2012 brought both growth and retraction in CAP Services programs designed to address family and community needs. CAP’s revolving loan fund grew with awards from the US Treasury, USDA Intermediary Relending Program, increasing CAP’s capacity to help with small business financing needs.
CAP reduced its new housing inventory when it sold the last two SPASH-built homes, a Fresh Start home in Waupaca and 2 more in Wautoma (since late 2011). Five of seven “Neighborhood Stabilization Program” (foreclosed and rehabbed) homes have also sold or have an accepted offer. CAP’s Homebuyer Assistance Program was critical in helping these families realize the American dream of homeownership.
Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) in Waushara County and the Fresh Start Program both closed. These and the down-sizing of some housing and weatherization activities all come as the result of funding cuts. CAP’s Domestic Abuse Alternatives Program (DAAP) also retracted as a result in lower referrals.
CAP hosted a day-long training on the topic of resiliency and how to build that concept in our work with families. Late in the year, CAP brought the University of Iowa back for family development certification training for 11 CAP staff and 1community partner, with completion of training expected in January.
CAP’s mission-driven staff continue to produce results, some described below:
- CAP’s Children’s Discovery Center earned a five-star rating from Wisconsin’s Young Star Program, only one of three child care centers in Portage County at the time of announcement.
- CAP assisted 30 households with the purchase of vehicles needed for employment. Pat’s Carstar again offered the Recycled Rides Program, resulting in a free vehicle for a very appreciative family.
- 39 Skills Enhancement Program participants completed training with average increases in annual household income of $11,242 and 31 (46%) accessing employer-sponsored health insurance benefits.
- The Family Crisis Center provided a safe place to stay for 124 women and children who experienced domestic violence and 19 youth in-crisis. Additionally, staff in the Outreach offices provided a variety of services to 464 callers and 432 visitors.
- CAP’s Sexual Assault Victim Services Program (SAVS) provided services to 259 individuals in Portage and Waupaca Counties. Staff also reached 2,246 individuals through its community and school educational programs.
- Its Free Tax Assistance Program served 258 households in Waupaca and Waushara Counties with returns totaling $381,545. Staff expanded services to Portage County, in partnership with Mid-State Technical College and United Way where 171 more households were served.
- CAP’s Homebuyer Program provided assistance to 15 homebuyers and 55 rehab clients. 215 more received weatherization assistance.
- Construction of Waupaca Townhomes, a 24-unit family housing project, was completed and filled. Ground was broken in December for Berlin Senior Village, a 24-unit senior project. CAP also purchased City Walk Apartments (in Wausau), a 48-unit senior project, moving it closer to its 2020 goal of 1,000 rental units in its portfolio.
- Eleven businesses started and 6 more jobs were created as a result of assistance from CAP’s Business Development Program. A total of 23 business loans were deployed, valued at over $1.8 million.
- CAP hosted 7 poverty simulations that offer individuals an opportunity to walk in the shoes of a low-income individual and experience the challenges they face in making ends meet. CAP partnered with groups in the Fox Valley area to create a Latino Simulation, scheduled for roll-out in 2013.
- Finance Department completed another successful audit and Admin/HR supported staff through the provision of two supervisory trainings on Respectful Workplace, regular orientation sessions for new staff and CAP’s Human Capital initiatives.