The Community Action Partnership is Lancaster County’s largest anti-poverty organization, helping low-income families move toward self-sufficiency. CAP’s service profile interrupts inter-generational poverty with programs that support families and individuals at every age and place in life, in the areas of education and child development, health and nutrition, household stability and safety and empowerment.

We’re working on showcasing and highlighting various individuals, programs, and the hard work that is done on a daily basis. It’s time to get ‘Up Close with CAP’!

Since 1927, the Crispus Attucks Community Center has been an anchor in Southeast Lancaster City. The organization has a proud history of providing educational and cultural programs to celebrate African American heritage, serving meals to individuals in need, and focusing on youth education and leadership development.  Crispus Attucks takes immense pride in its mission to improve the quality of life for youth and families in Lancaster by providing services that promote community prosperity, physical and mental health, and by offering programs and cultural events which preserve the African American heritage.

The Crispus Attucks Community Center welcomed Joshua Hunter as the new Center Director.

 

Meet Joshua Hunter, Director of Crispus Attucks Community Center

• Tell us a little about your role! What do you do? 

I am the Director at the Crispus Attucks community center. Here at Crispus Attucks Community Center (CACC) we strive to improve the quality of life for youth and families in Lancaster by providing services that promote community prosperity, physical and mental health; and by offering programs and cultural events which preserve the African American heritage.

• Where are you from?

I was born and raised in Lancaster PA.

• What brought you to CAP? / What led you to this career?

I have a strong desire to help others, especially our youth. CAP’s values align with mine and their commitment to empowering the community makes me hopeful that one day ALL parts of Lancaster will thrive.

• Of all the CAP values, which one resonates with you the most, and why? 

Compassion, meaning ‘to suffer with’. I come into this work as a village man, I know what it is like to go without and be unheard. I had people who have guided me through and it’s my time to reciprocate that and suffer with others and help guide them through.

• What do you love about working at CAP/Crispus Attucks?

CACC is in a neighborhood I was raised in, I am able to Re-connect with the community on a personal level making this work that much more meaningful to me. I am able to walk alongside others to build a stronger and more inclusive community.

• What does the Crispus Attucks Community Center mean to you?

I hold the center near and dear to my heart, in my earlier years I worked as camp counselor at the center. I was able to find my passion early, that experience afforded me the opportunity to serve others and see people that looked like me in a position of power which was very rewarding. In a time, such as now for me, the Center represents strength, hope, the celebration of black life, culture and history.

• How do you prefer to start and end your day?

I start and end my day with some simple self-care and positive affirmations all while having a little modern-day gospel in the background.

• What energizes you at work?

I get to connect to with families from all walks of life. I get to share stories, serve others and walk in black excellence every day.

• What’s a work-related accomplishment that you’re really proud of?

I am stepping into this role really proud of the community partners and excited to collaborate in any capacity I can.

• How has COVID impacted Crispus Attucks? 

Crispus Attucks has been a safe gathering place for food, fellowship, and entertainment for all but specifically people of color. Youth programming and our dine-in option have come to a halt and we aren’t currently able to open the Center to outside agencies for collaboration. We understand there is a lot of anger, pain, and frustration, and space is needed for voices to be raised in support of each other and we are working diligently to allow that to happen.

We do provide free grab and go lunches every Tuesday & Thursday from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm and a Food Pantry to the Community from 2:00 pm to 6:00 pm.

• What do you like to do for fun? 

I love to create memories, growing up the importance of family has been instilled in me. I love to travel and expose my family to new things.

• Fun fact about Josh? 

I love the beach but It’s very rare that I go into the ocean

• What have you learned from the individuals and/or families you’ve served

Crispus Attucks is within a community with deep-rooted ties, I have learned that some people just need a listening ear and caring heart and above all these families have taught me even more that success is about more than money.

• What do you hope people can get out of CACC?

I hope when people come here they leave feeling empowered, I hope we create an environment that is family-oriented and can act as a safe space for the voiceless. I hope people know we are standing strong and here to support them in any capacity we can, it may be meeting basic food needs, lending a hand or a listening ear. 

Anything else you want people to know?

I am a God-fearing father of three amazing young people and married to my best friend. I care deeply about the success of this community and have been apart of various strong organizations that have been helping the most vulnerable. I am committed to walking alongside and open to collaboration ideas.

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To learn more about the Crispus Attucks Community Center, visit: CAPLanc.org/CrispusAttucks

To make a gift to the Crispus Attucks Community Center, Click here to donate.

About Crispus Attucks Community Center

Since 1927, the Crispus Attucks Community Center has been an anchor in Southeast Lancaster City. The organization has a proud history of providing educational and cultural programs to celebrate African American heritage, serving meals to individuals in need, and focusing on youth education and leadership development.  Crispus Attucks takes immense pride in its mission to improve the quality of life for youth and families in Lancaster by providing services that promote community prosperity, physical and mental health, and by offering programs and cultural events which preserve the African American heritage.

About the Community Action Partnership (CAP) of Lancaster County

The Community Action Partnership is Lancaster County’s largest anti-poverty organization, helping low-income families move toward self-sufficiency. CAP’s service profile interrupts inter-generational poverty with programs that support families and individuals at every age and place in life, in the areas of education and child development, health and nutrition, household stability and safety and empowerment. For more information, visit www.caplanc.org