From Pennsylvania to Capitol Hill: CAAP Advocates for Community Action
In April 2025, representatives from Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP) and several member agencies traveled to Washington, D.C. to advocate for the needs of local communities across the Commonwealth. These visits to Capitol Hill are more than symbolic—they’re part of CAAP’s ongoing mission to ensure that the lived experiences of families and individuals inform the policies designed to serve them.
Throughout the trip, agency leaders met with key legislators and federal partners to highlight both the successes and ongoing challenges of community-based anti-poverty work. Conversations centered on the importance of funding for housing, food security, workforce development, transportation, and health—critical components of family stability and economic mobility.
As part of this year’s visit, teams met with Congressman Ryan Mackenzie, State Senator Camera Bartolotta, and had the opportunity to visit Senator John Fetterman’s office. These conversations helped deepen relationships with elected officials and provided space for direct dialogue about what’s working on the ground—and what still needs attention. We appreciate the opportunity to highlight the ways in which Community Action addresses the direct needs of their constituents on a daily basis.
This was the 2nd recent trip to D.C. During our March trip, former Lehigh Valley Community Action Director Alan Jennings was formally inducted into the National Community Action Foundation Hall of Fame. This national honor recognizes his decades of dedicated leadership. Jennings was nominated by Dawn Godshall, the current Executive Director of Community Action Lehigh Valley, who reflected on his legacy by saying:
“He affected countless lives through his dedication to our community. His induction into the National Community Action Foundation Hall of Fame is a testament to his remarkable contributions and the lasting legacy he left behind. Without his leadership, the Lehigh Valley would be a much different place.”
Moments like these serve as reminders of the long-standing impact Community Action has in local communities—and the importance of sustaining that impact through national support.
From sharing success stories to pushing for policy changes, the 2025 D.C. visits underscored one simple truth: behind every funding decision is a family seeking stability. CAAP is committed to making sure those families are seen, heard, and supported.
What’s Next?
The work doesn’t stop when the meetings end. CAAP and our member agencies will continue to follow up with federal partners, share local updates, and advocate for sustainable funding and smart policies that strengthen Pennsylvania communities from the ground up.
Because Community Action isn’t just a support system—it’s economic infrastructure. It’s community leadership and it’s hope, made tangible.
🧭 Want to learn more about the local impact of Community Action in Pennsylvania? 🔗 Visit thecaap.org for stories, data, and ways to get involved.
💬 Question for readers: We appreciate you and your thoughts on Community Action work. How can we ensure policymakers continue to hear—and act on—the real needs of our local communities?