Our Story
In the late 1970s, Niskayuna faced a heartbreaking crisis when four high school students took their own lives. This tragedy prompted a dedicated health teacher to advocate for a mental health needs assessment within the Niskayuna School District. The assessment revealed two critical needs: a structured approach to deliver essential programs and a unifying link for the community beyond the school system.
In response, community members formed the Niskayuna Community Action Program (N-CAP) to address these findings. Inspired by successful models from neighboring communities, N-CAP was established to provide vital programs and foster community spirit. The first Niska-Day celebration took place in May 1982, uniting neighborhoods in a festive atmosphere. Today, N-CAP continues to thrive, enhancing the quality of life in Niskayuna and hosting one of the longest-running community celebrations in the Capital District.