About
History
SEK-CAP is a compassionate non-profit social service agency that has been unwavering in its commitment to eradicating poverty in Southeast Kansas since 1966. This legacy of over half a century stands as a testament to the relentless dedication of numerous employees, volunteers, and partners who’ve worked tirelessly to uplift our communities.
Our journey started in response to President Lyndon Johnson’s call to combat poverty, following the signing of the Economic Opportunity Act in 1964. This led to the formation of three organizations in Southeast Kansas: ABL, Inc., SEK-CAP, Inc., and SOCAP, serving various counties. These groups joined forces to become the Southeast Kansas Community Action Program. Over the years, we expanded our service areas, and today, we continue to serve 12 counties with the same passion and dedication that inspired our creation. Together, we are working towards a future where every person in our community has the support and opportunities they deserve.
Community Action
Understanding the unique needs of our communities, we have developed an array of services focusing on areas such as housing, utilities, transportation, employment, child care, education, nutrition, and raising awareness of community resources. Every initiative we undertake is designed with one goal in mind: to provide opportunities that strengthen our communities and improve lives.
As a proud member of the National Community Action Partnership, which represents over 1,000 agencies, we are staunch advocates for innovation and civic participation. Among the eight Kansas organizations designated to receive Community Service Block Grants (CSBG), SEK-CAP holds a leadership position, underlining our significant role in the state’s socioeconomic landscape.
Our Mission
SEK-CAP addresses the causes and effects of poverty by uniting staff, individuals, families and community partners to provide quality, comprehensive services through compassionate, respectful relationships.
Our Vision
Our vision for the people we serve – is that individuals and families see themselves as vital components of their community and participate in the on-going agency planning. As individuals and groups, they have the power and ability to make and affect change in their lives, their families and their communities. All individuals and families have the same opportunities to meet their basic needs and have the knowledge through education to access available resources.
Our vision for the agency – SEK-CAP, as a community partner and innovative leader, provides the urgency to facilitate seamless, effective delivery of services. We work collaboratively as a trusted, committed partner in assisting individuals, families, and children to identify their strengths and achieve their goals. We provide the same quality, comprehensive services to all communities. We support the professional development of our employees and serve as a model agency, committed to retaining and recruiting qualified professionals. We ensure the success of our employees by working in teams to exhibit mutual respect and compassion for each other.
Our vision for our communities – all communities share the vision that promotes broad based leadership having diverse representation, focused on the well-being of every individual and family.
Our Core Values
- Teamwork – working together and communicating effectively to achieve common outcomes.
- Integrity – honest, professional behavior that conforms to high ethical and moral standards.
- Compassion – conscious caring for others with a willingness to enter into respectful working relationships.
- Quality – innovative visionary services provided with a high degree of professional excellence.
- Commitment – promise or pledge to uphold the mission, visions, and values of Community Action.
- Fun – creating a positive environment through enthusiasm, teamwork and encouragement of others.
Promise of Community Action
Community Action changes peoples lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Our Mission
SEK-CAP addresses the causes and effects of poverty by uniting staff, individuals, families and community partners to provide quality, comprehensive services through compassionate, respectful relationships.
Our vision for the people we serve – is that individuals and families see themselves as vital components of their community and participate in the on-going agency planning. As individuals and groups, they have the power and ability to make and affect change in their lives, their families and their communities. All individuals and families have the same opportunities to meet their basic needs and have the knowledge through education to access available resources.
Our vision for the agency – SEK-CAP, as a community partner and innovative leader, provides the urgency to facilitate seamless, effective delivery of services. We work collaboratively as a trusted, committed partner in assisting individuals, families, and children to identify their strengths and achieve their goals. We provide the same quality, comprehensive services to all communities. We support the professional development of our employees and serve as a model agency, committed to retaining and recruiting qualified professionals. We ensure the success of our employees by working in teams to exhibit mutual respect and compassion for each other.
Our vision for our communities – all communities share the vision that promotes broad based leadership having diverse representation, focused on the well-being of every individual and family.
- Teamwork – working together and communicating effectively to achieve common outcomes.
- Integrity – honest, professional behavior that conforms to high ethical and moral standards.
- Compassion – conscious caring for others with a willingness to enter into respectful working relationships.
- Quality – innovative visionary services provided with a high degree of professional excellence.
- Commitment – promise or pledge to uphold the mission, visions, and values of Community Action.
- Fun – creating a positive environment through enthusiasm, teamwork and encouragement of others.
Community Action changes peoples lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
