Our History

1960s

In 1964, President Lyndon Baines Johnson declares “War on Poverty.”
In 1964, LBJ signs the Economic Opportunity Act into law.
NSCAP submits request to become the representative Community Action Program for Beverly, Salem, Peabody and Danvers.
John Q. Berry becomes NSCAP's first Executive Director.
In 1966, 1000 community action agencies are established in U.S.
In 1966, the House of Representatives adopts proposal for maximum feasible participation of poor people in community action agencies.
In 1967, NSCAP establishes Neighborhood Centers in Peabody. Salem, Beverly and Danvers.
In 1967, NSCAP establishes legal counseling and referral in conjunction with the Peabody and Salem Bar Associations.
In 1967, core NSCAP grant is $102,115
NSCAP establishes Headstart, LIHEAP (Fuel Assistance) and Weatherization Programs and the Gloucester Crossing Association.
In 1969, Donald Rumsfeld replaces Sargent Shriver and is confirmed as Office of Economic Opportunity director.

In 1973, President Nixon orders the OEO Director to dismantle the Office of Economic Opportunity.
In 1973, CAA and others sue to keep OEO open and Federal court orders Nixon to halt termination.
In 1975, President Ford signs bill creating Community Service Administration to replace OEO.
NSCAP begins offering Homecare and Personal Care to frail Elders and disabled clients.

NSCAP pilots a gardening project in Danvers and Peabody.
In 1980, NSCAP establishes headquarters at 98 Main St., Peabody.
In 1981, Community Service Block Grant law signed.
From 1980 to 1985, NSCAP establishes the North Shore Welfare Rights School.
In 1983, NSCAP establishes Essex County Community Organization.
NSCAP garners grants that establish HAWC (Help for Abused Women and Children).
NSCAP helps with establishment of Beverly Bootstraps at First Baptist Church.
NSCAP takes the lead in establishing the Salem Harbor Community Development Corporation.
NSCAP helps establish the Salem Point Day Care Center
In 1988, NSCAP begins providing housing services designed for HIV+/AIDS clients.

In 1997, NSCAP is certified as a citizenship testing center and offers classes to immigrants.
In 1998, NSCAP forms a collaborative of North Shore Family Shelter Providers and through funding from HUD creates the Transition to Work Program.

In 2000, NSCAP becomes the Department of Education's designated provider of adult basic education for Peabody and expands ESOL classes.
In 2001, NSCAP establishes Salem CyberSpace Program, a community technology center, in the Point neighborhood of Salem.
In 2003, NSCAP forms partnership with Brooksby Village Retirement Community to offer ESOL Workplace Education.
In 2003-2004, NSCAP's partnership with River House Inc. in Beverly results in River House purchase of emergency shelter on River Street and plans to establish a Safe Haven for chronically homeless individuals.