In 2022, CAPSC distributed more than $34 million to community members in need through our programs, which is more than ever before.

This was possible due to federal and state funding for fuel and electric assistance, the soon-to-be-ending New Hampshire Emergency Rental Assistance Program (NHERAP), a number of grants, and our generous donors.

While the amount was staggering, and so was the impact those funds made on Strafford County residents, it didn't completely solve the region's many needs. With the NHERAP money going away this spring and applications for the program closed, we're committed and already working to meet the community's needs using other resources within our 60 coordinated programs.

We're more dedicated than ever to lifting up our community and ending poverty in Strafford County. While there still are challenges, you'll see in this newsletter that there's also a lot to be excited about for the coming year — especially when it comes to new ways to connect people with assistance.

The Workforce Housing Coalition of the Greater Seacoast honored Community Action Partnership of Strafford County with the 2022 Housing Leadership Award in December!

The coalition annually recognizes housing leaders making a difference in the community. CAPSC was recognized for its dedication to helping people stay in their homes and off the streets.

“It is truly an honor to receive this award and to be recognized by the coalition for the work that our team is doing,” said CAPSC Director of Community Services Dan Clark. “Just as much of an honor, however, is to be in the position to be able to help so many people. The work we are doing is such a small part of the larger solution that is needed, but it has such a meaningful impact on people. While we wish the need for this type of support wasn’t as great as it is, we are proud to be able to help.”

We've completely redesigned our website, straffordcap.org, to make it easier to find the help you might need and get to know who and what CAPSC is all about.

Our staff is incredibly excited about how much more accessible our website has been since it officially went live on January 13! We hope you love it as much as we do!

Huge thanks to three excellent consultants who helped our staff with the website redesign: Monique Virgilio, a web developer with Mydesignspace, Inc; Julia Kuziomko, a marketing strategist and consultant with JK Marketplace; and Daneka Soudak, an independent marketing consultant and content development specialist.

When school lets out for the summer, families who receive free or reduced-price school meals can find it financially hard to provide nutritious food.

CAPSC helps to bridge this gap by providing breakfast and lunches, at no cost, at our many meal distribution sites in Strafford County.

We're looking to help even more families this summer by opening new meal sites! If you'd like to host a site, please visit our Summer Meals page to learn more about the program, then email [email protected]. Please provide your contact information, the location you'd like to host a meal site, and roughly how many children would receive meals.

CAPSC staff visited Capitol Hill in late January to elevate parent voices and discuss the importance of Head Start for New Hampshire families.

In addition to attending the National Head Start Association Winter Leadership Institute, CAPSC staff met with Senator Maggie Hassan and Congressman Chris Pappas during their time in Washington, D.C.

The cost of heating fuel and electricity are incredibly high this winter and we're seeing more applications than ever. If you need help paying your bill, or if you want to help a family in need, CAPSC can help!

Our website makes it quick and easy to find information about our Fuel Assistance Program (FAP) and Electric Assistance Program (EAP). You can also use our website to apply for the programs, schedule in-person or phone appointments, and donate to help a family in need.

Fuel season started December 1 and ends on April 30. If you could use some help or aren't sure if you qualify, we encourage you to apply!

CAPSC staff are also available to answer questions by calling (603) 435-2500 and pressing option 2.

You can now find all of our programs' events, important dates, and other information on our new CAPSC Calendar, available on our redesigned website!

Thank you to everyone who helped us make an enormous impact with our holiday food baskets in 2022!

Early childhood and the first years of school should be a time of fun, warmth, security, exploration, and discovery. This philosophy guides our staff and the evidence-based, learning curriculum in our education centers and programs for children from birth to age 5.

Visit our website to learn more about CAPSC's Early Care and Education Program!

Are you expecting a child? Looking for things to do with your toddler? Want to get to know other caregivers or do you need some support?

CAPSC's Family Resource Centers are packed with resources and ongoing events, drop-in activities, and groups for all caregivers and soon-to-be caregivers.

Thanks to the generosity of our community, CAPSC's food pantry is fully stocked with healthy and delicious foods!

If you or someone you know would benefit from our pantry, please call our office or just stop in! No income verification necessary.

For more than 35 years, CAPSC has been providing quality transportation services to Strafford County residents, allowing them to maintain independence in their daily lives.

If you are a Strafford County resident age 60 years or over, the Senior Transportation Program can provide door-to-door transportation to grocery stores, shopping plazas, and pharmacies in the area.

CAPSC is the sole provider in Strafford County to offer a full suite of programs and services designed to have a measurable impact on the health and welfare of at-risk children, seniors, and people experiencing low incomes.

To learn more about our 60 coordinated programs and the supports they provide, please visit our new website at straffordcap.org.

Calling All Community Leaders and Aspiring Local Heroes!

CAPSC careers have all this — and much more. Does your job?

If you've been looking for a career where you make a difference in the lives of other peoples and have fun while doing it, CAPSC could be a great fit for you.

Maybe you want to put your spreadsheet skills and compassion to work on solving tough challenges within a $20 million budget. Our Finance Team would love to chat with you!

Have a passion for early childhood education, looking for a supportive and creative environment, and want more student drawings of yourself than you ever thought possible? Our schools and students are looking for brilliant and qualified educators!

This year, the need is greater than ever before.

With the exponentially rising costs of heating fuel, food, and housing, many in our community are silently struggling to get by. Your support is critically important to help our families, friends, and neighbors.

Please make a donation today! Your donation will have a major impact on our community!

We're looking for local businesses to sponsor CAPSC’s important programs and services, which would provide many unique opportunities for your business to be recognized within our community and support Strafford County residents.

Thank you to our 2022 premier sponsors!

CAPSC needs your help! We could not do our work without support from our amazing volunteers and supporters. 

Whether you're an individual, small group, large group, or company looking for ways to give back, we have a variety of opportunities to fit your needs and interests!

CAPSC offers many other opportunities to get involved and make a difference in the lives of others, including item donations, Amazon Wish List fulfillment, employer matching gifts, honor and memorial giving, and more!

Completing your taxes can be overwhelming, but resources are available!

New Hampshire Tax Help - Home (nhtaxhelp.org)

NH Department of Revenue Administration

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) | Granite United Way (graniteuw.org)

MyFreeTaxes by United Way | MyFreeTaxes

It’s not too late for families to take advantage of up to $3,600 per child afforded by the Child Tax Credit. The expanded credit for 2021 is still available to families who file taxes and for those who haven’t filed taxes in the past.

To learn more about who is eligible, watch this video explainer by our friends at National Community Action Partnership.

The Warming Center of Strafford County is now under the management of SOS Recovery Community Organization. The facility is open during winter weather emergencies and is a safe and viable overnight option for community members.

The Warming Center is located at 30 Willand Drive in Somersworth. Please call

(603) 742-2709 or visit facebook.com/warmingcenterofsc for hours and availability.

Get in Touch with CAPSC

From Weatherization to our Family Resource Centers, Senior Transportation, and so much more, CAPSC is always adapting to meet the changing needs of our community!

If there's something you need or if you have questions, use the new Contact Us page on our website. In addition to information about our locations, there's a helpful form to connect you with the right CAPSC staffer who can assist you.