In East Texas two leaders came together to explore a new program; the 1964 Economic Opportunity Act. They were Mr. Jerry Johnson and Mr. C.L. Simon. George Perry Campbell & Dr. Ralph W. Steen were particularly interested and encouraged a meeting at the Nacogdoches County Courthouse for community leaders. It was agreed to apply for this new program. In 1965 Community Action Nacogdoches, Inc. (later renamed to Greater East Texas Community Action Program) was born with a $100,000 emergency needs grant.

Since 1965, GETCAP has grown its footprint to provide poverty self-sufficiency services to 11 counties, energy assistance to 20 counties, Head Start to 6 counties, and home weatherization to 30 counties all across East Texas. This amounts to the service of over 6000 households and over 500 children and their families in the Greater East Texas area.