Community Progress Council: Our Journey & The People Behind It
Celebrating 60 Years of Service – 1965–2025
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Founding and Early Years
The Community Progress Council (CPC) grew out of the national War on Poverty declared by Congress in 1964. Locally, the United Way of York County formed a study committee to explore establishing a community action program. Edith Barber, then director of the YWCA, co-wrote the proposal and served as CPC’s first director for one year until permanent staff were hired.
On April 8, 1965, CPC was formally incorporated. One-third of the original Board of Directors consisted of low-income residents, ensuring their voices were represented in decisions that directly affected their lives.
CPC’s first central office was at 225 E. Market Street. The organization later relocated twice before moving into its permanent home at the Noell Building in 1976, which it purchased from the York City School District in 1978.
Among CPC’s earliest leaders was Carlton D. Trotman, who became executive director in 1966. A graduate of William Penn High School, Trotman later became professor of psychology at Lincoln University and helped launch its Upward Bound program. When he resigned in 1967, Muriel Bessemer, longtime administrative associate, served as acting director.
That same year, Rev. Henry Harman left his pastorate and school board position to lead CPC. Harman’s early achievements included securing funds for a youth employment program that matched teenagers with local nonprofits.
In 1967, CPC also launched the Summer Head Start Program with health consultant Dr. Charles Reilly, pediatrician and later Pennsylvania’s Pediatrician of the Year (1994).
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Community Action and Civil Rights
The late 1960s brought turmoil. The York race riots of 1968–69 exposed deep divisions, long-term neglect, and poverty in York. CPC staff and board members worked around the clock during the unrest, helping families and providing emergency support.
The York Charrette of 1970 became a turning point. Described as civic group therapy, it brought community leaders together to address housing, health care, and transportation. CPC played a vital role, with Lionel Bailey serving as Community Organization Director. Partnerships that emerged from the Charrette—including the York Housing Authority and Family First Health—remain active partners today.
Daniel Hall, a CPC leader and critic of the War on Poverty, was elected Board President in 1969. He later chaired the Pennsylvania Association for Community Action, before moving on to lead Lancaster’s program and eventually working for the U.S. Commerce Department.
In 1971, Alfred “Fred” Rotondaro became executive director. Despite federal funding cuts, Rotondaro kept CPC financially stable and even generated a surplus by 1973. Under his leadership, programs such as family planning, food, and transportation continued to support York County residents.
During this time, Clinton S. Hopkins rose to Board President. Hopkins was active in many community efforts, serving on the York City School Board, coaching youth sports, and working with the Crispus Attucks Association before his untimely passing in 1976.
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Building Programs and Leadership
The mid-1970s brought expansion. Under Muriel Bessemer’s leadership — first as acting director, later as executive director — CPC introduced programs for the Spanish-speaking community and joined the Red Cross blood bank partnership.
In 1974, Rex Sparger, former Oklahoma legislator, briefly served as executive director before leaving for a career in film and television production.
Gregory L. Webb became executive director in 1977 and led CPC until 1982. He oversaw significant growth, including studies showing the need for expanded Head Start programs across York County.
In 1982, Michael A. Gilbert assumed the role of executive director. Known for his creativity in addressing financial challenges, Gilbert expanded partnerships and secured Hands Across America funding to support homeless families. CPC launched training programs in restaurant management and retail sales, while also providing scholarships to York students.
By the mid-1980s, CPC also operated the Senior Community Service Employment Program, directed by Toni Green, which trained older adults for new job opportunities.
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Expanding Countywide Services
Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, CPC broadened its reach. Under George Moore, Child Development Director, bilingual Head Start programs were created to meet the needs of York’s growing Spanish-speaking community. In 1991, CPC staff went door-to-door to enroll children in preschool programs, often providing meals, medical, and dental care.
By 1990, CPC operated outreach centers in York City, Hanover, Red Lion, Delta, and Lewisberry. Programs included Women, Infant, and Children (WIC), housing assistance, food banks, and summer recreation.
That same year, CPC also hired outreach workers like Clair Sexton to address drug and alcohol prevention and HIV/AIDS awareness.
In 1992, CPC entered the affordable housing arena with renovation projects and became a United Way member agency. Annual reports showed participation from 22,000 county residents.
The Foster Grandparent Program launched in 1998, pairing older adults with children for mentorship and learning.
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Resilience and Service in a Changing World
Under George H. Moore’s leadership as executive director, CPC continued adapting to community needs. Programs like Amer-I-Can, founded by NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown, offered after-school support to city youth through York’s Weed and Seed initiative.
During the 2000s, CPC expanded its role in energy assistance through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), addressing the difficult choices many families faced between food, heat, and housing.
In 2005, CPC assisted families displaced by Hurricane Katrina, providing shelter and support in York County.
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A Modern Era of Advocacy
By 2016, nearly one in ten York County residents lived below the poverty line. Robin K. Rohrbaugh, CPC’s President & CEO, emphasized the need for continued commitment, stating:
“Helping people to move out of poverty is extremely challenging work. I am honored to play a role in building our state association into the go-to source in Pennsylvania for expertise, innovation, and impact.”
In 2018, Community Progress Council began to revamp its service delivery model to focus on centralized intake, connecting all participants to comprehensive, integrated services with a focus on relationship-based coaching.
CPC was a key trusted partner in responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitating the Emergency Rental Assistance Program for York County and helping more than 8,000 families remain housed.
In 2022, Rohrbaugh was elected to the Board of Directors of the Community Action Association of Pennsylvania (CAAP), continuing CPC’s proud tradition of leadership at the state and national level.
Today, CPC remains steadfast in its commitment to “People Helping People.” Over 60 years, it has built programs, fostered leaders, and provided York County families with opportunities to achieve self-sufficiency.
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Thank you to York County historian Samantha Dorm for compiling and writing this history narrative. Community Progress Council is grateful for your time and expertise to shine a light on many of the people who have built this organization over 60 years and contributed to our impact in York County.
Want more history? Follow along on Facebook throughout this year as we share more snippets: www.facebook.com/CommunityProgressCouncil