Sandstrom earns national certification

   PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The national office of the Community Action Partnership has announced that Connie Sandstrom, executive director of Aroostook County Action Program, Inc., was one of 59 human service professionals to receive the organization’s Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) credential this year.  Sandstrom is one of only 11 in the state of Maine to have earned this certification. The new CCAPs will be honored at the awards gala during the Partnership’s annual convention in New York.
    “Becoming a CCAP has renewed my dedication to the battle against the complex hardships faced by people living in poverty and middle class people who are experiencing it for the first time due to the challenging economy,” said Sandstrom. “This knowledge has enhanced my ability to help individuals facing difficult personal and financial obstacles navigate their way towards independence despite the odds being stacked against them.”
Community Action managers and leaders from across the country that work with low-income individuals and communities earn the CCAP designation after demonstrating their Community Action acumen by completing a detailed assessment of their knowledge of poverty theories, causes and remedies; ability to help low-income people achieve economic stability; and comprehension of the mission, vision and values of Community Action. To date, there are 442 CCAPS across the country representing rural, urban and suburban Community Action agencies.
Established in 1993, the CCAP program provides a structured and focused procedure for Community Action leaders and managers to prove their mastery of a wide-ranging body of knowledge covering theories on the causes and remedies of poverty and to assess how they are helping vulnerable people achieve economic security. Their understanding and comprehension of Community Action’s history, vision and values are also measured. In order to successfully complete the process, individuals are required to provide extensive records of their management and leadership skills and involvement in anti-poverty initiatives on the local, state and national levels; develop a portfolio highlighting their education, training and accomplishments; and pass a written exam.
Based in Washington, D.C., 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. For more information on the Partnership, visit www.communityactionpartnership.com or follow the organization on Twitter, at twitter.com/CAPartnership.
Aroostook County Action Program, Inc. is celebrating its 40th anniversary of assisting individuals in Aroostook County in 2012. ACAP provides services and resources that help individuals and families achieve greater economic independence. As a leader, or in partnership with others, ACAP provides guidance to the community in responding to emerging human needs. For more information visit www.acap-me.org or call 764-3721.