Navigator program, which is designed to help clients people navigate the various resources available to them.
KVCAP's Senior Management Team is comprised of the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer of Community Services, Chief Operating Officer of Child & Family Services, Chief Financial Officer, and Chief Administrative Officer. Combined they have over 100 years of experience at KVCAP in managerial positions, providing direct oversight of programs and contracts for much of that time. KVCAP has an extensive history and clear process for providing staff supervision in all programs. The agency also adheres to the 58 Organizational Standards that are required by all community action agencies to follow.
KVCAP has an extensive history of demonstrating its ability to obtain financial resources for the wide variety of programming offered through the agency. KVCAP has a long track record of securing federal, state, local, and private funds. They have a Federal DHHS approved indirect rate that is used to support our Finance Department, Human Resources Department, Information and Technology Department, and general Administration that ensures that contract management is performed effectively. KVCAP undergoes a full financial audit annually, utilizing external professional services. The most recently completed financial audit for FY 2022 indicated a strong financial position and there were no audit findings.
What have they accomplished so far and what's next?
Since 1965, KVCAP has helped more than 800,000 Central Maine residents improve their social and economic well-being.
Notable statistics for FY2023 include:
*556 children (birth 5) increased their readiness for school success; children received 425,380 hours of quality early care and education services.
*9,513 households were warmer in the winter by participating in the KVCAP Fuel Assistance Program.
*KV Van and volunteer drivers made 234,765 trips bringing low-income residents to medical appointments; they drove 5 million miles.
*The Kennebec and Somerset Explorer public transit system provided 36,934 rides.
*1,002 caregivers participated in virtual parenting classes.
*Ongoing development of affordable rental housing in Hartland and Waterville, Maine, and affordable green homes at Cony Village in Augusta, Maine.
KVCAP has developed successful, working partnerships with other area providers, understanding that no single entity can tackle the vast issue of alleviating poverty in a silo. These partnerships have lead to some notable outcomes, such as the creation of the new Educare Central Maine, a state-of-the-art early childhood education facility; the transformation of the historic Gerald Hotel into affordable housing for seniors in Fairfield, Maine; and the expansion of public transportation throughout Kennebec and Somerset Counties.
How we listen
Seeking feedback from people served makes programs more responsive and effective. Here’s how this organization is listening.
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How is your organization using feedback from the people you serve?
To identify and remedy poor client service experiences, To identify bright spots and enhance positive service experiences, To make fundamental changes to our programs and/or operations, To inform the development of new programs/projects, To identify where we are less inclusive or equitable across demographic groups, To strengthen relationships with the people we serve, To understand people's needs and how we can help them achieve their goals, This data is also used to help develop our 3 year strategic plans.
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Which of the following feedback practices does your organization routinely carry out?
We collect feedback from the people we serve at least annually, We take steps to get feedback from marginalized or under-represented people, We aim to collect feedback from as many people we serve as possible, We take steps to ensure people feel comfortable being honest with us, We look for patterns in feedback based on demographics (e.g., race, age, gender, etc.), We look for patterns in feedback based on people’s interactions with us (e.g., site, frequency of service, etc.), We engage the people who provide feedback in looking for ways we can improve in response, We act on the feedback we receive, We share the feedback we received with the people we serve
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What challenges does the organization face when collecting feedback?
We don't have any major challenges to collecting feedback
Financials
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Operations
The people, governance practices, and partners that make the organization tick.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
Connect with nonprofit leaders
SubscribeBuild relationships with key people who manage and lead nonprofit organizations with GuideStar Pro. Try a low commitment monthly plan today.
- Analyze a variety of pre-calculated financial metrics
- Access beautifully interactive analysis and comparison tools
- Compare nonprofit financials to similar organizations
Want to see how you can enhance your nonprofit research and unlock more insights? Learn More about GuideStar Pro.
KENNEBEC VALLEY COMMUNITY ACTION PROGRAM
Board of directorsas of 02/27/2024
Mr. Michael Mitchell
Therapist - Private Practice
Term: 2020 - 2025
Denver Brown
Reitred
Richard Staples
Private Practice
Flavia DeBrito
Maine Equal Justice
Pamela Thompson
Thomas College
Erica Deering
MaineGeneral Health
Richard St. Pierre
The Wishcamper Co.
Heather Merrow
Lakewood Continuing Care
Joel Alexander
Better Homes and Gardens the Masiello Group
Betty St. Hilaire
Maine General Health
Dennis Carrillo
Capitol City Law
James Alberico
Skowhegan Savings Bank
Bobby-Jo Bechard
LINC Center
Thomas McAdam
Kennebec Behavioral Health
Mary-Gene Rumery
Head Start Policy Council
Board leadership practices
GuideStar worked with BoardSource, the national leader in nonprofit board leadership and governance, to create this section.
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Board orientation and education
Does the board conduct a formal orientation for new board members and require all board members to sign a written agreement regarding their roles, responsibilities, and expectations? Yes -
CEO oversight
Has the board conducted a formal, written assessment of the chief executive within the past year ? Yes -
Ethics and transparency
Have the board and senior staff reviewed the conflict-of-interest policy and completed and signed disclosure statements in the past year? Yes -
Board composition
Does the board ensure an inclusive board member recruitment process that results in diversity of thought and leadership? Yes -
Board performance
Has the board conducted a formal, written self-assessment of its performance within the past three years? Yes
Organizational demographics
Who works and leads organizations that serve our diverse communities? Candid partnered with CHANGE Philanthropy on this demographic section.
Leadership
The organization's leader identifies as:
Race & ethnicity
Gender identity
Transgender Identity
Sexual orientation
Disability
No data
Equity strategies
Last updated: 05/08/2023GuideStar partnered with Equity in the Center - an organization that works to shift mindsets, practices, and systems to increase racial equity - to create this section. Learn more
- We disaggregate data to adjust programming goals to keep pace with changing needs of the communities we support.
- We employ non-traditional ways of gathering feedback on programs and trainings, which may include interviews, roundtables, and external reviews with/by community stakeholders.
- We have long-term strategic plans and measurable goals for creating a culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.
- We seek individuals from various race backgrounds for board and executive director/CEO positions within our organization.
- We have community representation at the board level, either on the board itself or through a community advisory board.
- We help senior leadership understand how to be inclusive leaders with learning approaches that emphasize reflection, iteration, and adaptability.
- We engage everyone, from the board to staff levels of the organization, in race equity work and ensure that individuals understand their roles in creating culture such that one’s race identity has no influence on how they fare within the organization.