Southern Colorado Community Action Agency, Inc.

Background Statement

SOUTHERN COLORADO COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY, INC.

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

SoCoCAA, was created as Southern Ute Community Action Programs, (SUCAP) by resolution of the Southern Ute Tribal Council in 1966. Prior to that date, programs associated with the President's "War on Poverty" were delivered to the Southern Ute Indian Reservation, the Ignacio Community and the surrounding rural area by an organization in Durango, Colorado. The twenty-six mile distance between Durango and Ignacio made it difficult for the Durango-based program to effectively serve the needs of the low-income population in the Ignacio area.

In 1966, the Southern Ute Indian Tribe was given the opportunity to receive grant funds from the federal Office of Economic Opportunity-Indian Desk (OEO). The Tribal Council accepted the opportunity on the condition that OEO would agree to the Tribe's plan to offer the services to all low-income people residing within the boundaries of School District 11J regardless of ethnic background. This action was unique because most Indian Tribes with Community Action Programs opted to serve only their own Tribal membership. Because of the Homestead Act, the Southern Ute Reservation is checkerboarded with Indian and non-Indian owned lands within the borders. The Tribal Council believed, that if they were to truly develop Tribal human resources, they must help improve the lives of their non-Indian neighbors as well. This basic philosophy was translated into an overall plan for "Total Community Development" and the philosophy has continued to be a focal point for projects planned and implemented by the Tribe, the Town of Ignacio, the Ignacio schools, SoCoCAA and other cooperating agencies.

To assure maximum community participation, the Tribal Council established the SoCoCAA (SUCAP) Organization. A Board of Directors who provides overall guidance and direction to the Organization, and an Executive Director who supervises day-to-day activities, are vital to the operation and administration of the organization. SoCoCAA operates under a centralized management system and has earned an enviable and longstanding track record for accountability and compliance. SoCoCAA is recognized as a private non-profit corporation, incorporated under the laws of the State of Colorado and operating as tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

The disease of substance abuse is another community problem targeted by SoCoCAA. Peaceful Spirit, the Southern Ute Substance Abuse Recovery Program, is housed in a pleasant facility built in 1986 by the Southern Ute Indian Tribe. Services provided include a 60-day residential treatment program, outpatient services, women's groups, family counseling and therapy, wellness/fitness related activities, and anger management. Peaceful Spirit Youth Services implements a certified Multi-Systemic Therapy program, an evidence-based intensive family therapy program, which has been shown to be effective in improving family functioning.

The SoCoCAA's Ignacio Senior Center is a program that is vital to the well-being of the elderly residents of the community. Because the Ignacio community places so much value on these services, a system of patchwork funding has come together to allow SoCoCAA to continue to keep the doors open. The major focus is a meals program for the elderly. Meals are provided in a congregate setting three times per week and meals are delivered to the homebound five days per week. In addition, the staff provides outreach services, transportation in the Ignacio area and to Durango, information and referral services and advocacy for the elderly with medical providers, insurance issues and social security personnel. An exercise class for seniors is held twice weekly, and games, outings and other social events occur as frequently as funding allows.

SoCoCAA's Ignacio Youth Services Division provides activities to promote healthy lifestyles for young people, including nutrition, exercise and avoidance of drugs and alcohol. The Curiosity After School program assists young people with their studies and presents information in different and creative ways. Project Venture is an evidence-based curriculum that helps adolescents learn from self-challenge and outdoor adventure.

In 2001, SoCoCAA established the Road Runner Transit program providing public transportation between Ignacio and Durango. Over the years, this service has grown to provide weekday service from Ignacio to Durango, Bayfield to Durango, and Ignacio to Aztec, N.M. In July of 2014, Road Runner began daily intercity service between Durango and Grand Junction.

In 1996, SoCoCAA was honored by the El Pomar Foundation with the Award for Excellence in Human Services-Family.

In August of 2018, the organization experienced a profound change. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe decided to withdraw support to the organization by eliminating federal grants which the tribe had passed through to SoCoCAA. As a result of this action, two program divisions, Southern Ute Head Start and Peaceful Spirit Substance Abuse Treatment Center, are drastically reduced in capacity to serve the community. The organization changed its name to reflect the discontinuation of the tribe as a major partner. With the many other funding and program partners, the organization, now SoCoCAA, is continuing its mission and its services