EightCAP Inc. is marking its 60th anniversary this month, celebrating six decades of dedicated service in reducing poverty and enhancing the quality of life for residents across Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, and Montcalm counties. Established in 1966 as part of a national Community Action initiative, EightCAP has focused on fostering independence and empowerment through a diverse range of programs and services.
According to Lori Johnson, President of EightCAP, “For 60 years, EightCAP’s work has been rooted in relationships.” She emphasized that this milestone is not just a reflection on the past but a tribute to the individuals, families, staff, and volunteers who have contributed to the organization’s journey.
Expanding Services to Meet Community Needs
EightCAP has continuously adapted its services to meet the evolving needs of the community. Amy O’Brien, Communications and Development Director, stated, “The agency has responded to evolving community needs by expanding services that address both immediate challenges and root causes of hardship.” This adaptability has allowed EightCAP to maintain its commitment to helping individuals achieve stability, opportunity, and self-sufficiency.
Over its 60-year history, EightCAP has served thousands of local individuals and families through programs such as housing assistance, early childhood education, emergency bill support, weatherization, and senior services. The organization currently employs 28 staff members with over 20 years of service, highlighting its strong commitment to community engagement and volunteerism.
Notable long-serving volunteers include Rosie Fisk, who has dedicated 46 years of service, and Joan Tobias, a foster grandparent volunteer with 26 years of experience working with children. The late Lloyd Walker, a former mayor and weatherization manager, also left a significant mark on the agency’s history, serving both the community and the organization for over 30 years.
Addressing Long-Term Community Challenges
EightCAP was established during the “War on Poverty” initiative under the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964, aiming to combat poverty at its roots. The organization believes that everyone deserves the chance to achieve economic stability and self-sufficiency. O’Brien noted, “For 60 years, EightCAP has carried that founding mission forward, adapting to changing community needs.”
The organization’s programs have expanded significantly, now including early childhood education, housing support, veteran services, and child advocacy through CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocate). These initiatives address pressing issues such as housing affordability and workforce participation, demonstrating EightCAP’s responsiveness to local challenges.
Today, EightCAP serves 426 children and 384 families in its early childhood programs. These initiatives not only provide quality education but also support parents in their roles as the primary educators. Approximately 69% of Head Start families and 81% of Early Head Start families are employed, underscoring the importance of reliable early childhood education in fostering family stability.
In addition to education services, EightCAP’s Community Services and Housing programs have delivered over $1.27 million in emergency assistance to 613 individuals, helping them secure housing and prevent homelessness. The organization has also initiated programs for veterans, providing essential support to 59 veterans and their families.
Through its senior volunteer programs, EightCAP connects older adults with opportunities to support children and families, fostering meaningful community connections. The foster grandparent program currently has 40 active volunteers helping 906 children, while the Senior Companion Program serves 67 clients with 14 active volunteers.
Despite the challenges posed by economic downturns, rising housing costs, and changes in funding, EightCAP has remained resilient. O’Brien remarked, “Those challenges have helped shape the agency into what it is today — flexible, community-driven, and committed to helping individuals and families achieve stability.”
As EightCAP celebrates its 60th anniversary, it reflects on its legacy of compassion, accountability, and community engagement. The organization’s ongoing mission is to listen to community needs, remove barriers to stability, and assist individuals and families in building pathways to self-sufficiency.
For more information about EightCAP and its services, visit 8cap.org or call (866) 754-9315.
