Basic Necessities
The Family Center takes part in Children’s Winter Coat Drives, Food Drives, Community Education Projects, Health/Safety Projects, Fundraising, and a variety of other services to help provide the basic necessities of low-income and moderate-income families in Jefferson County.

Community Food Pantries
CAPC takes part in helping feed those in the community who are less fortunate. CAPC is dedicated in helping keep available the balanced nutrition, required for a healthy life, for the whole family. For a complete list of food pantries in the area click here!

Energy Services
CAPC provides home weatherization services to households meeting financial eligibility. Services could include insulation, furnace repair or replacement and more to assist homeowners and renters to conserve energy and reduce energy costs.

Head Start
Head Start is a federally funded, total preschool program for children aged 3 or 4 whose families meet certain federal income requirements.
Children with special needs may be eligible regardless of income.

Choosing a child care program
This is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make as a parent. Your final choice will depend on many factors, and you should consider them carefully in order to best meet the needs of your children and your family.
Find child care now

Pre-K
A Pre-K Program operated in collaboration with the Watertown City School District. All families are eligible for services regardless of income. You must reside in the Watertown School District to participate.

Utility/Rental Payment
Financial assistance to prevent utility shutoff and eviction is available through funding provided by the Emergency Food and Shelter Program. Funds are limited, and are typically available from March through October.
Information, referral, and advocacy for housing issues is available throughout the year.

Fair Housing
Family Center staff will provide information and referral to help individuals who believe that they have been discriminated against.

Food Stamps
Prescreening, Application Assistance, Re-certification Assistance and Barrier Advocacy with local departments of social services.  Nutrition Outreach and Education Program (NOEP) staff is available to provide current information on Food Stamp regulations, to prescreen individuals for Food Stamp benefits, to assist with food stamp re-certification procedures, and to assist in eliminating local level practices, which may discourage food stamp eligible households from completing the food stamp application process.  NOEP staff explain procedures, help with documentation gathering and help with completing the application.  NOEP staff support and promote New York State funded School Breakfast and Summer Food Service Programs.

Tax counseling
IRS-trained, and certified, volunteers prepare taxes from January through April for senior citizens and low-income households, free of charge. Our volunteers include individuals from all walks of life, to include retired professionals as well as college students. Please contact the Family Center to schedule an appointment.

Summer Food
CAPC is a sponsor of the Summer Food Service Program. Free breakfasts, lunches, and snacks are served to children through eighteen years of age, at various sites throughout the county. New Summer Food sites and Volunteer Site-Supervisors are always welcomed.

Community Actions Cares
A new and exciting program, “Community Action Cares” designed to encourage community involvement and foster a circle of giving amongst donors and recipients. “Community Action Cares” provides community members with a wide variety of volunteer opportunities.