Weathering the recession... 2010 Annual Report focusing on recovery.
Leadership Mission Couleecap fights poverty and promotes self-sufficiency for people in the Coulee Region. We identify needs, mobilize resources, and provide quality services to people and communities in four counties of western Wisconsin: Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon. Grace Jones: Executive Director 2010 was a challenging and outstanding year in the history of Couleecap. It was a challenging year because the depressed national economy resulted in increased community needs. It was an outstanding year because the Couleecap Board and staff rose to meet this challenge. With the help of considerable federal, state and local resources, Couleecap worked diligently to meet the increased needs of the people of our region. I am so proud that our agency was able to respond to people s needs with care and empathy. With great accountability we were able to deliver a massive increase in services during 2010. The size of Couleecap s budget almost doubled. We rose to this occasion with energy and a commitment to deliver, and did we ever deliver. We helped 38,000 people in 2010 and were able to help over 17,000 people who were hurt by economic circumstances such as job layoffs. Our gratitude is shared with our volunteers, donors, funders, the dedicated Board members and hard-working staff. And perhaps most of all, we are grateful for the support and appreciation that we experience from the members of our community who are helped in their time of need. The hand that we offer, that helps someone who is struggling to move forward, pulls everyone to a better place. Grace Jones Executive Director Couleecap Annual Report Page 1
Couleecap is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors comprised of eight income-eligible constituents, eight County Board Supervisors, and eight members representing private groups and organizations. In 1964 President Lyndon Johnson proposed the War on Poverty. His goal was to provide opportunity for every American to enjoy the benefits of this great nation. His strategy was to designate resources that community organizations would use to address local issues. The Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 established a network of these local organizations, know as Community Action John Young: Board Chair Agencies. Since that time, Community Action Agencies have pioneered innovative, community-based, effective programs that have lifted millions out of poverty by giving a hand-up, not a handout. Couleecap was formed in 1966 and is proud to celebrate 45 years of providing local solutions to local poverty issues. In Memory We dedicate our 2010 Annual Report to the memory of Sharon Pederson and Boyd Zietlow. For almost twenty years Sharon Pederson was not only a dedicated employee, supervisor, and mentor, but also a compassionate co-worker and friend. She understood the needs of the clients and the staff of the weatherization program and worked to meet everyone s needs. She is missed. Boyd Zietlow served on the Couleecap Board of Directors since 1996. During his time on the Board he served as Vice Chair and participated on the Monroe County Planning Committee. He is sadly missed. Board of Directors Officers of the Board Chair: John Young Vice Chair: Bill Rudy Secretary: Celesta Leis Crawford County James O Meara Rick Peterson Jane Schaaf Albert Wee Carol Wolcott John Young La Crosse County Bob Brague Charlotte Erickson Maureen Freedland Terry Hicks Monica Kruse Janet Kusch Bill Rudy Monroe County Linda Greendeer Karen Joos Celesta Leis Robyn Leis Mary Masters Virginia Zietlow Vernon County Karen Dahl Gary Davig Karen Long Anne O Connor Jack Robinson Anita Zibton Page 2
Emergency Assistance 2,904 provided with energy assistance (WHEAP) payments. 529 provided with energy assistance crisis payments. 203 emergency furnace repair or replacement. 3,202 People were served at the Bargain Boutique thrift store. In today s economic climate, approximately two out of three middle class families are at high risk of sustaining or losing their economic security. Moreover, increases in job loss and income cuts have made families struggle with basic costs like housing, medical care, transportation, food, clothing, and child care. Couleecap provides emergency assistance through programs such as food pantries, clothing centers, fuel, utility, and rental assistance, and information and referral. Brian is a young man who makes minimum wage busing tables at a local supper club. He is very dedicated to his employer as this is the only job he has ever had. Brian a large and unexpected water bill due to a water leak under his house. He could not afford this unexpected bill and his lease stated that he was responsible for all utilities. Brian was facing eviction if he could not pay this bill. The landlord fixed the pipes and Couleecap was able to utilize ARRA funding to help Brian pay the water bill. With Couleecap s help Brian was able to stay current on his other utility bills, and stay in his home. Couleecap worked with Brian on budget counseling and the importance of establishing a savings account for unexpected and emergency situations. Couleecap Annual Report Page 3
Food Food insecurity continues to be an issue both nationally and locally. In a difficult economy families are making difficult choices about which bills to pay. Beginning in the fall of 2008, Couleecap began to see food pantry family numbers double. More Monroe County Food Pantry families in our area have turned to food pantries to help feed their families. Locally grown food In an effort to promote healthy, locally grown foods, Couleecap partnered with local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA s) and local farmers Local produce from CSA markets to provide 6,396 food pantry clients with food items from local growers and producers. For the second year, Couleecap participated in the Crawford Markets Care initiative which benefits clients of local food pantries and local farmers. The program is a collaborative effort between the Crawford County Community Fund, Couleecap, and area Farmers Markets. Through the program, local food pantries distribute coupons worth $5 of fresh locally grown food to be redeemed at the local Farmers Markets in Prairie du Chien, Ferryville, and Gays Mills. 17,974 Individuals emergency food assistance. 2.6 million pounds of food were collected and distributed. The Emergency Food Assistance Program, (TEFAP) provides food to pantries, meal sites and shelters. Couleecap acts as an Emergency Food Organization handling the distribution of TEFAP food to pantries in the four county area. Page 4
64 Unemployed people obtained jobs. 125 Youth aged 14-18 employment and training services. 45 Vehicles repaired for transportation to work. 14 Loans made to purchase vehicles for reliable transportation for employment. 98 assistance to continue working through gas vouchers, bus passes, vehicle repairs or other required work supplies. Job Loss Job losses hurt many families in our region. Wisconsin s manufacturing and construction sectors have been particularly hard hit. Unemployment remains high and the weak economic recovery has not generated the jobs that unemployed and underemployed workers need. Skills Enhancement This program is a stepping-stone to self-sufficiency and is designed to address the training needs of low-income workers. The purpose of the program is to increase the income and economic self-sufficiency of working poor households by helping adult members acquire the skills needed to obtain higher paying jobs with health benefits. This is accomplished through financial assistance that pays towards tuition, child care, and transportation expenses related to returning to school. Imagine you have devoted twenty-two years working at the same factory job. Then the downturn in the economy leads to the business closing its doors. Just weeks before your unemployment benefits expire you are diagnosed with stage three breast cancer. Fighting cancer takes time, energy, and money. Your bills are piling up. Your disconnection and eviction notices arrive. You need your energy to fight cancer, but now you are fighting to keep your home. Where do you turn? Mabel turned to Couleecap. Couleecap provided temporary assistance while she filed for social security benefits. Thanks to this assistance she still has her home. With a little less stress Mabel began her chemo treatments. After the first social security check arrived she was able to maintain rent and utilities on her own and concentrate on her recovery. Couleecap Annual Report Page 5
Home Foreclosure Foreclosures continue to climb upward due to catastrophic illness and job losses. The foreclosure rate and the shortage of affordable housing in our area means more people are at risk of losing their homes and becoming homeless. The wave of foreclosures has had a devastating effect on many local families in the Coulee Region. With limited affordable housing available, families often must relocate, leaving cherished communities and support systems behind. At Couleecap, we ve seen middle class families who are now facing foreclosure and severe financial issues. These families never thought they would be in this situation. As a result, we are seeing families that we have not helped before. Neighborhood Stabilization Program A program that is helping breathe new life into neighborhoods with foreclosed and abandoned properties celebrates the first completed project in La Crosse. Before Couleecap, Inc. was awarded $1.6 million in federal Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds to purchase foreclosed properties and renovate or rebuild them before selling them to low and moderate- income families. 117 foreclosure intervention counseling. Couleecap staff members provide ongoing counseling to homeowners who are in various stages of loan default and/or foreclosure to prevent the foreclosure from taking place. Counseling may include budget assistance, education on the foreclosure process, and/or communication with loan servicer to develop a possible loan re-work. After Page 6
382 rent, security deposit, or utility payment assistance. 199 Homeless individuals housing and supportive services, including 62 people with disabilities. 9 eviction prevention payment assistance. 8 Affordable housing units were maintained and housed 13 families for a total of 22 people. Homelessness Among industrialized nations, the United States has the largest number of homeless women and children. Not since the Great Depression have so many families been without homes. Family homelessness is caused by the combined effects of lack of affordable housing, extreme poverty, decreasing government supports, the challenge of raising children alone, the changing demographics of the family, domestic violence, and fractured social supports. As the gap between housing costs and income continues to widen, more and more families are at risk of homelessness. For families with vulnerabilities or little safety net, even a seemingly minor event can trigger a catastrophic outcome and catapult a family onto the streets.¹ Couleecap operates a variety of programs that assist low-income people with their housing needs. Lisa, Mark and their three children had been living in a tent for four months. With the cold weather approaching, they were in danger of having their children put into foster homes. They applied to Couleecap for housing assistance. They found a house that was big enough for their family and within fair market rent. ARRA funds helped pay their security deposit and rent so they could remain together as a family and concentrate on finding employment. Within three months both Lisa and Mark found employment and their children enrolled in school. 1 National Coalition for the Homeless; http://nationalhomeless.org/publications/ facts/how_many.pdf. Couleecap Annual Report Page 7
Weatherization Wisconsin has been a leader in the area of low-income weatherization and energy efficiency for many years. However, it is not only low-income households that benefit from Wisconsin s weatherization program every household benefits. When the weatherization program completes work on a house the amount of energy used by that house decreases, often by as much as 40%. How does that effect everyone? When the homes in a community use less energy it reduces the overall demand for energy. Less demand relaxes supply pressures and helps moderate costs. 762 weatherization services. 37 home repairs required prior to receiving weatherization services. I am so grateful, so thankful to the Couleecap, Inc. crew. The workers that did all of the repairs, were fantastic, wonderful people...like family. I love them all and my welcome mat is always here for you. I cannot tell you how much I appreciate the work you did. Thank God for Couleecap -Orla May, Couleecap Weatherization client Home weatherization can reduce the amount of energy used by a home, often by as much as 40%. Weatherization helps households improve the energy efficiency of their residence. Weatherization can be done for home owners or renters. Some common services include insulating attics and sidewalls, replacing inefficient furnaces, and providing information about energy conservation. Page 8
Home Rehabilitation 82 Homeowners rehabilitation assistance. 16 disaster assistance rehabilitation. Owneroccupied home rehabilitation programs helps low and moderate income homeowners rehabilitate their home. The focus is on rehabilitation that makes the home safe, sanitary, and energy efficient. Many homes in Couleecap s service area are older and in need of improvement. The median construction date for all homes in the four county area is between 1960 and 1970. Older homes with deferred maintenance offer a variety of problems. When families cannot afford repairs, the cost of these repairs can skyrocket out of control. A roof can t withstand a storm; outdated wiring causes a fire; broken or missing locks invite theft; a cracked sidewalk or broken steps can cause injury and a liability claim; aging pipes can burst. This increases insurance rates and can drive families out of their homes. Before Couleecap home rehabilitation. After Couleecap home rehabilitation. Couleecap Annual Report Page 9
On a bright, sunny day in October Lois Mickelson took center stage, to officially cut the ribbon to her new home. As Lois and her family both stated, she finally felt safe in her home. Flood Recovery Working with the community to identify the housing needs required after the devastation of the flood, and address those needs, Couleecap is proud to have played a role in this innovative project. All homes are energy star and every effort is made to include solar energy as part of the project. Her home devastated by the flooding in Gays Mills, Lois Mickelson cuts the ribbon to her new home high above the flood plain. 23 were provided low-income rental housing in Gays Mills. The Crooked River Townhomes located on Watermelon Way are part of the Gays Mills relocation project. As of December 2010, the barren watermelon field now is home to 23 households, and we continue to relocate residents out of the flood plain and into safe, dry homes. Page 10
30 homebuyer counseling, down payment and closing cost assistance to purchase homes. 3 Permanently affordable homes created and marketed to low and moderate income homebuyers. Homeownership Couleecap homeownership programs help income-eligible homebuyers purchase their first home. Coulee Community Land Trust (CCLT) The Coulee Community Land Trust provides western Wisconsin with permanently affordable homeownership and rental opportunities. Our homes are designed to be high-quality, energy-efficient, and attractive homes that can be sold at a price working families and individuals can afford. When you buy a land trust home you purchase more than just a home. You become a member in a community of homeowners who wish to better their communities by ensuring that their communities are vibrant, diverse, and engaging places to live. The Coulee Community Land Trust is a program of the non-profit Coulee Housing Development Corporation with the mission of creating and providing stewardship for affordable housing throughout western Wisconsin. It is sponsored and supported by Couleecap, Inc. and was originally created through the efforts of the La Crosse County Housing Commission. Workmen from Terrace Homes were in Rockland to lower the first of four new homes on to their foundations. As many as 19 homes might be added to the housing stock in Rockland before the project is complete. Couleecap Annual Report Page 11
Job and Business Development Business ownership appeals to people for a variety of reasons. It s not uncommon for new business owners to make statements such as: I want to supplement or replace the income from my employer. I was laid off and can t find another job. I want to be able to control my own destiny and make decisions about my work. I want to grow assets that can be passed on to the next generation in my family. Since the program began in 1997, over 110 businesses have been assisted and 145 jobs have been created in the four counties served. The Job and Business Development (JBD) revolving loan fund has a balance of $210,960 and of that balance, $15,619 is available to loan, with the remainder being repaid on a monthly basis by 13 different JBD program businesses. Loans are made on a 5 year, 3% interest rate basis. Local inventors Frank Hammond and Shane Kendhammer were frustrated with the time and effort it took to hook up trailers without a second person as a guide, and found a way to turn this two-person task into something that one person could do alone. Couleecap was able to help Hammond and Kendhammer with funding and expertise which allowed them to manufacture the Handy Hitch. Funding also went towards designing a website and production of a marketing video. The easy-touse Handy Hitch system took second place at the Inventors Showcase and Competition and debuted at the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show. The Handy Hitch sells for $24.95 at www.handyhitchllc.com. 107 Individuals business development assessment, counseling, or referral. 3 New businesses were created. $94,000 dollars loaned for business start-ups or expansion. The Job & Business Development program provides technical assistance to low-income entrepreneurs to become self-employed. Page 12
American Recovery and Reinvestment Act American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds awarded to Couleecap have improved the living situations of 17,595 people in Crawford, La Crosse, Monroe, and Vernon counties since 2009. 17,595 people have improved living situations due to American Recovery & Reinvestment Act funds. 471 homes are warmer and more comfortable from home weatherization. 37 households home repairs required prior to weatherization services. 382 households rent, security deposit, or utility payment assistance. 98 households assistance to continue working through gas vouchers, bus passes, vehicle repairs or other required work supplies. 49 households foreclosure intervention counseling. 4 households eviction prevention payment assistance. 225 young adults reproductive health information. 7,192 food pantry clients also infant and household items while 6,396 food items from local growers and producers. Couleecap Annual Report Page 13
Couleecap purchased the former Vernon Electric Cooperative Building in Westby and held an open house event. Couleecap recognized local citizens who are working on behalf of others in our community at the 3rd annual People Helping People awards. 2010 Year in Review John Young, Couleecap Board Chair, celebrated 40 years of service. An extraordinary community volunteer, John has made a difference in the lives of thousands of people. Couleecap and Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration were honored with the 2010 Wisconsin Good Grant Award from the Donors Forum of Wisconsin. 2010 Couleecap Needs Assessment Poverty has many faces and people living in poverty encounter a wide range of barriers. To ensure that Couleecap is truly meeting the needs of low-income people, we conduct a needs assessment every three years to determine the needs of low-income individuals and families in our area. In 2010 Couleecap conducted a needs assessment. 1,700 surveys were distributed to area low-income households. Low-income people were asked to rate areas of need and most significant concerns in their household. The top three areas of need were: Area of Need Employment Housing Transportation Significant Concerns Finding a job with higher wages; Finding a permanent job Paying for home repairs; Paying for rent/ security deposit Paying for car expenses (gas, insurance, and repairs); Getting a reliable car Page 14 $11,039,807 was expensed by Couleecap to provide services to our communities. 117,830 hours were volunteered to Couleecap by community residents. 121 community partnerships were established and maintained between Couleecap and other entities. 1,070 household needs assessment surveys were returned for a response rate of 63%.
Finance Report (unaudited) For the year ending December 31, 2010 Financials (unaudited) Consolidated Statement of Financial Position December 31, 2010 Assets: Cash 747,301 Investments (CROPP Stock) 20,000 Grants Receivable 843,009 Other Receivables 146,546 Weatherization Materials 786,126 Construction in Process 368,733 Prepaid Expenses 97,945 Restricted Reserves 12,318 Deferred/Revolving Loans Receivable 4,929,831 Property and Equipment, Net 1,267,525 Total Assets 9,219,334 Liabilities: Accounts Payable 490,432 Accrued Expenses 340,932 Rental Deposits 23,287 Refundable Advances 860,170 Mortgage Payable 933,921 Construction Loans Payable 359,291 Deferred/Revolving Loans Refundable 5,148,890 Total Liabilities 8,156,923 Net Assets: Restricted (Endowment) 24,226 Unrestricted 1,038,185 Total Net Assets 1,062,411 Total Liabilities and Net Assets 9,219,334 Couleecap Annual Report Page 15
Consolidated Statement of Activities Year Ended December 31, 2010 Revenue: Grant Revenue 11,271,795 Program Service Revenue 280,940 Rents 136,284 Interest 6,785 Contributions 75,682 Other Revenue 38,479 Total Revenue 11,809,965 Expenses: Specifice Assistance to Individuals 4,554,744 Personnel 4,654,031 Professional Fees 221,247 Supplies 291,113 Telephone 56,356 Postage and Shipping 26,091 Occupancy 318,337 Printing and Publications 28,271 Land Purchase/Building Construction/Rehab 980,605 Travel 301,690 Other Expenses 423,786 Total Expenses 11,856,271 Change in Net Assets (46,306) Net Assets - December 31, 2009 1,108,717 Net Assets - December 31, 2010 1,062,411 Page 16
Funding and Donors For the year ending December 31, 2010 5,000 + Donors Forum of Wisconsin, Inc. Franciscan Skemp Foundation 2,500 + Catholic Campaign for Human Development Reisinger Heating, Inc. 1,000 + Anonymous Teresa Brenengen S. Evan Jones & Joel Johnson David & Kathryn Thompson Brenengen Auto Group La Crosse Area Realtors Association Laurel High School Mathy Construction Organic Valley Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids People s State Bank, Prairie du Chien Scenic Rivers Energy Cooperative WESCO Home Furnishings Memorials: Arrow Wildhack Arwyn Wildhack-Wildingway Korey Proksch Julie Noth United Way Agencies Great Rivers United Way Prairie du Chien Area United Way 500 + Philip & Kathleen Aaker Daryl Applebury George & Carmeen Johnston John & Linda Lyche 3M, Prairie du Chien APAC Customer Services Brookwood High School Diversity Club Curves for Women, Prairie du Chien English Lutheran Church, La Crosse Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church, Prairie du Chien Gundersen Lutheran Prairie du Chien Clinic Gundersen Lutheran Sparta Clinic Iverson Construction Kiwanis Club of Sparta Kwik Trip Nuzum Building Supply St. Peter Evangelical Lutheran Church, Prairie du Chien I pray all involved with these programs understand how I appreciate the hand-up, not the hand-out. -Couleecap client Every contribution is important to us, and your continued support makes our work possible. Regrettably, space limitations force us to confine the donor listing to donations of $500 or more. We are committed to maintaining an accurate donor list. Please contact the development office at 608-634-7363 with any errors or omissions. Couleecap Annual Report Page 17
People Helping People Often there are client needs which cannot be covered by grant funds. These needs are often small, but vital to a person achieving success and overcoming their situation. Our Client Needs fund provides help in these cases. It is supported by private donations from people, groups, and organizations right here in this area. Our clients may only need a small, one time gift, but the impact of this help is dramatic. In 2010 Client Needs funds were able to assist over 50 people with a variety of needs from food, to transportation, to rent and utility payment assistance. Some examples are: Helped a client who had been laid off from work pay rent for one month and avoid eviction. Helped a youth pay a utility bill when she had to quit her job because of complications with her pregnancy. Helped an elderly client replace a 30 year old stove that was leaking gas. Helped a family with emergency food assistance when their freezer broke and caused all their food to spoil. Assisted a client with a utility bill when work hours were reduced. Helped a family pay their rent when the father was laid off from his job, avoiding homelessness. Couleecap is a great program. -Couleecap client Make a difference 90% of all contributions go directly to serving the needs of our clients. Page 18
201 Melby Street Westby, WI 54667 Address Service Requested Presorted Standard Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Westby, WI PERMIT NO. 45 A United Way member agency Couleecap is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Service Provider. Auxiliary Aids and Services Available Upon Request.