Focus Areas > Domestic Issues > Issues > Poverty Initiative

Poverty Initiative
The JCRC Poverty Initiative was an outgrowth of the JCPA’s (Jewish Council on Public Affairs) initiative to protect, preserve, and promote a just American society, one that is democratic and pluralistic. This includes support of policies and programs that help move individuals and families out of poverty and enable them to sustain a minimally adequate decent standard of living.

CAP Coalition

The Community Against Poverty (CAP) coalition was convened by JCRC in early 2008 as an outgrowth of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs “There Shall Be No Needy Among You” initiative. 

Mission Statement of CAP:

Community Against Poverty (CAP) is a broad-based coalition of  St. Louis area interfaith and civic organizations coordinated by the Jewish Community Relations Council (JCRC). The problems of poverty run deep in our nation.  Poverty impacts the ability of individuals and families to live their lives with dignity.   Poverty impacts the ability of individuals to obtain quality education for their children; to meet basic needs for food, clothing and shelter; to find living wage jobs; to live in a safe and healthy environment; and to access quality, affordable healthcare.

CAP is dedicated to combating poverty through education, advocacy and service.  

Currently, the following organizations are members of the CAP Coalition, in addition to the JCRC: 

Catholic Charities,  Archdiocese of St. Louis
St. Louis Clergy  Coalition
Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Missouri
International Institute
Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis
Jewish Family & Children’s Service
Lutheran Family & Children’s Service
Missouri Association for Social Welfare|
National Council of Jewish Women-St. Louis Section
Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy
Ready Readers
Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice

Picture:  Professor Mark Rank of Washington University speaking on Poverty and Political Solutions at a forum convened by CAP at the Missouri History Museum.