Ulster County Community Action: 60 Years of Fighting Poverty and Building Self-Sufficiency |
How this local nonprofit is helping families access energy assistance, Head Start programs, and essential support services across the county |
For six decades, Ulster County Community Action (UCCAC) has been on the front lines of the fight against poverty in the Hudson Valley. Founded in 1965 as part of President Lyndon Johnson's War on Poverty, UCCAC has evolved into one of the county's most vital social service organizations, providing everything from energy assistance to Head Start education to families in need.
What Is UCCAC?
Ulster County Community Action is a nonprofit organization dedicated to "taking action and improving lives" across the county. As a Community Action Agency, UCCAC receives federal and state funding to administer programs that help low-income residents achieve self-sufficiency. But unlike many social service agencies, UCCAC is governed by a board that includes low-income residents themselves, ensuring that the people they serve have a voice in how programs are designed and delivered.
The organization operates out of Kingston but serves residents across Ulster County, with programs that address the root causes of poverty rather than just its symptoms.
Core Programs
UCCAC runs several critical programs that help families stay housed, fed, and employed:
Energy Services: One of UCCAC's most visible programs is its energy assistance initiative, which helps low-income homeowners and renters pay their heating and utility bills. The organization also offers free weatherization services, making homes more energy-efficient and reducing monthly bills. These services are funded through the federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and the federal Weatherization Assistance Program.
Head Start: UCCAC operates Head Start centers across the county, providing free early childhood education to low-income families. The program serves children ages 3 to 5, offering educational activities, health screenings, and family support services. Head Start also includes a Parent and Family Engagement component that helps parents develop their own skills and connect with community resources.
Emergency Assistance: When families face unexpected crises — a job loss, a medical emergency, a natural disaster — UCCAC provides emergency financial assistance to help them stay afloat. This can include help with rent, utilities, and other essential expenses.
How to Get Help
Residents who need assistance can contact UCCAC at (845) 331-4696 or visit their office at 225 Fair Street in Kingston. Applications for most programs can be submitted online or in person. The organization also maintains a resource directory on its website (uccac.org) that lists additional services available to low-income residents.
How to Support UCCAC
While UCCAC receives government funding, the organization also relies on private donations and volunteer support to fill gaps and expand services. Community members can contribute financially, donate goods, or volunteer their time. UCCAC is currently seeking board members, particularly low-income residents and Head Start parents who want to help shape the organization's direction.
Why It Matters
Poverty is often invisible in a county known for its affluent second-home communities and thriving tourism industry. But across Ulster County, thousands of families struggle to afford basic necessities. UCCAC's work ensures that these residents have access to the support they need to stay housed, keep their children in school, and work toward long-term stability.
As the organization celebrates its 60th anniversary, UCCAC remains committed to its founding mission: not just to alleviate poverty, but to eliminate it. In a county that values both its natural beauty and its sense of community, that mission is as important as ever. |
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I appreciate what they do but I wish more people knew about the weatherization program. A lot of folks are sitting in drafty houses paying sky-high heating bills when this free service exists. They need to do more outreach, especially in the rural parts of the county.
Todd B.Totally agree. I only found out about it because a neighbor mentioned it in passing. They really should be putting flyers in laundromats, feed stores, places like that where rural folks actually go. Word of mouth only goes so far.
My kids went through Head Start back in the early 2000s and it genuinely made a difference. The teachers were wonderful and they connected us with resources I didn't even know existed. Glad to see UCCAC is still going strong 60 years later.
Denise MoralesSame experience here, my nephew went through Head Start a few years back and his kindergarten teacher said he came in way more prepared than most kids. Those programs really do work, people just don't hear about the success stories enough.