The United Community Action Program, Inc. (UCAP) is set to mark 57 years of service this June, underscoring its role as a key regional provider of social programmes spanning education, housing, nutrition and public transport.
The private, nonprofit agency employs around 450 staff and delivers a wide range of services aimed at strengthening communities and improving outcomes for low-income individuals and families. Its operations are supported through a combination of federal, state and local funding, aligned with its mission to “improve people’s lives, embody the spirit of hope, and, in partnership with communities, help low-income individuals achieve greater self-sufficiency and meaningful participation in society.”
Education and early years support
A central pillar of UCAP’s work is early childhood education. Through its Head Start and Early Head Start programmes, the organisation operates 15 sites across eight counties.
In 2025, Early Head Start supported 35 pregnant women and 522 children aged up to three years, while the Head Start programme served a further 508 children aged three and four. Health outcomes remain a key focus, with 97% of enrolled children receiving medical services and 10.6% accessing disability support during the year.
Housing provision across multiple communities
UCAP’s housing programme continues to provide stable and affordable accommodation to families across the region. In total, 50 families were supported through a mix of single-family and multi-family housing.
Single-family rental properties are located across several towns, including Pawnee, Newkirk and Tonkawa, while additional multi-family housing is available in Sand Springs and Pawnee. The programme is designed to address housing insecurity while enabling longer-term financial stability.
Nutrition and childcare affordability
The organisation also plays a significant role in improving child nutrition through its Child Care Food Program. Working with 66 licensed home childcare providers across 16 counties, UCAP facilitated the delivery of 222,618 meals that meet U.S. Department of Agriculture standards.
These meals benefited an average of 447 children each month, helping to improve health outcomes while reducing the financial burden of childcare for low-income households.
Transport links enabling access to work and healthcare
Public transport remains another critical service area. UCAP’s Cimarron Public Transit System (CPTS) replaced 11 ADA-compliant vehicles in 2025 and delivered more than 115,000 shared-ride trips across five counties.
Drivers covered over 1.07 million miles during the year, supporting access to employment, healthcare and essential services. Subsidised fares were provided to a range of users, including 26,808 employment-related trips, 21,630 non-emergency medical journeys and 20,605 trips for older adults.
Additional services supported veterans, tribal citizens and single-parent households, highlighting the programme’s role in reducing mobility barriers.
Advocacy and family support services
UCAP’s Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) programme also delivered measurable outcomes. In Pawnee and Osage counties, 19 trained advocates contributed 1,806 volunteer hours supporting abused and neglected children.
During 2025, seven children were adopted, while 17 were successfully reunited with their families.
Beyond this, UCAP provided a wide range of family and community services, including emergency assistance for food, utilities, prescriptions and housing. The organisation also supported 180 individuals through its Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) programme.
Partnerships with local food banks enabled the distribution of 17,956 food packages, while clothing initiatives delivered 18,555 items to more than 6,000 individuals.
Community-led approach and regional economic impact
Outreach services are delivered through multiple locations, including Pawnee, Blackwell and Perry, ensuring accessibility for communities across the region.
Executive Director Johnny Bryant emphasised the importance of local engagement in shaping UCAP’s work:
“Community Action agencies are unique in that local citizens help identify the needs within their communities,” said Executive Director Johnny Bryant. “Our programs and partnerships create meaningful, positive impacts in rural areas. Our board—comprised of local business leaders, elected officials, and community members—plays a vital role in guiding decisions and outcomes.”
During the year, UCAP worked in collaboration with a broad network of partners, including nonprofit organisations, municipalities, state agencies, school districts, tribal entities and healthcare institutions.
While the organisation’s primary focus remains social impact, its contribution to the wider economy is also notable. Through employment, programme delivery and tax contributions, UCAP continues to play a role in supporting regional economic stability.
As it approaches its 57th anniversary, the organisation’s integrated approach to service delivery highlights the growing importance of community-based models in addressing economic inequality and social need.
