Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation employees Mark Kvammen and Trisha Wilkins have joined the ranks of more than 350 Community Action managers and leaders across the country who are Certified Community Action Professionals. The Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) designation recognizes Kvammen and Wilkins as part of a distinguished group of individuals who have refined and strengthened their skills and abilities to help low-income people and families achieve economic stability. Kvammen and Wilkins were recognized for their achievement at the National Community Action Partnership conference in Boston on September 2nd.
Since 1993, the Certified Community Action Professional program has provided individuals with a structured, focused means to demonstrate their mastery of a comprehensive body of knowledge covering Community Action history, vision and values, management and leadership as well as theories of the causes and remedies of poverty. In addition, it assesses how they are helping low-income families achieve economic security. In addition to passing a written exam, individuals have to provide a comprehensive record of their experience, education, and involvement in Community Action and develop a portfolio demonstrating their application to Community Action's vision and values.
Kvammen is the Housing Programs Director and Wilkins is the Human Resources Director for Northeast Iowa Community Action Corporation (NEICAC) based out of Decorah. NEICAC is one of 18 Community Action agencies in Iowa and serves Allamakee, Bremer, Chickasaw, Clayton, Fayette, Howard and Winneshiek Counties.
NEICAC, at ceremonies in Boston earlier this month, was recognized as the only community action agency in the nation where all executive management staff have attained their Certified Community Action Professional (CCAP) designation.
Based in Washington, DC, the Community Action Partnership is the national association representing the interests of the 1,000 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) across the country that are helping low-income people change their lives and embody the spirit of hope. CAAs care about the entire community and are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other. For more information about the Partnership and CAAs, visit the association's website at www.communityactionpartnership.com.