2013 Annual Report. COMMUNITY AcTION IN. WIScONSIN. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency

Transcription

1 2013 Annual Report COMMUNITY AcTION IN ary 4 0th Annivers WIScONSIN Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency

2 Inside This Report Message from the Board President and Executive Director 3 About WISCAP 4 What is Community Action? 5 What our Network Does 6 Remarkable Numbers 7 WISCAP Program Highlights 8 Community Action Agency Introduction 10 ADVOCAP 11 CAP Services 12 Central Wisconsin Community Action Council 13 Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin 14 Community Action, Inc. 15 Couleecap 16 Indianhead Community Action Agency 17 Lakeshore CAP 18 NEWCAP 19 North Central Community Action Program 20 Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency 21 Racine/Kenosha Community Action Agency 22 Social Development Commission 23 Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program 24 West CAP 25 Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council 26 Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups 27 Foundation for Rural Housing 28 United Migrant Opportunities Services (UMOS) 29 Matrix of Community Action Programs and Services 30 Wisconsin Community Action Network Directory 31 Staff and How to Contact Us back 2 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

3 A Message from the Board President & Executive Director Dear WISCAP partners and colleagues, Wally Orzechowski, Executive Director of Southwest CAP, is starting his second term as Board President after being first elected in Bob Jones has served as the Executive Director of WISCAP since July 2011 and has been with the association for 20 years. For the past 40 years, since its inception in 1974, the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP) has served as an effective advocate in policy and program development relating to poverty issues and as a resource to strengthen the capacity of Wisconsin s Community Action network of locally-controlled agencies. Our member agencies sixteen Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and three statewide, single-purpose agencies with anti-poverty missions provide programs and services designed to assist low-income households achieve economic self-sufficiency and to help grow the local communities where they reside. Community Action is unique because each individual agency is locally-controlled and operated, responsive to the specific needs of a particular community. Program components and emphases differ from agency to agency, as needs differ. CAAs call upon all the resources available to a community federal and state, local and private, human and material. For individual households and for communities, WISCAP s member agencies have been of great benefit over the years, helping hundreds of thousands of low-income individuals work to escape the dread tentacles of poverty. In the pages that follow, we hope to pass along information showing the breadth and depth of the work done by Wisconsin s Community Action network in fighting poverty. In addition to comprehensive information on the statewide impact we ve had in various programmatic areas, this report highlights the histories of each of our member agencies, as well as providing a particular example of the innovation Community Action brings to this critical endeavor. For the larger society that is the state we all love, the work goes on for WISCAP and for our member agencies. As we commemorate both WISCAP s 40th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of our nation s declaring a War on Poverty, we re-dedicate ourselves to successfully fighting poverty and to working with all aspects of the larger community in achieving this valued goal. Sincerely, Walter Orzechowski WISCAP Board President Bob Jones WISCAP Executive Director Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 3

4 About WISCAP The Wisconsin Community Action Program Association (WISCAP) is the statewide trade association for Wisconsin s sixteen Community Action Agencies and three single-purpose agencies with statewide focus: the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups, the Foundation For Rural Housing and United Migrant Opportunities Services. Community Action Agencies were created to provide programs which provide services, assistance and other activities of sufficient scope to give the promise of progress toward the elimination of poverty. In 2014, WISCAP is commemorating 40 years of working to meet that mandate. According to the latest U.S. Census Bureau report, 13.2% of Wisconsin residents live in poverty. In 2013, more than 298,000 low-income and working poor residents of Wisconsin turned to WISCAP member agencies for assistance. Member agencies utilized $195 million in federal, state, local and private resources in their effort to address poverty and create economic opportunity. WISCAP was incorporated on March 1, The association was founded on the principal that bringing about economic self-sufficiency for the state s low-income households should be a coordinated endeavor including strengthening policy, resources mobilization, training and development, and advocacy efforts. WISCAP is organized as a private, not-for-profit corporation governed by a Board of Directors. The Board is comprised of the Executive Directors/CEOs from each of the association s member agencies. Member agency dues comprise the core funding of WISCAP. Program and training funds are provided, in part, by the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families, Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, Wisconsin Department of Health Services, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Community Services, USDA Rural Development, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the generous contributions from sponsors of our conference and training events. For forty years, WISCAP has served the needs of its members by: sponsoring professional training on anti-poverty initiatives. facilitating quarterly meetings of agency Board members and leadership staff. serving as a conduit for resource development. advocating for public policy based on locallydeveloped goals of member agencies. advancing laws, rules, regulations and policy to further economic opportunity, community development and locally-designed strategies. This wonderful group of people have picked me up off the floor, dusted me off, and pushed me back on my way. They've been the strength and faith I had lost and now they're my extended family and biggest supporters. - Chrisy, ADVOCAP s Homeless Program participant 4 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

5 What is Community Action? Community Action traces its origin to 1964 and President Lyndon Johnson s War on Poverty. Congress created Community Action Agencies (CAAs) through the Economic Opportunity Act of These organizations became the catalysts in ending poverty community by community and county by county. Funding for these local efforts originally came through Federal appropriations to individual agencies. That changed in the 1980s when the Community Service Block Grant (CSBG) was created to fund these programs on a state-by-state basis and then to fund local programs. Every year, CAAs analyze their communities needs to identify strategies that will work best in attacking poverty with a full-scale community needs assessment every three years to identify major poverty problems and needs of local residents and their communities. Each member agency of WISCAP is unique because their programs and services reflect the needs of their local communities, prioritized by each agency s independent Board of Directors. Each Board is comprised of representation from those living in poverty, from local government and from community and business sectors. And while the goal of resolving poverty is universal, each individual agency approaches this goal by offering a variety of programs unique to their community that serve low-income children, families and seniors. The program has given me tools that I can use not only in my present time but also in my future so that one day I can show others how to build something new in our community. Not only have I learned to use power tools and read blue prints; I have also learned how to be on time and I was shown how you can become something greater in life. - Marcus, Youth & Family Development Program participant Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 5

6 What Our Network Does For 40 years, the Community Action network has been a catalyst of change and a vital part of the effort to eliminate poverty in Wisconsin through the provision of: Education and skills enhancement Economic and business development Weatherization and emergency fuel assistance Emergency food assistance and nutrition education Housing Head Start Refugee and migrant assistance Senior services Parenting Transportation Youth and young adult assistance Emergency services In 2013, 298,302 low-income and working poor residents of Wisconsin turned to Community Action for help! Of those served: 62% had incomes below the federal poverty level 5% were homeless 57% were female 40% were 'working poor' 17% were over 55 63% were caucasian 37% were people of color 18% were disabled 38% were children Thank you for all the work, materials and effort you ve put into my home and my life. What you folks do in strengthening our homes is that you also strengthen our sense of value. By investing in our homes, you invest in us. You remind us that we still have value. Your generosity in all that you have done for my home has been a generosity to my self-esteem as well. Thank you so much for your kindness and belief in me and in my home! - Carleen, participant in Weatherization Program 6 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

7 Remarkable Numbers 16,755 persons obtained healthcare services for themselves and/ or a family member. 12,423 dental care. 5, infants and children received immunizations, medical and individuals received low-cost childcare. low-income participants engaged in our asset building programs, saving an aggregate $171,911 in These savings were then used to purchase a home. 1,686 participants obtained access to reliable transportation and/or a driver s license. 7,425 qualified participants received tax preparation assistance, obtaining $8.3 million in available Federal or State tax credits. 1, individuals gained access to emergency medical care. p eople participated in formal community organizations, government, boards or councils that provide input to decision-making and policy-setting efforts. 906,109 volunteer hours were donated to communities around Wisconsin. Of this total, over 488,000 hours were volunteered by low-income individuals Funding Sources Private: $29 million Local: $6 million State: $39 million Federal: $121 million To address the problems of poverty and create economic opportunity, Wisconsin's Community Action Agencies and Special Purpose Agencies mobilized over $195 million in federal, state, local and private resources in Number of People Served Financial Skills & Assets: 10,037 Child & Family Development: 47,560 Independent Living Supports to Disabled & Seniors: 57,011 Emergency Assistance: 194,798 WISCAP member agencies adressed 578,547 conditions of poverty that create barriers to economic security Employment / Work Support: 269,141 Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 7

8 Program Highlights Community Action Creates Jobs and Businesses Since 1989, Wisconsin s CAAs have provided business development services to low-income entrepreneurs through its Job and Business Development Program (JBD). With funds from the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), JBD helps entrepreneurs to develop business, financial and marketing plans and obtain financing to start or expand small businesses. In 2013, 10 CAAs and the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council launched 57 new small businesses and assisted 26 existing businesses to sustain or expand their operations. JBD created 79 new full time jobs & preserved 53 more full-time jobs. JBD leveraged $1.4 million in business loans and grants. Since its inception, JBD has started 2,044 new businesses and created 5,763 new jobs. Community Action Helps Low-Wage Workers The Community Action Skills Enhancement Program helps low-wage workers obtain better paying jobs with benefits by assisting them to get a degree or certification at a technical or community college. Participants receive assistance paying for tuition, child care and transportation to attend classes, as well as individualized career planning, case management, referral and job search support. Fifteen Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and United Migrant Opportunities Services (UMOS) served 301 participants in 2013 with funding from Wisconsin s Department of Children and Families (DCF) and Department of Health Services (DHS). Of the 78 graduates in 2013, 76% obtained new jobs within nine months earning an average of $9,916 more per year, an 86% increase. Each graduate is projected to earn an average of $344,000 more during their working lifetime. Graduates with access to employer-sponsored health care rose from 5% to 48%. Since 2010, when state funding first became available, 702 low-wage workers have enrolled in Skills Enhancement. 299 have graduated, of which nearly 79% obtained new jobs earning an average of $9,020 more per year a 75% increase. Community Action Supports Safe & Affordable Housing WISCAP s member agencies helped 7,764 low-income families obtain and/ or maintain safe and affordable housing during the year; this assistance taking the form of homeownership counseling, down payment assistance and foreclosure mitigation. In addition, 4,512 low-income households were provided with emergency rent or mortgage assistance. Because of help from a WISCAP member agency, 192 families were able to purchase a home in their community in Wisconsin Community Action Agencies (CAAs) who serve as owners/managers of affordable housing properties created 127 affordable housing units last year. On a larger scale, CAAs were responsible for preserving and improving 4,425 affordable housing units. Finally, through active participation in local Continuum of Care programs created to address the plague of homelessness, WISCAP member agencies provided temporary shelter and other assistance to 2,491 households. 8 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

9 Program Highlights Community Action Helps Save Energy Wisconsin s Weatherization Assistance Program is a proven success in making homes of low-income families more energy efficient, safer and healthier. Thirteen of WISCAP s CAAs weatherized a total of 4,650 homes in 2013, using a combination of federal funds and state public benefits resources. The weatherization program, which has been in existence for more than 30 years, provides energy efficiency services such as insulation and furnace repair/replacement that help low-income families save $400 a year on their utility bills. In addition, seven Community Action Agencies contracted with their local county government to provide energy bill payment assistance to eligible low-income households. These agencies serving 8 counties provided 69,036 households during the year with a one-time bill payment averaging $466. Community Action Assists Rural Communities Since 1992, WISCAP s Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) has provided training and technical assistance to low- and moderate-income rural communities on matters and issues related to the planning, development and management of water and wastewater systems. Small cities, towns, villages, sanitary districts and tribal communities have benefited from RCAP assistance with over 400 projects completed to date. During 2013, RCAP staff provided assistance to 38 communities, implementing 22 water/wastewater projects. Through this work, RCAP was able to leverage $4.815 million in federal funds for 3 Wisconsin communities: the Village of Curtiss (Clark County), the Village of Strum (Trempealeau County), and the Village of Eleva (also Trempealeau County). Additionally, WISCAP s Tribal Circuit Rider Program provides services and technical assistance to all eleven Wisconsin tribal water utilities saw the second full year of operation of WISCAP s Community Development Services (CDS) program. CDS offers education, training and technical assistance to rural Wisconsin communities, on a fee-for-service basis, in the planning, development and management of community facilities projects (beyond water/wastewater). In the first 26 months of CDS operation (November 2011 through December 2013), five villages, two sanitary districts and one tribe contracted for program services, totaling $90,040. Community Action Advances Food Security Thirteen CAAs and 3 other partner agencies coordinated the distribution of 12.5 million pounds of TEFAP commodities in Federal Fiscal Year 2013 valued at $9.8 million to 322 food pantries, meal sites and shelters in 71 Wisconsin counties. Food pantries distributed an additional 32.5 million pounds of private food to needy households and served an average of 203,451 individuals every month. This is an increase of less than 1% over the previous year, but continues to remain 56% higher than pre-2008 levels. Meal sites and shelters served an average of 145,000 meals each month. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 9

10 The Community Action Network in Wisconsin A s locally-controlled, private, not-for-profit organizations, WISCAP s member agencies - Wisconsin s sixteen Community Action Agencies and three statewide single-purpose organizations have been true to the vision of their role in the War on Poverty. This was enunciated by President Lyndon Baines Johnson in 1964 when he said, They (Community Action Agencies) are based on the fact that local citizens best understand their own problems, and know best how to deal with those problems. The most enduring strength of our nation is the huge reservoir of talent, initiative and leadership which exists at every level of our society. Through the Community Action Program we call upon this, our greatest strength, to overcome (poverty) our greatest weakness. In the following pages of this report, we take you on an informational tour of Wisconsin s Community Action network, briefly stopping off at each individual agency for a quick overview of that agency s rich history and an enlightening focus on an innovative and unique approach that agency is taking to eradicating poverty in its own service area. 10 I want to say thank you for helping my family with a vehicle. I have 5 amazing, beautiful children and it makes me so happy that I can do things for them on my own. You have made a difference in all our lives. You have changed our lives for the better. - Jennifer, Work N Wheels Program participant Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

11 ADVOCAP An innovative program of ADVOCAP: Business Development Department In 1983, ADVOCAP created a Business Development Department and in 1985, they developed one of the first business incubators in the State of Wisconsin. ADVOCAP's target market are entrepreneurs that do not exceed 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, single parents, food share recipients, dislocated workers, veterans and persons with disabilities. Business Development assists entrepreneurs to start or expand an existing business, buy or sell a business, and obtain loans and financing. Assistance is provided to help an entrepreneur create a business plan, financial plan, fiscal management systems and access to business loans. ADVOCAP became one of the first 32 SBA Micro Lenders in the United States in 1992 and a USDA Lender in To date, over 288 micro loans have been processed. During this time, over 850 businesses and 2,500 jobs have been created. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Fond du Lac, Green Lake and Winnebago Counties 1975: ADVOCAP is selected by the Ford Foundation and the US Department of Labor to operate the Supported Work Program to create jobs for special needs, long-term unemployed individuals. 1977: Weatherization program is initiated to help families cope with the national energy crisis. 1985: ADVOCAP assists Lao/Hmong to set up and operate programs which achieve employment and self-sufficiency. The agency purchases the old Fond du Lac post office to house its operations and to create the first Wisconsin business incubator. 1990: Homeless transitional housing is created when the agency saves 4 homes from demolition by moving them to new sites. 1991: Program created to help low-income people purchase homes. 2009: ADVOCAP acquires a blighted neighborhood in Fond du Lac. Rebuilding begins with Fresh Start Construction. 2012: ADVOCAP begins the Father and Family Stability Project which helps up to 75 fathers with opportunities to obtain employment and life skills. The PASS Program (People Achieving Self-Sufficiency) begins in Winnebago County and helps people with multiple barriers to self-sufficiency. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 11

12 CAP Services An innovative program of CAP Services: Revolving Housing and Business Loan Fund Accessing capital and credit can be challenging for low- to moderate-income households. To address this, CAP Services created a lending division, Community Assets for People (CAfP) LLC. It is a U.S. Treasury certified Community Development Financial Institution and a wholly-owned affiliate of CAP Services. It provides loans for down payment and closing cost assistance to lowand moderate-income households seeking to purchase or rehabilitate their home, start or expand a business or, car purchase. 89 new loans were made in 2013, valued at $1.7 million. The revolving loan fund is capitalized through a combination of federal grants, donations, and loans from the public, private forprofit and private non-profit sectors. In 2013, CAP Services earned designation as a Small Business Administration Micro-lender, increasing its capacity to meet business financing needs. The loans outstanding as of December 31, 2013 include 984 housing loans, 75 business loans and 54 auto loans, totaling nearly $14 million. September 1978: CAP Services secures funding and opens the Family Crisis Center, one of the first shelters in the State of Wisconsin. It has since occupied three successively larger facilities. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca & Waushara Counties 1976: The Weatherization Assistance Program begins and has helped over 11,000 households save energy and increase their discretionary income. 1981: A solar panel project begins involving installations in lowincome homes by youth enrolled in summer employment programs. 1985: CAP Services organizes the first Women and Poverty Conference. It is later renamed the Poverty Matters! conference and serves as the premier statewide conference on poverty issues. 2011: CAP Services Early Childhood Development Department is chosen as a state demonstration site by the Wisconsin Pyramid Model, an evidence based model that promotes children s socialemotional competence and reduces challenging behaviors. In 2014, it is being recognized as the first program in Wisconsin to meet program fidelity. CAP Service s business and housing revolving loan fund has grown to over $15 million, increasing access to capital and credit to lowincome communities. 12 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

13 Central Wisconsin Community Action Council An innovative program of Central Wisconsin Community Action Council: Summer Lunch Bunch In partnership with UW-Extension Adams County, Central Wisconsin Community Action Council, Inc. is proud to support the Summer Lunch Bunch Program for children and youth at risk for hunger in Adams, Columbia, Juneau and Sauk counties. Eight years ago, when the program started, resources and space were offered including identification of locations, determining the process for meal delivery, donating personnel to support the program, and supporting the funding of a summer intern. The agency has continued to financially support the interns, who are integral in maintaining the continuance of the Summer Lunch Bunch Program. UW-Extension Adams County has made significant contributions through this program in support of those in our area who might otherwise go hungry and we are committed to our continued support of this great cause. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau & Sauk Counties 2003: A new central office building in Wisconsin Dells is constructed, serving the counties of Adams, Columbia, Dodge, Juneau, and Sauk with programs and services including: housing & energy, homeless unit, hunger reduction, employment & training, and business development. 2005: CWCAC receives Federal OCS grant for the New Jobs, New Networks program. 2009: Agency's Beaver Dam building is purchased and currently houses Dodge County Homeless Unit & Community Food Pantry. There are also six affordable apartment rentals and two commercial units in this building. 2013: Executive Director Fred Hebert and CWCAC receives the University of Wisconsin Colleges and University of Wisconsin-Extension Chancellor s Award by UW Extension Adams County for the Summer Lunch Bunch Program. In addition to providing food for 14 food pantries in central Wisconsin, CWCAC also participates in the Mobile Food Pantry Program through Second Harvest in Madison, WI. The mobile food pantry serves low-income communities in Dodge and Adams counties. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 13

14 Community Action Coalition for South Central Wisconsin An innovative program of CACSCW: Koats for Kids Koats for Kids in Dane County distributes thousands of coats and other outdoor winter clothing for low-income families and individuals each year. CAC recruits volunteers to help sort and hang items in September during set-up and October for distribution. Volunteers also help participants shop and register on site. The distribution is integrated into CAC s Clothing Center, so participants who visit in October receive these needed winter items. CAC partners with Klinke Cleaners, which collects and cleans donations for free, WISC-TV and Magic 98, which both provide media coverage. In 2013, CAC gave away over 3,500 winter items in Dane County, plus thousands of lightweight jackets that were donated, and over 300 coats in Jefferson County. CAC partners with Lake Mills Cleaners and Dyers to collect and clean coats for Jefferson County residents and distribution is done out of the Watertown office lobby during one weekend in October. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Dane, Jefferson & Waukesha Counties CACSCW has had the ongoing ability to add and spin off programs in response to community need. 1992: CACSCW s services are expanded into Jefferson County. Four years later, in 1996, the organization expands into Waukesha County. CACSCW has been a leader in community gardens and local foods movements with an emphasis on access to those resources for people affected by poverty. CACSCW has formed many private public partnerships for events like Koats for Kids. The organization has demonstrated leadership in the value of case management in work with people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. 14 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

15 Community Action, Inc. An innovative program of Community Action, Inc.: The Fatherhood Initiative The Fatherhood Initiative was created from Community Action, Inc. s frontline work with neighborhoods and teen mothers in October The Fatherhood Initiative serves 25 fathers who reside or have children in the Stateline area. Participants are adjudicated fathers between the ages of 18 and 30, with existing support orders who are either unemployed or underemployed. The majority of participants are non-custodial fathers with limited physical responsibility for their children. The program's model is work first meaning this is the highest priority and work objectives are coupled with family strengthening efforts. Financial responsibility and self-sufficiency are the core focus of the program. 1970: First Choice Women s Health Center opens. The current clinic, expanded to included 4-exam rooms in 2004 and a satellite clinic, opens in Beloit in Teen Parent Connections is started later and continues today. In 2010 and 2012, the agency adds the Fatherhood Initiative and Personal Responsibility and Empowerment Program (PREP). Incorporated in 1965 Serving Rock & Walworth Counties 1990s: CAI begins its housing development work. CAI has developed single family homes, and created a cul-de-sac in Walworth County, 4 separate housing development agencies and 125 units of affordable housing for senior and disabled individuals and most recently purchasing and rehabilitating more than 20 single family homes in the Merrill Neighborhood of Beloit. 2005: CAI starts the employment and training department and since has created or replicated 5-core education and employment programs designed to build skills and increase employment. CAI has developed and implemented a cultural competency creed, ongoing training and assessment of staff, review and strengthening of personnel and program practices and enhancements to the agency's outreach and engagement in the community. Currently, nearly 30% of CAI staff are minorities, an increase of almost 100% in past 6 years. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 15

16 Couleecap An innovative program of Couleecap: Community Poverty Education Campaign To address a lack of local information about the causes, effects, and solutions to local poverty problems, Couleecap began a community poverty education campaign. On a quarterly basis, the agency's Community Concerns paper focuses on a particular poverty problem in the region and provides information about that problem, what is being done to resolve it, and how the reader can help. The Community Concerns articles have been used by units of government, legislators, other agencies, schools, students and the media for articles and interviews. The information has helped inform decision makers on county boards and city councils. Couleecap is now perceived as a 'go to' place for poverty information. This has evolved into media coverage and interviews, speaking engagements at university symposiums and classroom groups, speaking to high school groups, and linkages with local middle and high school based poverty initiatives. Additionally, after presenting poverty and Couleecap information on a local community based radio station, WDRT, the station Board decided to donate a portion of their annual fundraising proceeds to Couleecap. Incorporated in 1965 Serving Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe & Vernon Counties 1970s: Couleecap starts its weatherization program, and starts and spins off RSVP, Family Planning, Head Start, and Senior Nutrition Services. 1980s: Couleecap is a regional leader in employment and training services for adults and youth including innovative welfare reform initiatives. 1990s: Couleecap establishes a Lender s Consortium of area bankers to support home ownership opportunities for low and moderate income families. 2000s: Couleecap creates the innovative Coulee Community Land Trust and the Coulee Community Realty to increase permanently affordable housing. Currently, Couleecap is the regional leader in homelessness services, helping people transition from homelessness to safe, stable and secure housing and lives. 16 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

17 Indianhead Community Action Agency An innovative program of Indianhead CAA: Northern Renewable Energy Systems Social Enterprise Northern Renewable Energy Systems LLC (NRES) is a dealership for Heatilator/EcoChoice pellet stoves and furnaces, Great Lakes Renewable Energy pellets and Central Boiler outdoor wood boilers. NRES brings to the community alternatives to existing energy usage. This involves many different components, including: LED lighting, pellet heating, and solar water heaters which are displayed and available at the Rusk County Connections Store & More. All revenue from sales goes to support the mission of Indianhead Community Action Agency (ICAA) by helping individuals become self-sufficient. November 10, 1979: Congressman Dave Obey presents keys to three new buses for the startup of the Rusk County Transportation Services, Inc. 1986: ICAA starts Home Services Program in Rusk, Burnett, and Washburn Counties, serving 41 low-income, elderly households with 45 employees. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Burnett, Clark, Rusk, Sawyer, Taylor & Washburn Counties ICAA expands services into Clark County. 1995: ICAA's Business Development program receives funding from WISCAP in 1995 and helps to create 10 businesses that year. 2000: ICAA starts a Wisconsin Fresh Start program. Participants able to build and sell their first 3 bedroom home in Hayward. March 2011: ICAA moves administrative offices to the Servants of Mary building. The agency also able to move its weatherization warehouse to Glen Flora in July 2013 and sells the old creamery building in the fall of 2013 for $1.00. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 17

18 Lakeshore CAP An innovative program of Lakeshore CAP: Lakeshore Family Resources On January 1, 2003, the Family Education and Resource Center and Healthy Families Manitowoc County integrated services, becoming Lakeshore Family Resources (LFR). LFR operates as a collaborative with the Manitowoc County Human Services Department, the two area hospitals, the United Way, and a number of family focused nonprofit organizations. LFR offers both center-based and home visiting services free of charge. The purpose of LFR is to offer a wide variety of services to all parents in Manitowoc County based on their strengths, needs, and requests. The goal is to break the cycle of family poverty by focusing on the strengths of each family, while providing supportive services to ease the stress and strain of parenthood. 1966: Washington Island Community Service Council formed : Washington Island CAP expands to service all of Door County. The Board authorizes expansion to Kewaunee County. Agency name changed to Lakeshore CAP. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Door, Kewaunee, Manitowoc & Sheyboygan Counties 1986: Lakeshore CAP expands to Manitowoc County and begins contracted work assignments. 1990: Lakeshore CAP expands to Sheboygan County, its present boundaries. 2007: Lakeshore CAP consolidates its operations into a former Catholic Church at 702 State Street in Manitowoc. 18 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

19 NEWCAP An innovative program of NEWCAP: Back Pack Snack Program The Back Pack Snack Program is well known throughout the country as one way to provide food to children on the weekends. Many of the children get most of their meals at school and have little or nothing to eat on the weekends. A weekend food program requires the cooperation and support of the entire community, including school officials. School-aged children are selected by the school district staff, a homeless liaison or school counselor; however it could be a concerned teacher. Most of the students participating in the program rely on free or reduced lunches. Bags are packed then distributed discreetly to participating children by school district staff or recruited volunteers. Every last day of the school week, students enrolled in the Back Pack Snack Program will receive a bag of snacks for the weekend. October 12, 1965: The Northeast Wisconsin Community Action Agency, also known as NEWCAA, is formed. NEWCAA is officially changed on June 8, 1977, to its present name of NEWCAP. September 1987: The agency goes from representing the lowincome interests of Oconto and Marinette to include Menominee, Shawano, Vilas, Oneida, Forest, Florence, Langlade, and Brown counties. Incorporated in 1965 Serving Brown, Florence, Forest, Langlade, Marinette, Menominee, Oconto, Oneida, Shawano & Vilas Counties September 1992: Present CEO, Robert Koller, takes over as interim head of the agency and then later as full time Executive Director. 2004: The agency begins its long involvement in developing affordable housing for low-income people by beginning a program of building universally accessible housing for elderly/handicapped in cooperation with technical education classes of local high schools. 2013: The agency begins to shift focus from merely providing local emergency services to a more case management formatted approach where the challenge is focused much more on selfsufficiency. Concomitantly, the Community Health Program begins to grow and mature its clinical model to serve the reproductive needs of the local area. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 19

20 North Central Community Action Program An innovative program of North Central CAP: NCCAP AmeriCorps Team- Greater Wausau Area Program AmeriCorps members are currently serving at seven local host sites through the North Central CAP (NCCAP) AmeriCorps Team Greater Wausau Area program. AmeriCorps members focus on the educational and social success of students and youth from economically disadvantaged backgrounds through tutoring and mentoring activities during school and in afterschool programs. Host sites sponsor the members and provide a local match. Since the program began, over 2,000 youth have benefitted from AmeriCorps members tutoring and mentoring. Though the students benefit the most, the AmeriCorps members themselves report great gains as they improve their professional skills and gain valuable experience in their careers. A minimum of 2% of a member s service is required to be contributed as community service. This is done through a variety of projects and activities such as: food drives, community dinners, litter sweeps, community activities such as Chalk Fest, assisting with Fun Runs, and afterschool family programs. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Lincoln, Marathon & Wood Counties 1972: Storefront Learning Center (an alternative High School) opens in Wausau and operates for over 40 years. 1974: Wood County Community Action Organization formally changes its name to North Central Community Action Program, Inc. NCCAP region expands to include Marathon and Lincoln counties. 1997: Organizes the Emergency Housing Assistance Fund (EHAF) in Marathon County. 2000: NCCAP builds Capistry Town Homes, a six-unit low-income housing complex in Marshfield (100% grant funded). 20 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

21 Northwest Wisconsin Community Services Agency An innovative program of Northwest CSA: Memory Lane Adult Day Services Program The Memory Lane Adult Day Services Program provides respite services to caregivers in the form of adult day care. The program is the only state-licensed program in northwestern Wisconsin specific to those with Alzheimer's and/ or dementia. The mission of Memory Lane Adult Day Services is to improve the quality of life for older adults with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias by offering adult day services committed to enhancing and maintaining self-respect, dignity, and maximum independence; and to offer respite to families and caregivers who are responsible for an adult in need of supervision and care. The program has two physical locations: one in Superior and one in Ashland. Each site is open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Friday and has the capacity of serving 15 adults. Incorporated in 1967 Serving Ashland, Bayfield, Douglas, Iron & Price Counties May 1967: Community action agency is formed. 1981: Name changed from Northwest Wisconsin Community Action Agency to Northwest Wisconsin Community Service Agency (NWCSA). July 1999: NWCSA takes over the operations of the Solid Rock Safe Mission (adding the soup kitchen, men's shelter and food warehouse). This is the longest running homeless program in the community. 1972: The RSVP Program is added. 1994: Agency adds the housing component. 1997: NWCSA, with the assistance of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, develops the first Self-Help Building Program in the State of Wisconsin. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 21

22 Racine/Kenosha Community Action Agency An innovative program of Racine/Kenosha CAA: The Greater Racine Collaborative for Healthy Birth Outcomes The Greater Racine Collaborative for Healthy Birth Outcomes (GRC4HBO), an initiative of the Racine Kenosha Community Action Agency (RKCAA), was formed in 2007 as a response to a public health crisis in Racine, Wisconsin. In 2007, African American babies were three times as likely to not live to see their first birthday. For every 1,000 live births, 23 African American babies didn t make it to the age of one. This statistic prompted community residents, local and state government, and healthcare systems to come together. The overall goals of GRC4HBO are to reduce the African American infant mortality, reduce the rate of African American babies born before 37 weeks, and reduce the rate of African American babies born weighing less than 5.5 lbs. With the assistance of major partnerships, the Community Action Plan of 2011 serves as the blueprint for improving healthcare access for African American women; strengthening families and the African American community; and addressing social and economic inequities. Incorporated in 1967 Serving Racine & Kenosha Counties 1978: Opens the Kenosha office. 1986: RKCAA is instrumental in developing the Emergency Services Network (ESN) in Kenosha County. 2000: Leads community dialogue on poverty talks in Racine and Kenosha Counties. Partners with Kenosha County Division of Health to expand Prenatal Care Coordination. Plays a leadership role in the development and implementation of the Emergency Food and Shelter grant. 22 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

23 Social Development Commission An innovative program of Social Development Commission: Daddy Daughter Dance In 2011, Social Development Commission was asked to join with the Milwaukee Public Schools Recreation Department and the Milwaukee Fatherhood Initiative in a dynamic and effective partnership to produce the Annual Daddy Daughter Dance. The event draws hundreds of Milwaukee area men who take their daughters to a dance at North Division High School. Each year, they celebrate the bond between father and daughter. The special evening generally is marked with a live DJ, dancing, commemorative family photos, flowers for the young ladies, and dinner. The goal of the event is to encourage fathers to share a special time with their daughters and help forge stronger bonds between the two. It is recognized that such relationships help provide a model on successful relationships for the young people and help increase the chance of the young women growing into healthy and productive adults. Incorporated in 1963 The Milwaukee Asset Building Coalition Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program provides free preparation and filing of state and federal taxes. Since 2001, more than 132,000 tax returns have been filed providing $146 million in tax credits and refunds to families and the Milwaukee area economy. Serving Milwaukee County SDC s Residential Services integrates services from Weatherization, Lead Hazard Reduction Assistance, and Neighborhood Improvement Project along with Energy Assistance to create healthier homes from Milwaukee County s aging housing stock and improve the quality of life for the families living in them. Based on a growing need for Competency Based Diploma programs, SDC s Education and Training unit emphasizes PI 509 programming and increases related classes to answer this service demand. SDC s Youth and Family Development Program provides a comprehensive array of services designed to help at-risk, court-referred youth through education, anger management, mental health and substance abuse education and treatment including alternative therapies such as art therapy, family support, job training, and community service options. Through a ground-breaking partnership between SDC, the Wisconsin Children s Trust Fund, the Department of Children and Families, and UW- Madison, Project GAIN focuses on (1) in-home financial case management to positively impact select at-risk families and (2) powerful first time research that has the potential to significantly advance the field of child maltreatment prevention. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 23

24 Southwestern Wisconsin Community Action Program An innovative program of Southwest CAP: Dental Access Initiative Since 2004, Southwest CAP (SWCAP) has built and equipped two eight-chair dental clinics in its service area. The Darlington clinic is operated by Community Health Services, the parent organization of the federally qualified health clinic located in Beloit. The Dodgeville clinic is operated by Access Community Health Centers, located in Madison. In addition, SWCAP also assisted a non-profit group to form and operate a free dental clinic exclusively for low-income children in Monroe, serving Green County residents. Using free medical clinics as a model, this operation uses volunteer dentists and other volunteer staff at a single chair clinic located at a building in Monroe. The Fowler Memorial Free Dental Clinic is sustained financially by some Medicaid reimbursement but primarily by local fund-raising and donations. It, too, has also been very successful and the plans are to expand the facility and services as local funding permits. Helps start three free medical clinics in Dodgeville, Boscobel and Richland Center. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Grant, Green, Lafayette, Iowa & Richland Counties Helps start (including construction and equipment) two Federally Qualified Health Center Dental clinics in Dodgeville and Darlington. Helps start one free dental clinic for children in Monroe. Partners with CAP Services and a private developer to build the Brodhead and Lancaster Senior Village housing developments for low income seniors. Adopts and grows very successful Work n Wheels auto loan program that has spread throughout Wisconsin. Develops a donated building for a five unit homeless shelter in Richland County and starts four homeless coalitions in four of its counties. 24 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

25 West CAP An innovative program of West CAP: Homeownership Program West CAP Homeownership programs offer first time homebuyer education workshops, financial assistance with down payment and/or closing costs, foreclosure intervention workshops, and financial assistance to prevent foreclosure. West CAP has been a HUD approved Housing Counseling Agency since 2004 and serves income eligible households in its 7-county service area. In 2012, West CAP provided these services to 485 households with a total economic impact of $1,939, : West CAP supervises the Neighborhood Youth Corps participants in flood clean-up along the St. Croix and Mississippi Rivers : The Mobile Health Screening Unit provides R.N. level health screenings and referrals. The VISTA Dental Health Clinic provides dentistry and dental hygienist services for 5 years ( ). Incorporated in 1966 Serving Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk & St. Croix Counties 1974: West CAP designated as the first federally-funded weatherization program in the nation. Still a leader, West CAP's recent "Deep Retrofit" residential energy conservation program is highlighted by the Wisconsin Academy of Science, Arts and Letters in its "Climate and Energy Roadmap" for Wisconsin's future. 1993: The agency becomes a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). Through partnerships with private for-profit businesses and non-profit groups, West CAP has developed, acquired or renovated 380 units of housing. 1999: The award-winning, nationally-recognized JumpStart car purchase program starts and has since assisted nearly 500 low-income families in the purchase of reliable, fuelefficient late-model automobiles. In 2010, the JumpStart program is recognized nationally as one of only ten Promising Pathways Out of Poverty for TANF households by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 25

26 Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council An innovative program of Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council: Women s Business Conference The Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council and Women s Business Center work with start-up, existing, and expanding businesses in Eau Claire, Jackson, Trempealeau, Buffalo, Chippewa, Dunn, and Pepin counties. The Business Center's services are designed to provide entrepreneurs with access to individualized as well as group business training, referrals, financing, technology, and ongoing business case management services. Assistance is provided at various locations throughout the service area, as well as on-site. Owners of start-up, existing, and expanding businesses receive technical assistance in all aspects of business operation including business plan development, feasibility studies, marketing assistance, business management, and operations. Annually, the Women's Business Conference connects attendees with the resources they need to be successful. At this full-day conference, attendees learn from established members of the business community in Western Wisconsin, talk to business assistance providers, and network with over 500 emerging entrepreneurs. Nearly 100 businesses are on hand to display their services and products in the exhibitor hall. Twenty educational sessions and roundtables cover a wide range of topics, and one-onone counseling is available to discuss specific business questions. Incorporated in 1966 Serving Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson & Trempealeau Counties 1966: First Western Dairyland Head Start center opens with four staff members. 1968: Building Rural Agriculture program funded to improve management abilities and increase income on small farms. 1983: Western Dairyland recycling program begins; program sold in : First Western Dairyland homeless shelter opened. 2003: Inaugural Women s Business Conference held in Eau Claire. 26 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

27 Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups About CWAG The Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups (CWAG) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan statewide membership organization founded in CWAG s mission is to improve the quality of life for people of all ages through: intergenerational understanding and leadership development, public education, legal and legislative advocacy and public policy development. CWAG is a strong advocate on behalf of seniors in the state of Wisconsin, providing ongoing grassroots advocacy efforts for issues affecting senior through numerous programs: Wisconsin Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Elder Financial Empowerment Project Prescription Drug Helpline Wisconsin Campaign for Better Care Senior and Intergenerational Statesmanship Advocacy Training Program Through advocacy, the Coalition of Wisconsin Aging Groups develops and supports public policies that reflect members views and interests as directed by their legislative initiatives. CWAG s legislative successes are directly attributable to the activism of its membership. Incorporated in 1978 Serving the state of Wisconsin Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 27

28 Foundation for Rural Housing An innovative program of Rural Housing: Critical Assistance Rural homelessness and near homelessness may be less visible than the urban variety, but the people are very real. Whether couch surfing, facing foreclosure, or coping with an eviction notice, these families are more than numbers in a database. Each person has a story of resilience and struggle in the face of unemployment, underemployment, disability, or limited opportunities. Since 1991, Rural Housing has administered has administered State funds to prevent homelessness. The agency steps in when local agencies cannot. To date, more than 5 million dollars has been disbursed to almost 11,000 households. Most assistance helped families with a security deposit, getting them into stable homes. An evaluation showed that two years later, 71 percent of tenants were still in the same place. Rural Housing also helps with overdue rent, back property taxes, overwhelming utility bills, and mortgage problems. Incorporated in 1970 Serving the state of Wisconsin 1970: Home in Darlington completed for $14,565; this is the first home of 363 homes assisted by the Foundation for Rural Housing in the agency s first five years. Mobile Home Recycling Project provides learning skills for inmates, supports environment recycling, and helps homeless receive a home. 71 homes extensively rebuilt. Thousands of small, but critical repairs provide for thousands of seniors in 42 counties by hundreds of volunteers. Foundation for Rural Housing has assisted 10,999 individuals in the past 22 years, yet each person has a story and circumstances that present a challenge. 28 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

29 United Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) An innovative program of UMOS: National Farmworker Jobs Program UMOS operates the National Farmworker Jobs Program with an array of services to farmworkers and their families: employment and training, job placement assistance, on-the-job training, aptitude assessment, job retention training, job club, short-term skills training and/or counseling and family counseling. The purpose of the program is to enable migrant farm workers to improve their economic well-being, their education, their health, and their housing so they may better realize their potential. For those migrants wishing to find more stable employment, UMOS collaborates with numerous schools and other educational institutions on the provision of GED and ESL, as well as with employers on educational and skills training efforts. 1965: UMOS incorporated with the first office in Waukesha. UMOS receives its first substantial funding for child care to alleviate children from working in the fields. Incorporated in 1965 Serving the state of Wisconsin 1974: Lupe Martinez appointed Executive Director. 1972: Migrant advocates take over the governor s office, resulting in the passing of the Migrant Labor Bill in 1977 by the Wisconsin legislature. 1997: UMOS wins $52 million contract for Wisconsin Works (W-2) Program to become the largest Hispanic-managed non-profit agency in the state. The program is implemented in the job center located on Mitchell Street, Milwaukee. 2005: UMOS moves into new 117,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters in Milwaukee. Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 29

30 Community Action Programs & Services 5/14 Program ADVOCAP CAP Services CWCAC CACSCW, Inc. CA, Inc. Couleecap Education/Skills Enhancement Adult Literacy Skills Skills Enhancement Program Financial Literacy Education Employment Training Economic/Business Development Business Development Business Revolving Loan Programs Energy / Utilities Emergency Fuel Assistance Programs Weatherization Programs Telecommunications Assistance Food Security/Environmental Emergency Food Assistance Community Garden Programs Community Meal Prgms/Holiday Baskets Nutrition Education Housing Transitional Housing/Homeless Shelters Rental Property Management/Development Rent Payment Assistance/Section 8 Rental Assistance Programs Homeownership Programs Foreclosure Assistance Home Repair Programs / Lead Abatement Housing Revolving Loan Fund Home Repair Programs Headstart/Child Development Parenting/Family Support Childcare Provision/Assistance/Referrals Parenting Classes Clothing Assistance Fatherhood Initative Violence Prevention/Victim Services Legal Services Physical/Mental Health Women's Health MA/WIC Programs AODA/Mental Health Dental Programs Home Healthcare Refugee/Migrant Services Senior Services Tax Preparation Assistance Transportation Car Purchase Programs Youth and Young Adult Services Education Skills Fresh Start Mentoring Program Juvenile Justice/Violence Prevention Homeless/Runaway Programs Employment/Living Skills Indianhead Lakeshore NEWCAP North Central Northwest R/K CAA SDC Southwest West CAP WDEOC CWAG FRH UMOS 30 Wisconsin Community Action Program Association

31 Creating Local Opportunities for Economic Self-Sufficiency 31

32 WISCAP STAFF Diana Austin Director of Administration (608) Jonathan Bader Community Action Programs Director (608) Mark Bauman Administrative Specialist (608) Bill Brown Rural Development Director (608) Wesley Hoem Rural Development Specialist (715) Bob Jones Executive Director (608) Richard Lawe Rural Development Specialist Tribal Circuit Rider (715) Stephanie Mather Office & Events Manager (608) Paul Matthiae Rural Development Specialist (608) Lisa Totten Rural Development Specialist (715) WIScONSIN COMMUNITY AcTION PROGRaM ASSOcIaTION 1310 Mendota Street, Suite 107 Madison, WI Phone (608) Fax (608) Visit us at Find us on Facebook.com/WISCAP & twitter.com/wiscaponline