About Us
As a multi-service agency, our programs offer a variety of options for residents who need help.
Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc. or RECAP is a private not for profit established in 1965 and is the designated anti-poverty agency in Orange County. RECAP has been serving Orange County’s residents for almost 60 years. RECAP provides programs and services to help people who live in poverty in Orange County New York and the surrounding areas. RECAP works with our community’s most vulnerable populations including seniors, children, veterans, the homeless and the hungry, those living with HIV/AIDS, individuals and families affected by of domestic violence, people challenged by substance use disorder and anyone struggling to make ends meet.
RECAP provides supportive housing, Head Start, Energy Services, Workforce Development and Training, Orange County Fuel Fund, Case Managment, Nutrition and Advocacy Services, Residential and Non-Residential Substance Use Disorder Services, SNUG and Parole Re-Entry.
Over a half century later we’re still as dedicated to eradicating poverty as our founders were. We’ve grown to include innovative programs in the fields of addiction treatment, job training, energy conservation, nutrition and more.
Our Mission
RECAP empowers people and communities challenged by poverty, racism, and social injustice by collaborating
with public and private partners to provide high quality health and human services, education, advocacy, and hope.
Our mission is realized when our neighbors achieve self-sufficiency.
Our Story
Like many Community Action Agencies, RECAP traces its roots to Lyndon Johnson’s presidency. When President Johnson took office in 1963, he proclaimed that all Americans could live in prosperity and thought to accomplish this through reform. In his 1964 State of the Union Address, Johnson declared an unconditional war on America’s poverty and challenged citizens to build a “Great Society.” Organizations were established and they developed a model, the Community Action Program, that could eradicate poverty from the ground up. This model gave people the power to identify problems affecting their own communities and the resources to bring change.
In 1965 poverty levels reached a national high and effects were felt in Orange County. A panel of local activists decided to put Johnson’s words into action and they formed the Regional Economic Community Action Program, Inc.
Our Leaders
Parterning to build a better community
Chief Executive Officer Charles Quinn formerly served as part of RECAP’s executive team as Deputy Director of Operations and has been with the agency for over 13 years. Chief Operating Officer Michele McKeon brings 20 years of not-for-profit leadership and social justice expertise. Chief Financial Officer Joya Gambino has been with RECAP for 27 years managing all fiscal operations and consistently providing financial guidance and leadership. Their combined experience, knowledge and energy ensure RECAP’s vital community services will continue to improve and expand.
Board of Directors
RECAP believes in reflecting our community in our organization. Diversity ensures that important decisions are made when all voices are represented. Members are recipients of our services, represent community groups, operate local businesses, teach in our schools, and run our government as elected officials. The Board of Directors of RECAP consist of a Poverty, Public and Private community base representation and they meet every 3rd Tuesday of the month.