A group of local citizens organized the Clallam-Jefferson Community Action Council in 1966, less than two years after the enactment of federal authorizing legislation. These men and women recognized the unmistakable signs of poverty lurking in the shadows of the majestic Olympic Mountains – poor health, hunger, high unemployment and homelessness.

These needs gained definition with the completion of a comprehensive needs assessment conducted by six local individuals who had themselves been victims of poverty. Their survey revealed not merely a need for basic life-sustaining food and shelter services, but a desire for assistance in changing lives and personal circumstances through education and job training opportunities. In short, people wanted to become independent of the need for financial assistance from public sources.

In the spring of 2000, the corporate name was changed to Olympic Community Action Programs and it is now better know simply as OlyCAP. In the 55 years since its founding, OlyCAP has been responsive to the needs of the communities of the Peninsula. The agency today employs over 160 dedicated professionals working at locations throughout Clallam and Jefferson counties. OlyCAP operates dozens of programs – with a single common thread – service to our community.

Olympic Community Action Programs is a Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Organization