All professional services and speakers are provided to the community at no charge. The City of Columbia doubled in population in the past 30 years from 36,650 in 1960 to more than 72.000 today. Despite the presence of the University of Missouri and a number of successful businesses and industries, the summer of 1980 was particularly stressful. To respond, a steering committee evaluated the unemployment problems facing the city's youth. Led by park and recreation director Richard Green, the committee agreed that new strategies were needed to provide employment options to Columbia's youth.
CARE is a total community program drawing on both the public and private sector.
Wages are paid by the city, and partners in both the private and public sectors provide job-site supervision. Participants develop job skills and explore career interests through training and meaningful work experiences with local businesses. The park and recreation agency annually recognizes local businesses, stressing that they must remain full partners. The Front Door, Columbia Career Center, Human Development Corporation, The Job Center, Columbia City Council, and Columbia Public Schools. Nearly 400 were employed by the program for the maximum two years.