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Log inKVCAP executive director retires after 42 years of community
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KVCAP executive director retires after 42 years of community
by Outspoken on Mon Dec 24, 2007 7:50 am
KVCAP executive director retires after 42 years of community service
By JOEL ELLIOTT
Staff Writer Morning Sentinel
WATERVILLE -- One of the early fighters in President Lyndon Johnson's "war on poverty," 73-year-old Ray Richard is easing into retirement after 42 years of community service.
After having served as executive director of the Kennebec Valley Community Action Plan, or KVCAP, as it is widely known, for more than four decades, Richard will step down into an advisory role. The transition will take place within the next two months, he said.
Shortly after Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to eliminate poverty in the nation, Richard started the Kennebec Valley chapter with himself as the sole employee and a $19,000 annual budget.
"I literally washed the walls and floors, and then went out rummaging for a desk," he said of the organization's first office, located off Main Street. "When you think about it, if you are interested in creating opportunities, this was a natural way to do it."
The organization he leaves has changed almost as much as the surrounding communities it serves.
KVCAP now employs 250 people and operates on a $20 million budget. Programs include assistance with family planning, home ownership, repair services, heating assistance, transportation and a teen center.
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/4566010.html
By JOEL ELLIOTT
Staff Writer Morning Sentinel
WATERVILLE -- One of the early fighters in President Lyndon Johnson's "war on poverty," 73-year-old Ray Richard is easing into retirement after 42 years of community service.
After having served as executive director of the Kennebec Valley Community Action Plan, or KVCAP, as it is widely known, for more than four decades, Richard will step down into an advisory role. The transition will take place within the next two months, he said.
Shortly after Johnson signed the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 to eliminate poverty in the nation, Richard started the Kennebec Valley chapter with himself as the sole employee and a $19,000 annual budget.
"I literally washed the walls and floors, and then went out rummaging for a desk," he said of the organization's first office, located off Main Street. "When you think about it, if you are interested in creating opportunities, this was a natural way to do it."
The organization he leaves has changed almost as much as the surrounding communities it serves.
KVCAP now employs 250 people and operates on a $20 million budget. Programs include assistance with family planning, home ownership, repair services, heating assistance, transportation and a teen center.
http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/news/local/4566010.html
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