Agenda Details
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2025 CAAP Conference
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Agenda Details • 2025 CAAP Conference •
Pre-Conference
Monday, October 27, 2025
Lunch will be provided for all participants.
Registration open: 10:00 am - 4:00 pm.
PA Navigate CBO Convening
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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Are you a Community Based Organization currently using PA Navigate? Join us in person at this collaborative space where CBOs at large will connect with CAAP leadership to discuss needs, wants, and best practices to inform the evolution of the PA Navigate engagement strategy.
Doors open at 10:00 am
Event 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch included.
More details to come!
New ED/CEO Boot Camp
11:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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New Executive Directors have stepped into their roles during challenging times—for their organizations, teams, and communities. This highly interactive session equips them to lead positive change by applying Conversations Worth Having (CWH) practices and SOAR principles. Participants will leave with practical tools, peer insights, and renewed confidence in their ability to guide their organizations forward.
Doors open at 10:00 am
Event 11:00 am - 5:00 pm
Lunch included.
Speakers will include experts from Enscoe Long and The Positive Business.
Pre-Conference
Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Lunch will be provided to boot camp participants only.
Registration open: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm.
CAAP Store open: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm.
Pre-Conference Tracks
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
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A crash course in essential HR practices, including key regulations, exempt vs. non-exempt classifications, hiring and retention strategies, termination best practices, and more. Perfect for leaders and managers who want a solid HR foundation.
Doors open at 10:00 am
Event 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch included.
Speakers will include experts from McNees Wallace & Nurick LLC and CAAP.
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New managers often feel like they have the pieces of what they need to be successful but without a clear picture of how they all go together. In this session, they’ll learn how to put those pieces together by applying their strengths, shifting their inner and outer dialogue, and using the SOAR framework and StrengthsFinder to lead with clarity, coach with confidence, and help their teams grow. Plus, if you’re attending the full conference, your boot camp experience includes a professional headshot on Wednesday.
Doors open at 10:00 am
Event 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Lunch included.
Speakers will include experts from The Positive Business, The Vereen Group and CAAP.
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Build your agency’s fundraising muscle in this hands-on session covering the essentials for sustainable funding. Learn how to use 990s to identify opportunities, diversify your funding streams, and apply fundraising best practices. Hear real-world strategies and success stories from a panel of experienced Community Action fundraising experts, and leave with practical tools to grow and strengthen your agency’s financial future.
Doors open at 10:00 am
Lunch included
Agenda at a glance
Intros
Private foundations and corporate grants
Lunch
Community Action Panel
Fundraising
Q&A and wrap up
Speakers will include experts from Spur & Sprout and Community Action Agencies across PA.
Executive Leadership Meeting
Off Site CAAPy Hour
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CAAP members only!
Join us for CAAP’s Annual Meeting and Executive Leadership Meeting, where agency leaders come together to connect, share insights, and discuss key priorities for the year ahead. This gathering offers a valuable opportunity for networking, collaboration, and strategic dialogue. More details to come.
Doors open at 12:00pm
Event 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Lunch is NOT included.
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
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Spooktacular CAAPy Hour Sponsored by Marsh McLennan and Key Risk Insurance! 👻
Location: Tellus360 - 24 E King St, Lancaster, PA 17602
Transportation: Shuttle from the Eden Resort will be available on a looping basis from 5:30-10pm. The shuttle holds 14 people per trip. Street and garage parking at the Penn Square Garage is available. Please plan accordingly.
Get ready for a fang-tastic evening of fun, laughter, and killer tunes! Join us for a Halloween-themed Happy Hour where costumes are highly encouraged. Bring your spookiest, silliest, or most creative look and show off your Halloween spirit.
🎤 And yes... there will be karaoke! After last year, we couldn’t resist!
Costumes, karaoke, and good people, what more could you ask for? We’ll see you there for a night of good fun!
Main Conference
Wednesday, October 29, 2025
Registration open: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Breakfast: 8:00 am - 9:00 am
Join us for a book signing with Bree Groff during breakfast and immediately following her Keynote!
Welcome and Opening: 9:00 am - 9:30 am
Headshots are available all day (pre registration required).
CAAP Store open: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
Keynote Speaker
Bree Groff
9:30 am - 10:30 am
Bree Groff is a workplace culture expert and author of Today Was Fun: A Book About Work (Seriously). She has spent her career guiding C-suite leaders at companies such as Microsoft, Google, Pfizer, Calvin Klein, and Hilton through periods of complex change. She is a Senior Advisor to the global consultancy SYPartners, previously served as the CEO of NOBL Collective, and she holds an MS in Learning and Organizational Change from Northwestern University. Bree lives in New York City with her husband and daughter.
Presented by:
Session 1
Wednesday, October 29 - Breakout Sessions
11:00 AM - 12:15 PM
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This training explores how effective communication strengthens organizational capacity and performance, while emphasizing the importance of avoiding poor communication habits. Participants will learn practical techniques to become clear and impactful communicators, enhance their ability to send and receive messages effectively, and foster strategic communication with clients, their colleagues, and supervisors. Additionally, the facilitator will discuss strategies for delivering and managing difficult conversations in social services and community action.
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This session creates a brave, raw, and healing-centered space for frontline staff who have emotionally carried the traumas, crises, and survival stories of those they serve. It validates that while empathy is a gift, absorption is a wound—and that no one should carry it alone. This is a moment of symbolic and practical release, rooted in psychological safety, cultural humility, and community care.
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Community Action has always been about more than delivering services—it’s about sparking lasting change. Data with Purpose is an intermediate-to-advanced workshop for Community Action professionals ready to go beyond compliance and unlock the power of data to drive learning, decision-making, and advocacy.
Rooted in a people-first, Community Action framework, this session explores how to identify what data truly matters, build systems for reflection, and communicate findings in ways that inspire action. Participants will learn practical strategies for analyzing, visualizing, and sharing data, as well as how to weave community voice into every stage of the process. -
Workforce shortages in Early Care and Education (ECE) are destabilizing child care programs across Pennsylvania, forcing closures, limiting enrollment, and exhausting remaining staff. In response, STEP, Inc. in partnership with the Early Learning Resource Center Region 7 developed the Substitute Aide Pool Program (SAPP) — a scalable, systems-based staffing model that addresses workforce instability in a direct and meaningful way. This session will explore the conception, design, and implementation of SAPP, from community needs assessments and funding acquisition to onboarding, scheduling logistics, and continuous improvement.
Lunch: 12:15 pm - 1:30 pm
CAP Infinity Advanced Tester Feedback Session: Join CAAP and MPowered during lunch for an interactive feedback session on the CAP Infinity Advanced Course. Share your insights, ask questions, and help shape the future of this important tool.
Self-Care Hour with KPETS Therapy Dogs: Take a break and recharge! Join KPETS Therapy Dogs for a relaxing self-care hour from 12:00 –1:30 p.m. Enjoy the comfort and companionship of these friendly pups, a perfect way to de-stress and reset during the conference.
Session 2
1:30 PM - 2:45 PM
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Home energy costs in Pennsylvania are increasing exponentially - causing an alarming increase in termination rates, and a cascade of consequences for economically vulnerable Pennsylvanians. But what is behind higher costs, and what policies are being pursued at the national, state, and local level to help improve affordability of life essential energy services for economically vulnerable Pennsylvanians? Join the Pennsylvania Utility Law Project for an interactive session, designed to help advocates and service providers understand the energy policy landscape, and how they can help improve client outcomes and influence policy decisions through partnership and collaboration.
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Belonging isn’t just a feel-good concept, it’s the foundation for a stronger, more resilient organization. At Tri County Community Action, we’ve spent the past few years learning how to move from talking about belonging to making it part of everyday life. In this session, we’ll share our real journey: the sparks that got us started, the first steps that made the biggest difference, the quick wins that built momentum, and the challenges that taught us the most. You’ll see how we engaged staff at every level, wove our values into the work, and kept the energy going through creative activities, honest conversations, and clear accountability. Expect interactive elements, relatable stories, and take-home strategies you can start using right away. If you’re ready to build a workplace where people feel connected, valued, and empowered, this is where your blueprint begins.
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Join Marsh McLennan Agency and Tableland for this session!
This session will spotlight the most pressing challenges and opportunities facing Community Action today, offering practical insights to help agencies strengthen their impact and sustainability.
In addition to examining current trends, we’ll look ahead to where the field is going and how organizations can best prepare. Anne Garrison, Executive Director Tableland, will also join us to share real-world experiences and strategies that bring these ideas to life.
Together, we’ll provide tools, perspectives, and actionable steps to help your organization become more effective, efficient, and resilient in serving your community.
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Take a deeper dive into how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming the future of Community Action. This advanced session goes beyond the basics, focusing on emerging tools, next-generation applications, and lessons learned from early adopters. Explore how AI can be leveraged to personalize services, predict community needs, and unlock new efficiencies. Walk away with actionable strategies to position your organization at the forefront of innovation and impact.
Refreshment Break: 2:45 - 3:10 PM
Session 3
3:10 PM - 4:25 PM
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Step into a dynamic and inclusive space where community action meets collective wisdom. The WAP Cohort Collaboration Circle is a breakout session designed to spark meaningful dialogue, share practical insights, and co-create solutions to the challenges we face in driving impact. Come and network with all of the other PA WAP staff!
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The Pennsylvania Housing Action Plan is charting a bold path to address housing affordability, homelessness, and community resilience across the Commonwealth. In this session, representatives from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and the Department of Community and Economic Development—key architects of the plan—will present its core strategies and goals. We’ll explore how Community Action Agencies and other grassroots organizations can be powerful partners in implementing the plan locally. From expanding housing access to preserving existing stock and supporting vulnerable populations, this session will highlight actionable ways community-based organizations can turn policy into impact. Join us to learn, collaborate, and mobilize for housing security in Pennsylvania.
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This panel moderated by Dave Young of Schuylkill Community Action brings together Susie Weller, Executive Director, Union-Snyder Community Action Agency and Mandy Zalich, CEO, Westmoreland Community Action and their board members for an honest conversation about collaboration, communication, and trust. Hear real-world examples of how boards and leadership teams can work in sync to strengthen organizational impact, navigate challenges, and foster positive, sustainable relationships that advance the mission of Community Action.
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Join us for an in-depth, hands-on session on CSBG Annual Report v3.0. After attending this session, you will be familiar with the current knowns and forthcomings for CAR v3.0 implementation, have useful tips and resources that will help your agency transition from CAR v2.1 to CAR v3.0, and be able to identify the major changes between the two versions.
CAAPtivating Excellence Awards
Doors Open: 5:30 PM
Dinner: 6:00 PM
Program: 6:45 PM
Photobooth will be available all evening.
Semi-formal attire recommended.
Thank you to our Sponsors
Main Conference
Thursday, October 30, 2025
Registration: 7:00 am - 1:30 pm
Breakfast: 8:00 am - 9:00 am
🌟 Kickstart Your Morning at the Cohort Convo Tables! 🌟
Grab your breakfast and pull up a chair—our Cohort Convo Tables are the place to be! Whether you're in HR, Finance, Programs, Development & Communications, or a New ED/CEO, there’s a spot just for you.
These tables are all about real talk, shared wisdom, and building your network with peers who get it. Whether you're brand new or have years under your belt, there's always something (and someone) worth connecting with.
Look for the signs, find your crew, and join the convo—your next big idea or collaboration could start right here!
CAAP Store open: 7:00 am - 4:00 pm
CAAP Plenary
9:00 am - 10:00 am
Join us as CAAP staff hits the main stage to highlight all the perks of membership—including new partnerships, upgraded services, and what’s ahead for the 2025-2026 program year.
Get the inside scoop on the exclusive resources, opportunities, and support available to CAAP members as we gear up for a year full of growth, collaboration, and innovation. Don’t miss it!
Refreshment Break: 10:00 am - 10:15 am
Session 4
Thursday, October 30 - Breakout Sessions
10:15 AM - 11:30 AM
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This session explores the concept of impeccable intake and emphasizes the importance of consistently delivering high-quality intake experiences for every client. Participants will learn key preparatory steps professionals should take before initiating an intake, as well as techniques for creating a strong, positive first impression. The session provides strategies to enhance client engagement and build a solid foundation for successful service delivery. The facilitator will conclude with practical advice to achieve success in social services and community action.
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Building on the plenary, CAAP staff and DCED staff will host an interactive session to answer your questions and dive deeper into key topics. Interested in CAAPLearn or the Info Hub? See a live demo and discover the benefits these resources bring to your work.
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In today’s workplace, employee wellness and recognition are no longer “nice to have” benefits—they’re essential drivers of engagement, retention, and organizational success. This session will explore the latest national trends and data on workplace wellness and recognition, paired with real-life examples from Community Action Lehigh Valley’s own programs. Through interactive reflection, group brainstorming, and practical tools, participants will learn how to design and implement meaningful initiatives that align with employee needs, strengthen culture, and deliver measurable results. You’ll leave with actionable, low-cost strategies to enhance morale, reduce turnover, and create a culture where employees feel valued and supported.
Networking Lunch: 11:30 am - 12:45 pm
Session 5
12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
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Join staff from the DCED Weatherization team, Clean Energy Center, and Hancock Software for an open session dedicated to answering all your Weatherization questions. This session provides an opportunity to engage directly with program experts, gain clarity on guidelines, gain insight on software tools and support, and explore resources to strengthen your agency’s Weatherization efforts.
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Join us for a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Vanessa Philbert featuring panelists Wendy Melius, Erin Lukoss and Megan Shreve. Leaders from Community Action Agencies across Pennsylvania will share innovative approaches, challenges, and successes in driving community development. The conversation will explore strategies for strengthening local partnerships, advancing economic opportunity, and building more resilient communities statewide.
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Using a communications maturity model as a framework, participants will assess their organization's current level of communications excellence and identify areas for improvement. We will explore tactical activities such as content development, AI shortcuts, and press events. Agency perspectives collected by CAA communications managers will be shared. Best practices will be shared, including a crisis communications readiness formula and the 5/15 broadcast media rule. Attendees will learn how to apply these tools to establish a steady cadence and respond swiftly to media opportunities. This will help build trusted relationships and position them as go-to subject matter experts for future media coverage. We will open the floor for questions and sharing of successes from the audience. By the end of this session, attendees will have a clear vision for enhancing their organization’s communications strategy, along with practical take-home tools to improve process efficiency.
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Refreshment Break: 2:00 - 2:15 pm
Closing Session: Hattie McCarter
2:15 pm - 3:00 pm
A Closing Movement for the Fed, the Hungry, and the Unapologetically Ready
It's not a wrap-up. It's a revelation. The Dinner Table is where we cease pretending and begin processing—where we recognize what we've hungered for, give credit where we've been fed, and promise what's next with our entire chest.
Inspired by the legacy of gathering spaces that have always held our truths—kitchen tables, cookouts, front porches—this closing experience is for those who came hungry for change, hungry for reclaiming their fire and purpose. Through guided storytelling, deep reflection, and a collective ritual that’s more than symbolic, we’ll move from theory to practice, from inspiration to action.
From the theme CAAP 2025 Rooted in Action. Rising in Impact, this isn't a celebration of what we know—it's a call to action to do something about it. We'll hear the voices in the room, say the names of those who are still missing, and leave with a clarity that cuts through the noise.
Be sure to pick up your goodie bag for a delightful farewell treat as you head home!
Thank you to our Sponsors
Register today!
The 2025 CAAP Conference brings together Pennsylvania organizations driven by heart and purpose. It’s where bold ideas, innovative solutions, and forward-thinking practices take root, grounded in the advocacy and leadership of those who came before us.