- 2010
- 2009
- 2008
July 19, 2010
Last summer Racette Ford in Waupaca was all but closed when the car maker awarded its franchise as part of a company-wide restructuring to LeRoy Butler and Scott Wilson. Wilson had convinced Ford to reopen the dealership because Butler brought a “star” name to the business and Wilson had 30 years experience in auto sales, service and financial service.
Financing the acquisition proved difficult. While Ford agreed to finance the inventory, funding was still needed for the building, tools and equipment. Wilson and Butler approached the City of Waupaca for a loan to keep a Ford dealership in Waupaca. The City had no loan money available so Wilson and Butler were referred to CAP Services and its business loan subsidiary, Community Assets for People LLC (CAfP). They asked CAfP to provide gap financing to complement their own investment and another loan from a conventional lender.
CAP established CAfP in 1991 to provide loans designed to “fill the gap” between what conventional lenders would loan to a business and what the owner invested compared to the total needed. In return for “filling the gap” CAfP requires job creation that benefits low-income individuals. Butler Ford committed to create 10 jobs that will be filled by members of low-income households. Work financed by CAfP included retooling the body shop, installing new lifts, lighting and tools.
CAfP has averaged more than $1 million in business loans in each of the last five years. CAfP has loaned to companies ranging in size from 1 to 450. Recently CAfP assisted a food processor move into a new 100,000 square foot plant that will employ more than 100 workers when fully staffed.
According the CAfP’s Director Karl Pnazek, the loan fund is capitalized by grants and investments from faith-based groups, banks, foundations and the public sector. CAfP’s business loan fund has a loss ratio of less than 7%. Given the higher risk assumed by CAfP, Pnazek said this loss ratio is acceptable and lower than the national average of 8% for these kinds of loans. He noted that the CAfP board has recently approved several new procedures designed to reduce the loss ratio to 6%.
Mary Patoka, CAP CEO, noted that Butler is well-known throughout Wisconsin, not only as a former All-Pro safety and inventor of the Lambeau Leap, but for his extensive charity work, especially on behalf of breast cancer research. Butler and Wilson have also expressed an interest in exploring how their investment group can work with CAP to improve the quality of life of low-income households in Waupaca, especially in terms of affordable housing and youth programs.
June 1, 2010
Four participants in CAP Services’ Fresh Start Program in Waupaca have received Solar Site Assessors Certifications. This state certification credentials recipients to inspect sites for possible installation of solar heating systems and is the first step in qualifying for rebates through the Focus on Energy Program and for federal tax credits.
To obtain their certification, participants had to successfully complete two classes, beginning and advance. Northwind Renewable Energy taught the first course and used the house being built in the Eastgate Subdivision by Fresh Start participants to meet the requirement for “hands on” experience installing a solar system. The subdivision is being developed in collaboration with the City of Waupaca, which donated the land in return for CAP installing the infrastructure needed to developing 61 units of housing.
The Midwest Renewable Energy Association taught the second course that included classroom instruction and practice assessments in the field. A final exam administered by MREA completed the certification process. Participants obtaining their certification included Daryl Court, Andy Sandler, Allen Soik and Jon Nueroth, all of Waupaca.
According to Program Coordinator Clayton Pietsch, Fresh Start targets at-risk youth ages 17-24. The goals of the program are to help participants obtain their high school equivalency degree while developing workplace and life skills. With the emergence of more and more “green jobs” Pietsch said these kinds of certifications will provide a good step toward participants obtaining a job in the alternative energy field.
Fresh Start students attend classes needed for a high school diploma or GED. Participants will also work with a housing professional to learn how to build single family houses the remainder of the day. When the houses are finished they are sold to households with low- or moderate-incomes with assistance from CAP’s Home Buyers Assistance Program.
The program is held daily Monday through Thursday, year-round, and students are paid for the work they do. Participants will also engage in community service activities as members of the Americorps Program. One project in process is assisting with development of a trail near the Waupaca River. Fresh Start–Waupaca is being funded by President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the federal Community Services Block Grant. According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka, Fresh Start Waupaca expects to enroll 9 participants and create two staff jobs in the first year of the program.
Program Coordinator Clayton Pietsch said the Waupaca program uses the same approach as CAP’s nationally recognized Fresh Start project in Wautoma. That program has been in existence since 1999 and the 151 participants have built 13 houses. While some participants already had their high school degree when they enrolled, 67 obtained their GED/HSED through the program. 81 of the 151 are now employed full time with most of the balance either working part time or attending a post-secondary education. Groups working with CAP Services on this project include Fox Valley Technical College and, the City of Waupaca. Local businesses have provided both workplace and life skills education.
May 21, 2010
A local business woman was recently named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Wisconsin CAP Association. Allison Mothes, who operates the Kaukauna Coffee and Tea Shop, was honored at the trade association’s annual awards ceremony in Madison.
In the spring of 2008, Mothes approached CAP for help in buying and expanding the Kaukauna Coffee and Tea Company. Allison had worked part-time in the coffee shop since high school and when the owner told Allison he wanted to sell, CAP helped Allison negotiate an agreement with the owner to lease the business for one year to give her more experience in running a business and to save enough money to qualify for a loan
After a year, CAP helped Allison obtain $130,000 in financing from the Kaukauna Redevelopment Authority and the Business Lending Group to purchase the business. Both lenders were impressed that Allison had worked with CAP on negotiating a lease that provided income and experience and that she had saved $10,000 to purchase the Coffee Shop.
Overlooking the Fox River, Kaukauna Coffee and Tea serves lunch and gourmet beverages. Allison uses on-line marketing to share luncheon menus, announce changes in scheduled hours and special events held at the coffee shop. Alison has hired three employees and is hoping to expand to a second location in 2010.
WISCAP is the trade association for Wisconsin’s 16 Community Action Agencies and the low-income people they represent.
Head Start Recognizes Volunteers
May 18, 2010
CAP Services recently recognized the hundreds of parent and community volunteers who donated 73,552 hours in support of the Head Start program over the past year. According to
CAP CEO Mary Patoka, the volunteer hours were the equivalent of over 37 full-time staff.
Ten individuals/families also were specifically honored for their exceptional volunteer efforts at the Head Start Recognition Reception held on April 29th at the Best Western in Waupaca. Volunteers recognized included Ed and Jessica Colson and Joelle Shamrowicz at the Family Development Center in Stevens Point, Guy and Annette Hall in the Portage County Home-Based Program, Todd and Chara Hall at the Montello Center, Dennis Knudsen at the New London Center, Sarena and Dan Frisk and Emma Trindal at the Waupaca Center, Pam and James McGregor in the Waushara County Home- Based Program, Rebecca Lewallen at the Wautoma Center and Karli Jaensch at the Clintonville Center.
Victor Manual Santiago who was a volunteer at the Clintonville Center was named Community Volunteer of the Year. He is a senior at Clintonville High School who volunteered with Head Start and the 4K English Language Learners, interpreting and translating information into Spanish.
There were 114 people in attendance including parents, staff, and community partners. Head Start children made the center pieces and each guest received a potted plant.
Head Start is a federally funded pre-school program for children from income-eligible families and for children with special needs, ages 3 to 5. The program offers comprehensive child development services, including individualized education, early childhood development, medical, dental, mental health, and nutrition services, family development services and parent involvement.
Last year CAP was awarded an Early Head Start grant to expand services to pregnant women and families with infants and children up to age 3. The 22 month, $1,608,842 grant from the federal Administration for Children and Families is funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Early Head Start provides family-centered services designed to promote the development of the youngest and most vulnerable children and to enable their parents to fulfill their parental roles and move toward self sufficiency.
CAP’s Early Childhood Development Program serves 363 Head Start children at centers in Stevens Point, Wautoma, Montello, Waupaca, New London and Clintonville and serves 72 Early Head Start families in Waupaca and Portage counties. It employs 100 people.
April 1, 2010
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM). During the month the national goal is to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate both individuals and communities on the issues and strategies for prevention. Sexual violence can include rape, incest, child sexual abuse, stalking, harassment and sexual assault. According the CAP Services’ Sexual Assault Victim Services (SAVS) Coordinator Dee Erlandson, “These crimes are committed in our homes, schools and places of work, often by people we know. The victims are not numbers or impersonal stereotypes. Victims are daughters, sons, sisters, brothers, friends…..even the child who delivers your newspaper…anyone can be a victim.”
National statistics report 1 in 3 females and 1 in 5 males will experience sexual victimization at some time in their life. The average age of a victim is 14. Erlandson said “the feelings of broken trust, self blame and isolation are real for the victim.” Studies report over 90% of survivors were hurt by someone they already know and often trust. “As a result, the single act of speaking up and telling someone takes courage and often does not happen because many individuals are afraid of not being believed or being hurt again.”
CAP Services’ SAVS (Sexual Assault Victim Services) has Victim Advocates in Portage, Waupaca and Waushara Counties to provide support services to victims and their families. In Portage County, Dee and Jane can be reached at 715-343-7125; in Waupaca County, Rebeckah can be reached at 715-256-1584; and in Waushara County Joie can be reached at 920-787-3011. SAVS staff are available to provide accompaniment, information and support and encourage everyone to talk with their children, friends and families about how each person can be part of the decision to end sexual violence. As community resources shrink, individuals who choose to be involved can change a life and create feelings of safety for not just survivors but everyone.
Mary Patoka CAP Services’ CEO encourages every member of the community to break the silence. She said everyone has a right to feel safe, asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one deserves to be abused. For more information or to explore volunteering within the SAVS Program call the CAP Services SAVS staff at the above numbers.
March 31, 2010
Ministry Dental Center of Stevens Point has openings for Waupaca County residents enrolled in the Wisconsin BadgerCare Program. Services were expanded to serve all Waupaca County BadgerCare recipients as the result of several grants received in the last quarter of 2009. A $100,000 grant from the Basic Needs Giving Partnership supported by the U.S. Oil Open Fund for Basic Needs within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, and the J.J. Keller Foundation, Inc. were made to support this expansion after a competitive grant application process. The $100,000 is the first installment of a three-year grant totaling $240,000.
According to Terri Green, Foundation Manager for the U.S. Oil/Schmidt Family Foundation, “Expansion of the Ministry Dental Program is giving BadgerCare patients the opportunity to obtain consistent, affordable dental care.” Mary Harp-Jirschele, Executive Director of the J.J. Keller Foundation has noted: “This project clearly fits the focus of the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. We are impressed with the level of commitment from all three partners within the Ministry Dental Center, and their focus on providing a true dental home for BadgerCare patients.”
The program also received a $5,000 grant from the Waupaca Area Community Foundation Fund within the Waupaca Area Community Foundation (WACF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc. during the WACF’s annual meeting last September after a competitive grant application process.
Christine Anthony, a life-long Waupaca County resident and a Board Member for the WACF, knew immediately that this was a cause that their family wanted to support. According to Christine, “Ministry Dental Center focuses on children because services to this group are usually not available.” Anthony noted that Ministry’s decision to target children led WACF to get involved. A $15,000 gift from the Victor and Christine Anthony Family Foundation also helped support the Waupaca County expansion.
Mary Patoka, CEO of CAP Services, noted the January expansion of dental services to all of Waupaca led to a surge of enrollments. Now there are additional opening as those initial patients complete their treatment plans and move into a maintenance mode.
She noted the center addresses a need for affordable dental care that low-income residents have consistently identified in community surveys taken by CAP Services and other organizations. Since many dentists limit their treatment of or do not treat Medicaid and BadgerCare recipients because of the paperwork and the low reimbursement rate, historically there has been a huge gap in services to this group. She noted that in Portage County, where the Ministry Dental Program has been operating for eight years, almost 50% of all BadgerCare recipients access dental care every year. In Waupaca County only 25% do, primarily because participants cannot find a dentist willing to serve BadgerCare recipients.
Ministry Dental Center Manager Brenda Diamond said the center has two experienced dentists and three hygienists providing services. She asked Waupaca residents to call 715.342.8060 for an appointment, as services are not available on a walk-in basis.
Community Foundation Invests in CAP Lending Arm
March 22, 2010
The Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin has invested $200,000 in CAP Services’ Business Loan Fund. The fund is administered by Community Assets for People LLC (CAfP), a division of CAP Services.
According to CAP President and CEO, CAfP will use the investment for its “Gazelle Fund” that targets value-added businesses ready to make a leap in growth but that lack the financing for more space, working capital and equipment. Patoka explained that “value-added” businesses are those that produce a product or offer a service that brings wealth into the community. She said that while these companies aren’t obligated to create new jobs, as they grow they eventually do create additional jobs because the capacity has increased. But while they are growing, those businesses are creating wealth in the community.
Past “Gazelle Fund” borrowers have included American Governor in Amherst and Pointe Precision in Plover. Other investors in the Gazelle Fund include Delta Dental of Stevens Point and the Neighborhood Enterprise Initiative.
According to CAfP Director, Karl Pnazek, the Gazelle Fund is unique because it does not require job creation in the short term but rather focuses on the overall impact of the company’s expansion on the local economy. Not requiring job creations helps companies focus on their expansion and incorporating the most advanced technology available so they can compete in the world market.
CAP Board member and Treasurer Lyne Kawleski noted that CAfP operates the Gazelle Fund in cooperation with other public and private lenders. Its loans are designed to fill the gap between what conventional lenders will loan and what the entrepreneur needs. The loans may be used to finance the purchase of property, equipment or inventory.
CAfP has three business loan funds, one for low-income entrepreneurs, one for businesses creating jobs that commit to hiring low-income people and the third for existing businesses positioned for rapid growth that need quick access to capital. Persons interested in learning more about CAfP’s business loan funds should contact Nancy Ross at 715/343-7141.
CAP Services’ Family Resource Center Serves Families
March 15, 2010
CAP Services’ Family Resource Center served 35 families in 2009 through its Families Connect, home visitation, parenting education and one-on-one parenting education programs. Parenting training for these services uses the Parents As Teachers Born to Learn curriculum, the Nurturing Program, and the 10 Greatest Gifts I Give My Children.
The Center also provided Chill Skills classes for 14 youth. The curriculum for the classes uses the Second Step: A Violence Prevention Curriculum. Training included feelings, anger signs and triggers, anger styles, calming techniques, problem solving steps, problems solving skills, stress management techniques, bully prevention, and passive, assertive and aggressive behaviors.
Jan Novak, Waushara County Department of Human Services Prevention Coordinator and Family Resource Center advisory board member recognizes the value of Family Resource Center services for area families. “The Family Resource Center understands and supports parents who may be faced with parenting challenges or wish to learn more about being the best parent possible. Programs are free to the public and offer quality hands-on information for parents and youth, who can be assured that they will learn tools that make a difference.”
The CAP Services Family Resource Center Programs are supported by grants and funders including Heart of Wisconsin United Way.
March 3, 2010
CAP Services’ Family Crisis Center sheltered more victims of domestic violence for a shorter time according to a recently released report. The Center provided shelter to 140 victims of domestic violence in 2009, a 17% increase in use over 2008 and the highest use since 2003.
Crisis Intervention Services Coordinator Laurie Dauria said the clients’ ability to support themselves after leaving shelter is increasingly becoming an issue as a growing number of clients have no source of income or have insufficient income to live on their own.
Dauria also reported the profile of the “typical” victim seeking shelter is changing. The shelter is seeing an increasing number of children, especially those with very young children. For the past ten years, women without children have typically used the shelter.
CAP provides domestic violence intervention services in Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties.
CAP’s 12 transitional living units for victims of domestic violence who choose to live apart from their abuser served 16 households (49 individuals). Transitional Living participants receive family development services as they work their way toward self-sufficiency. Rent for these units is based upon the client’s income. As a result of almost 100% occupancy, Vice President of Human Development Nicole Harrison said CAP will be looking to acquire a duplex in Stevens Point to provide additional housing options and will update and upgrade its Waupaca units.
The batterers’ treatment program (Domestic Abuse Alternatives Program) also experienced an increase in attendance to 143 individuals, a 10% increase over 2008.
Dauria said the Family Crisis Center also serves as the designated youth runaway shelter for Adams, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood counties, and sheltered 29 youth in 2009, a 17% increase over 2008.
CAP’s Sexual Assault Victim Services in Waupaca County assisted 70 victims, twice the number projected. In Portage County CAP assisted 191 victims, a 5.3% increase from 2008.
Domestic violence intervention and sexual assault victim services include 24-hour telephone and walk-in crisis counseling; emergency shelter; and, transitional living, support groups, advocacy, community coordination, and a batterers’ program for abusers.
In reviewing the 2009 numbers served, advisory board member Laurie Pascutti noted “I was a volunteer with a similar program in Oneida County several years ago, so I have a benchmark” with which to compare services. Without a doubt, the Family Crisis Center and its dedicated staff are providing much needed services in a comprehensive, cost effective and sensitive manner. The program is outstanding in meeting the needs of people in crisis.”
The Crisis Center’s toll-free telephone crisis number is 800-472-3377.
February 23, 2010
CAP Services’ 52 graduates from its 2009 Skills Enhancement Program achieved an average increase in annual earned income of $11,829. Thirty-eight (73%) now have access to employer-sponsored health insurance. On average, the graduates took 25 months to complete their training and received $2,160 in direct assistance.
Thirty-one of the graduates were from Outagamie County, Neenah, Menasha and New London, and averaged an annual increase in earned income of $9,621. Twenty-one (68%) now have access to employer-sponsored health insurance. Outagamie County, Neenah, Menasha and New London participants averaged 30 months to complete their training and received $2,326 in direct assistance.
CAP’s Skills Enhancement Program is a locally-designed workforce development program that assists working, low-income individuals in obtaining the skills needed to compete for living wage jobs. The program helps with tuition, books, and training-related transportation and childcare costs that they could not otherwise afford.
CAP President Mary Patoka said that 34 graduates obtained jobs in health care, 6 in business and banking, 1 in education, 5 in service industries, 2 in criminal justice and 4 in manufacturing.
CAP Services offers the Skills Enhancement Program to residents of Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties whose income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty income guidelines -- $16,245 for a single individual, with increases of $5,610 for each additional household member. To be eligible, participants must be working and continue working at least 20 hours a week while enrolled, and must pursue training for occupations that pay a living wage and typically offer employer-sponsored health insurance.
Most of the funding for the program comes from United Ways, foundations, individuals and businesses. For the last 18 months the program also has received limited funding from the US Department of Labor as the result of an earmark from Senator Kohl and stimulus funds under the American Recovery Act. Current enrollment is 236 participants.
Outagamie County and New London residents interested in the program should contact CAP Services at 920-968-6365.
CAP Adds 63 Units of Affordable Housing in 2009
February 17, 2010
CAP Services’ Housing Department developed 24 new units of affordable housing and helped 27 households purchase their first house in 2009.
The new rental units are designed to meet the needs of seniors who want to remain in their home communities but have chosen not to continue living in single-family or substandard homes.
CAP’s 2009 senior housing project is located in Kewaunee. CAP’s rental housing development program operates statewide, usually in partnership with the local Community Action Agency.
CAP sponsored student-built housing projects completed two single-family houses in 2009. The Stevens Point Area Senior High School house was the 11th house completed by SPASH technology education students, and CAP’s Waushara County Fresh Start participants completed their 13th house. Fresh Start provides at-risk youth ages 16 to 24 with an opportunity to work toward their high school equivalency diploma, and develop workplace and life skills while they build affordable housing for low-income families.
CAP’s First Time HomeBuyer’s Assistance Project, which provides downpayment, closing cost and rehabilitation assistance, helped 27 low- and moderate-income households purchase a home. Since 1991, CAP has helped 1,028 households purchase their first home by providing deferred loans totaling more than $9.5 million.
According to Chief Executive Officer Mary Patoka, in 2010 CAP anticipates an increase in the number of rental housing units developed as work has already started on a project in Weyauwega and another one will start soon in Colby.
Housing Director Mike Olson says he also anticipates helping at least15 households with home buyer’s assistance. He noted that interest rates remain low and coupled with the federal home buyer tax credit, demand has been strong. In addition, three student-built homes are scheduled to be completed line this year; one in Stevens Point, one in Waupaca and one in Wautoma.
Patoka noted that CAP’s average occupancy rate of its rental housing is over 96% and complies with all housing quality standards.
CAP owns 481 units of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income households throughout Wisconsin. This includes housing for seniors, special needs populations, families, and victims of domestic abuse. CAP has also provided funding to Living Oaks Assisted Living in Iola in return for reserving eight units for low- and moderate-income individuals or couples.
Skills Enhancement Program Receives Women’s Fund Grant
February 3, 2010
The Women’s Fund for the Fox Valley Region has awarded CAP Services’ Skills Enhancement Program $6,650 to increase services to working poor women. This grant was part of $27,000 recently awarded by the Women's Fund through its Financial Fluency Initiative, which was generously supported by Community First Credit Union.
Becky Boulanger, Executive Director of the Women’s Fund stated “The Women's Fund is delighted to support CAP’s Skills Enhancement Program at this critical time. In the current economy women are playing a more important role than ever in providing for the financial security of their families. We are happy to help CAP Services in its efforts to remove barriers that make it difficult for women to improve their job skills and increase their income.”
Skills Enhancement helps working poor individuals obtain the skills needed to compete for higher paying jobs. Outagamie County graduates in 2009 averaged an increase in annual earned income of $9,621. There are currently 127 people enrolled in the Outagamie County program and additional applications are being accepted.
The program helps participants with tuition, book, transportation and childcare costs directly related to training not funded by other sources. The Women’s fund grant will be used for these direct participant costs, which averaged $2,325 per graduate in 2009.
Participants also receive family development services designed to enhance their movement toward self-sufficiency based on the University of Iowa’s Family Development Model. This family focused and strength-based approach recognizes the inter-relationships between factors leading to self-sufficiency. It looks at family development in eleven areas – employment, income, education, academic skills, childcare, housing, transportation, mental and physical health, access to health care, family unity, and legal issues.
To be eligible, individuals must be working and continue to work at least 20 hours per week while enrolled in the program, and must have an income at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. For a household of three that amount is $27,465 per year.
Outagamie County residents interested in enrolling in the program should call 920-968-6365 to see if they qualify.
Free Taxpayer Assistance Offered in Waupaca and Waushara County
January 20,2010
CAP Services Inc. is offering free taxpayer assistance to income-eligible families in Waupaca and Waushara county. CAP estimates that eligible families in Waupaca County could claim up to $600,000 ($500,000 in Waushara county) every year in Earned Income Tax Credits and than are now and spend thousands of dollars less for someone to prepare their taxes and then apply for Refund Anticipation Loans unnecessarily.
The Earned Income Tax Credit is a refundable federal income tax credit for low-income families. It is credited with raising more children out of poverty than any other program.
“We encourage people to have their refunds directly deposited into a bank account” Betsy Rozelle, CAP Services Project Coordinator said. Families then can have their refunds in less than 2 weeks, according to information from the IRS.
Using the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites and direct deposit eliminates preparation and loan fees, so families keep more money in their own pockets. Waupaca County sites are First State Bank-Waupaca, Clintonville Public Library, and New London Public Library. The Waushara county site is the CAPsell Center, 205 E. Main St., Wautoma.
To see if you qualify for this free service, in Waupaca county, contact Betsy Rozelle with CAP Services at brozelle@capmail.org or 920-209-0760. In Wauhsara county, contact Julie Sorenson at jsorenson@capmail.org or 920-647-0978. Appointment times are available from February 1-April 14, 2010.
CAP Awarded Early Head Start Grant
December 23, 2009
CAP Services has been awarded a 22 month, $1,608,842 grant by the federal Administration for Children and Families through funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Funds will be used to develop an Early Head Start Program in Portage and Waupaca Counties.
Early Head Start provides family-centered services designed to promote the development of the youngest and most vulnerable children and to enable their parents to fulfill their roles as parents and move toward self sufficiency.
According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka CAP has been trying for ten years to obtain an Early Head Start grant in the highly competitive national pool.
The Early Head Start program was established in 1995. Its design reflects national research that the time between conception and age three is critical to human development.
Researchers recommend that for infants and toddlers to develop optimally they have to have a healthy beginning and continuity of responsive and caring relationships.
Carla Kluz, CAP’s Early Childhood Director, said the local program will provide family-centered services to 20 pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers in Waupaca County through two home-based programs, one in the Clintonville area and the other in the Waupaca community.
In Portage County, CAP will provide 44 pregnant women and families with infants and toddlers with home-based services and another eight families with children aged 24-36 months will receive a combination of home- and center-based services at the Family Development Center on West River Drive in Stevens Point.
Services are expected to start on or about March 1, 2010. Kluz said she expects the program will hire seven Home Visitors, one Teacher, one Program Assistant and a Health Specialist. Services include education, medical, nutrition, family services, mental health, special needs, and parent involvement. Both the Waupaca and Portage County programs will be connected to their local Head Start Centers to ensure continuity when the children turn three and move from Early Head Start to Head Start.
In commenting on the award Kluz noted CAP’s Early Childhood Department is excited to obtain this funding. “It has been part of our strategic plan for ten years and now that we have the funding we intend to provide high quality, intensive, comprehensive and continuous child development and family support services. This has been a tradition in our Early Childhood programs and we intend to continue the level of excellence that families have come to expect from CAP.”
Persons interested in learning more about CAP’s Head Start or Early Head Start should contact CAP’s Early Childhood Development Administrative Office at 715/343-7539.
Dental Center Services in Waupaca County Expand
December 15, 2009
Ministry Dental Center of Stevens Point will be expanding services to all Waupaca County BadgerCare recipients as the result of several grants received in the last quarter of 2009. A $100,000 grant from the Basic Needs Giving Partnership supported by the U.S. Oil Open Fund for Basic Needs within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, and the J.J. Keller Foundation, Inc. was presented to CAP Services to support this expansion after a competitive grant application process. The $100,000 is the first installment of a three-year grant totaling $240,000.
According to Terri Green, Foundation Manager for the U.S. Oil/Schmidt Family Foundation, “Expansion of the Ministry Dental Program will give BadgerCare patients the opportunity to receive consistent, affordable dental care.” Mary Harp-Jirschele, Executive Director of the J.J. Keller Foundation states: “This project clearly fits the focus of the Basic Needs Giving Partnership. We were impressed with the level of commitment from all three partners within the Ministry Dental Center, and their focus on providing a true dental home for BadgerCare patients.”
The program also received a $5,000 grant from the Waupaca Area Community Foundation Fund within the Waupaca Area Community Foundation (WACF), an affiliate of the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc. during the WACF’s annual meeting in September after a competitive grant application process.
Christine Anthony, a life-long Waupaca County resident and a Board Member for the WACF, knew immediately that this was a cause that their family wanted to support. According to Christine, “The fact that Ministry Dental Center focuses on children’s dental care, and our understanding that dental care is often unavailable to those most in need, led us to get involved.” A $15,000 gift from the Victor and Christine Anthony Family Foundation will help to support the Waupaca County expansion of services.
According to Mary Patoka, President and CEO of CAP Services, Waupaca services were previously limited to residents only in Western Waupaca County. With these generous donations, BadgerCare households residing anywhere in Waupaca are now eligible for assistance.
She noted the center addresses a need for affordable dental care that low-income residents have consistently identified in community surveys taken by CAP Services and other organizations. Since many dentists limit or do not treat Medicaid and BadgerCare recipients because of the paperwork and the low reimbursement rate, there has been a huge gap in services to this group.
Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body to Host Recycled Rides Away Day
November 17, 2009
Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body, located in Plover, Wisconsin., will host a National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides Ride Away Day on Monday, November 23. Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body is one of 60 estimated collision repair stores participating in this year’s Recycled Rides program.
“We wanted to find a way to give back,” said Pat Arnold, owner of Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body. “When a community supports you year after year, you have to do something that supports them in return, and Thanksgiving is an appropriate time to do it.”
Recycled Rides is a nationwide awareness project where collision repair members of the NABC repair and donate recycled vehicles to families in need in their communities. Launched on Thanksgiving in 2007, the program began with less than ten stores participating and has 60 on board in 2009. The NABC hopes to repair and donate 500 cars each Thanksgiving in the long term for families in need.
After hearing that several other CARSTAR stores around the country had begun working with Recycled Rides, Arnold contacted the program directly to see how he and his team could contribute. Esurance found the vehicle for Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body to repair. To find a family in need of a vehicle, Pat’s CARSTAR paired with CAP Services, a local private non-profit organization, to identify the family. According to Arnold, the most sobering part was realizing how many people in the community were in need of a reliable vehicle.
“The program has made such an impact on our entire store,” said Arnold. “We definitely plan to continue this as a yearly tradition.”
Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body will officially give the repaired vehicle to the family on Monday, November 23 at 10 a.m. In addition to the car, Pat’s CARSTAR employees have donated their own money toward a gas card for the family and a front end alignment and one year’s worth of oil changes are being donated by Schierl Tire.
“We’re very proud to have the CARSTAR stores involved in this program,” said Michael Quinn, co-chair of Recycled Rides. “The initial shops are part of an elite group that got involved just because they wanted to help people, and Pat’s CARSTAR epitomizes that spirit.”
About CARSTAR
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., CARSTAR is the largest group of independently owned and operated auto body repair stores in North America. The privately held company currently has more than 280 locations in 27 U.S. states and more than 125 Canadian locations. Since it was founded in 1989, CARSTAR has performed more than 2.5 million repairs with an average customer satisfaction rating of 97 percent or better. For more information, visit www.carstar.com.
About Recycled Rides
Recycled Rides is a community awareness project whereby members of the NABC repair and donate recycled vehicles to families in need throughout the United States. Repairers, insurers, car rental companies, paint suppliers, parts suppliers and material vendors all contribute in their own specific ways. This year, throughout the country, Recycled Rides is scheduled to make 100 simultaneous vehicle donations the week of Thanksgiving.
CAP’s Services’ Fresh Start Program Donation from Pamida
November 13, 2009
To help provide educational and employment training services in Waushara County, Pamida of Wautoma has donated $500 to CAP Services’ Fresh Start Program in Wautoma. According to Steve Sipula, Assistant Director the donation will help the program continue its efforts to help “at-risk” youth. Sipula said the donation allows participants to continue receiving a wide range of training and support services designed to enhance their ability to obtain and maintain living wage jobs.
Brenda Henkel of Pamida noted that the Fresh Start Program has a tremendous record of accomplishment that reflects her belief that “every youth deserves a second chance.” President and CEO Mary Patoka commented that it is this kind of community support that has helped make the program successful.
She noted that providing trainees with a wide variety of welding, machining, carpentry and construction experiences makes them more attractive to local employers looking for entry level employees. She noted that although the downturn in the national economy has hit these occupations hard, there are still a number of companies that are doing well. Those businesses are poised to take advantage of new business when the economy improves and they will need trained employees.
Solar Unit to be Installed in First Waupaca Fresh Start Home
November 11, 2009
The first house being built in CAP Services’ Eastgate subdivision will have a solar domestic hot water system installed next week. The house is located at 2255 Mayek Drive in the subdivision on Waupaca’s east side
.
According to Don MacRae, CAP’s Fresh Start Assistant Director, the thermal system is being installed by North Wind Renewable Energy. Although the system is designed as a preheater, on sunny days it should have the capacity to meet the entire home’s domestic hot water needs plus provide a heated floor in the bathroom.
Participants in the Fresh Start Program will assist in the installation. They recently completed a three-hour course on Domestic Solar Hot Water offered by consultants from the Midwest Energy Renewal Association. Completing the course combined with their experience in installing the solar unit will meet the prerequisite needed for a Solar Hot Water Site Assessor Certification.
The public is invited to visit the site during the installation (November 17th through 19th weather permitting) and ask questions of the installers and participants. Installation will occur from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm each day.
CAP is developing the Eastgate subdivision in collaboration with the City of Waupaca, which donated the land in return for CAP installing the infrastructure and developing 61 units of housing. Mike Olson, CAP’s Senior Vice President and Director of Housing, said there are a variety of lots available with some adjoining the Waupaca River basin.
Fresh Start participants attend classes needed for a high school diploma or GED as well as training made available on alternative energy and energy efficiency. Participants also work with a housing professional to learn how to build single family house. When the houses are finished they are sold to households with low- or moderate-incomes with assistance from CAP’s Home Buyers Assistance Program.
The program is held daily Monday through Thursday, year-round, and students are paid for the work they do. Participants will also engage in community service activities as members of the Americorps Program. One project in process is assisting with development of a trail near the Waupaca River. Fresh Start–Waupaca is being funded by President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the federal Community Services Block Grant.
According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka, Fresh Start Waupaca expects to enroll 9 participants and create two staff jobs in the first year of the program.
Program Coordinator Don Macrae said the Waupaca program uses the same approach as CAP’s nationally recognized Fresh Start project in Wautoma. That program has been in existence since 1999 and the 151 participants have built 12 houses. While some participants already had their high school degree when they enrolled, 67 obtained their GED/HSED through the program. 81 of the 151 are now employed full time with most of the balance either working part time or attending a post-secondary education.
Groups working with CAP Services on this project include Fox Valley Technical College, the City of Waupaca and MREA. Persons interested in learning about or volunteering for the program can contact Macrae at 715.258.9575, ext 212.
Churny Cheese Group Makes a Difference
November 9, 2009
Thanks to the efforts of volunteers from Churny Cheese and Kraft Foods’ “Make a Delicious Difference" Campaign, CAP Services’ two transitional living units in Waupaca have been significantly upgraded. These units provide housing to domestic violence victims who have chosen to live apart from their abuser.
Local Churny Cheese employees did all of the renovations with supplies donated by Allyce and Tedd Lees, owners of The Paint Store in Waupaca. In addition, Torborg's Waupaca Lumber provided the bathroom materials at a huge discount. Many of the Churny volunteers also donated items on their own as well as giving very generously of their time.
According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka Churny volunteers completely renovated the bathrooms, made and hung curtains for both units, painted all the walls and cleaned the carpets. She noted that Churny and its employees have been long-time supporters of the Crisis Center. “You cannot help but be impressed by the passion and commitment of these workers. They did a truly exemplary job. It is this kind of community support that has made CAP’s transitional program one of the most successful in the state, offering housing that allows victims to stay in the communities where their children attend school.”
As part of the Delicious Difference Campaign each local Kraft Foods employer is encouraged to do a project for a local non-profit during October, Volunteer Month. The Churny Cheese group chose the Transitional Living units for their project. Kraft Foods also awarded CAP a $5,000 grant to go along with the work that the volunteers did.
In addition to the transitional living units in Waupaca, CAP has similar facilities in New London, Stevens Point, Wautoma and Westfield.
Ripley named Waupaca County Victim Advocate
October 28, 2009
Rebeckah Ripley has joined CAP Services as the Sexual Assault Victim Advocate for Waupaca County. CAP provides a mix of services to victims of sexual assault and their families including accompaniment for medical care and court appointments, advocacy, support groups, crisis counseling, and community education.
Ripley has a background in therapeutic care for adolescents and women and has worked with non-profit organizations both as a professional and volunteer on the West Bank of Israel, South Dakota, and Texas. She said is pleased to be returning to Wisconsin after growing up in Neenah.
According to SAVS Program Coordinator Dee Erlandson there has been a significant increase in the number of individuals requesting services this year even while the numbers of reported sexual assaults is declining statewide. She noted that CAP has already served more than 60 unduplicated Waupaca victims, both male and female, ranging in age from 13-58.
Erlandson noted that disrespect and the need to use power to control another human being is a large part of the crime of sexual assault. In Wisconsin the age for consent is 18 but many adolescents believe sex with an older partner is part of the dating experience.
Mary Lee St. Thomas, the Victim/Witness Coordinator for Waupaca County, commented “I have direct contact with many sexual assault victims and their families. The impact of a sexual assault can be long lasting and far reaching and can affect health, employment, education as well as interpersonal and social relationships. Having CAP Services’ staff available is invaluable in providing both the day-to-day and long-term support that sexual assault victims need.”
Erlandson said volunteers are still needed for the program and anyone interested in volunteering with the SAVS program should call Ripley at 715-256-1584 for more information
CAP Awarded $600,000 Business Development Grant
October 13, 2009
CAP Services has been awarded $600,000 by the federal Office of Community Services to finance a freezer storage unit for the new Intevation Food Group (formerly Jaytina). The freezer will be installed in the 100,000 square foot building the company is leasing from CAP. In return for the loan, Intevation agrees to create at least 40 jobs that will be filled by previously low-income individuals and provide health insurance and access to a 401k account when they successfully complete their training period..
According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka the nationally competitive grant was one of only 48 awarded. She said $500,000 of the grant will be loaned to Intevation to buy the freezer equipment. The remaining $100,000 will be used to provide technical assistance to businesses owned by low-income individuals or committed to creating jobs that are filled by low-income individuals and to monitoring the number of jobs created and low-income people hired by Intevation.
Intevation’s loan repayments will be invested in CAP’s lending arm, Community Assets for People (CAfP) and reloaned to other businesses owned by or committing to hiring low-income individuals.
Patoka said the Intevation project represents an investment of more than $14 million by investors, lenders, CAP, the Village of Plover and the Department of Commerce.
Over the past 15 years, CAfP has made more than 120 loans to new or expanding businesses that have created more than 500 jobs. CAfP is capitalized by a combination of grants and loans from the federal government, businesses, individuals, churches, community foundations and a number of other faith-based groups.
According to CAP Board member and Treasurer Lyne Kawleski, CAfP operates in cooperation with other public and private lenders. Its loans are designed to fill the gap between what conventional lenders will loan and what the entrepreneur needs. The loans may be used to finance the purchase of property, equipment or inventory.
CAfP has three business loan funds, one for low-income entrepreneurs, one for businesses creating jobs that commit to hiring low-income people and the third for existing businesses positioned for rapid growth that need quick access to capital.
Persons interested in learning more about CAfP’s business loan funds should contact Nancy Ross at 715/343-7141.
Medicare – It Doesn’t Cover Everything
October 2, 2009
Many individuals enrolled in Medicare understand the program may not address all their needs. It’s important to know about programs designed to fill these gaps for people that qualify (income limits and countable assets). It is estimated that about 10% or more of those on Medicare are missing out on these valuable programs.
CAP Services’ is participating in a special outreach project to make people aware of and apply for these additional benefits. Jim Rassmussen, a former benefits specialist with the Portage County Aging and Disability Resource Center, can assist individuals in accessing these programs in both Waupaca and Outagamie Counties. His extensive experience will be valuable in his new role as CAP’s Medicare Improvement Outreach Specialist. Here’s just some information on income and asset limits for these special programs.
Monthly income and asset limits:
Medicare Prescription Drug Program
Individual Income: $1,354/month
Individual Assets: $12,510
Married Income: $1,855/month
Marriedl Assets: $25,010
Medicare Savings Program
Individual Income: $1,218/month
Individual Assets: $4,000
Married Income: $1,639/month
Marriedl Assets: $6,000
Assets can be converted from countable to non-countable. However, income is very restricted unless it is very irregular. Asset limits for the Medicare Savings Program will be increased in 2010 from $4,000 to $7,790 for an individual and from $6,000 for a married couple to $12,440.
If you’d like to learn more about these benefits, call Jim at 920-209-1471
Waupaca Child Development Center Receives Grant to Enhance Outdoor Play
September 24, 2009
The Head Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play has awarded CAP Services a $5,000 “Body Start” grant to improve the outdoor play space at its Waupaca Early Child Development center. CAP was one of 351 recipients that received a grant. The National Center was created through a federal grant to the National Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR) from the national Office of Head Start.
Early Childhood Director Carla Kluz thanked Head Start Body Start for helping CAP improve the Waupaca play space and educate participating children and families about the value of physical activity and playing outdoors. She said the grant will be used to enhance CAP’s outdoor playground and the activities that teachers provide to children at the center. She noted that national studies have found children benefit by engaging in developmentally appropriate physical activity every day.
According to the National Center Director Karin H. Spencer, EdD, “Outdoor play is associated with greater amounts of physical activity in children and research has shown that opportunities for whole body exercise have long lasting influence as preschool physical activity tracks throughout childhood. Unfortunately children today spend less time playing outdoors than any previous generation. We want to help Head Start staff discover the benefits of outdoor play across developmental domains and learn about the features of high quality outdoor play spaces that promote movement opportunities for children of all ability levels.”
In addition to play space improvement, each award-winning Head Start Center will have targeted training, technical assistance and the expertise of a physical consultant as well as access to online courses, webinars and resource materials. One of their first initiatives will be celebrating the inaugural Take It Outside! Week, October 19 through 23, 2009. To learn more about Take It Outside! Week, visit www.headstartbodystart.org.
The Head Start Body Start National Center for Physical Development and Outdoor Play (HSBS) is a project of the Nation Association for Sport and Physical Education (NASPE) and the American Association for Physical Activity and Recreation (AAPAR), all associations of the American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (AAHPERD). Funding for HSBS is provided by the Office of Head Start (OHS), Administration for Children and Families, US Department of Health and Human Services.
The purpose of HSBS is to increase physical activity, outdoor play and healthy eating among Head Start and Early Head Start children, families and staff. HSBS will assist Head Start programs in creating healthy learning environments, both in and outside the classroom, through structured and unstructured physical activity that leads to physical, cognitive, social and emotional development of young children and reduces obesity and its associated costs. HSBS has three main objectives: (1) to inform and assist OHS in setting national priorities and developing policies; (2) to provide resources, training and technical assistance to Head Start and Early Head Start Centers; and (3) to administer and support grants for construction or improvement of outdoor play spaces at Head Start Centers.
Local Collaborative Team to Sponsor Domestic Violence Awareness Event
September 21, 2009
The Waupaca County Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT) held its annual Domestic Violence Rally on October 12th from 4:15 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the City of Waupaca Band shell, 107 South Main Street in Waupaca. This year’s theme was “Voices Against Violence.” Children’s activities and a light dinner were offered with the Rally beginning at 5:00 p.m. This event is open to community members free of charge. If you have any questions, please call Faith Edgren at 715-256-1136.
The Waupaca County Coordinated Community Response Team is a community collaboration whose vision is the creation of safe, just, equitable and healthy environments. It includes representatives of the Waupaca County Sheriff’s Department, Victim Witness Coordinator, CAP Services, Department of Health and Human Services, UW Extension office, Riverside Medical Center, nIc Foundation, Department of Corrections, The Waupaca Learning Center and community volunteers.
CAP Obtains Financing for Jaytina Project in Plover
September 18, 2009
CAP Services has secured financing for its new food processing facility being built by Ellis Stone. CAP President and CEO Mary Patoka made the announcement of the loan for the 100,000 square foot building being built on Tall Pine Road in Plover.
Primary financing is being provided by United FCS, Inc., with credit enhancements from USDA Rural Development, M&I Bank and the Village of Plover. CAP is providing secondary financing through its lending subsidiary, Community Assets for People.
CAP will lease the building to Jaytina LLC, a new food processing company. Jaytina plans to produce hand-held appetizers in the building employing more than 90 people by the end of the first year. Construction of the building is expected to be completed by October 22nd with equipment installed by November 1st. Production will start January 2, 2010.
CAP Board Vice-President Brett Jarman noted obtaining financing for the building was a long and arduous process. Because of the size of the loan, area community banks were precluded from providing financing. Most of the statewide or national lenders did not want to make a loan of this size for a project in a rural area with a new company as the tenant. He said staff reported they heard from several large lenders that “we don’t want to own a building in Plover, Wisconsin if the business fails.”
Patoka commented that this attitude is delaying the economic recovery in central Wisconsin. Until the bigger banks start making loans to new or expanding projects, area businesses will have great difficulty obtaining financing. Even with the guarantees offered by USDA and funding from the Small Business Administration and FCS, entrepreneurs must fill sufficient gaps between what lenders will loan and what entrepreneurs need. CAP can sometimes provide this “gap” financing but its resources are limited. Patoka noted that without the support of United FCS and recent investments by Delta Dental and the Community Foundation into the CAP’s CAfP loan fund, this project would not been possible.
CAP is currently working with two businesses both of which need access to affordable “gap” financing. Both have strong markets for their product and would create 30-40 living wage jobs the first year yet both report access to capital as the major barrier to start-up.
Since 1988, CAP has assisted with the creation or expansion of more than 300 businesses that resulted in the creation of more than 600 living-wage jobs in central Wisconsin.
United FCS, part of the National Farm Credit System, is a locally-owned cooperative providing loans, leases and a wide array of financial services that support agriculture and rural communities. United FCS serves an area of 22 counties in West Central Minnesota and North Central Wisconsin through 12 retail branch locations. The Stevens Point office serves Portage and Waushara counties.
Portage County residents or businesses interested in starting or expanding a business benefitting low-income workers should contact Andy Soucek at asoucek@capmail.org or calling 715-343-7165.
Congressman Obey to Visit CAP Services’ Weatherization Project
August 20, 2009
On Monday, August 31st, U.S. Rep. Dave Obey toured a home in Stevens Point being weatherized by CAP Services.
Under Obey’s leadership, Congress more than tripled the federal appropriation for weatherization programs nationwide as part of the 2008 stimulus bill. CAP will use these new funds to weatherize 172 homes in 2009-2010. More units will be done in 2010-2011 as additional funds become available.
CAP Services’ President and CEO Mary Patoka said the weatherization expansion will have a fourfold bottom line. First, CAP has hired more staff to complete the increased number of units that will be weatherized in accord with the stimulus bill’s goal of creating jobs. Second, as a result of the weatherization, low-income households will reduce their energy usage, driving down their energy costs, freeing money previously used to pay energy bills for medicine, food, housing, etc. and reducing carbon emissions.
Third, the local economy will be stimulated by CAP’s increased use of local contractors for weatherization-related work. Last year over, CAP contracted with local firms for over $625,000 for needed heating, electrical and plumbing repairs that affect energy efficiency, water usage, and health and safety issues. Fourth, because 85% of the materials and equipment purchased by CAP for in the weatherization program are made in the US, a stimulus will be felt across the country because those manufacturers will have to increase production to meet demand. The majority of equipment purchased is also manufactured in the US.
Patoka noted the last time Obey visited CAP’s Weatherization Program was in 1980 when CAP was completing its 1,000 home. CAP has now completed more than 9,300 homes in five counties. According to the Wisconsin Division of Energy, those homes save more than $3 million annually on the home energy bills and reducing carbon emissions
CAP Services’ Housing Program Receives Housing Grant
August 15, 2009
CAP Services has been awarded an $860,000 grant to buy, renovate and sell foreclosed houses to low-income households. The grant was funded under the HUD Neighborhood Stabilization Program, part of the federal Housing and Economic Recovery Act, administered by the WI Department of Commerce. The award was made after a statewide competition.
According to CAP President and CEO Mary Patoka, the funds will be used to buy foreclosed single family houses in specific census tracts in Stevens Point and WI Rapids. Houses purchased must have completed the foreclosure process and be vacant. Priority will be given to units where the lender offers a substantial discount on the appraised value.
Stevens Point Mayor Halverson said this is one more example of the benefits of the collaborative efforts between the City and CAP. He said this project reflects Stevens Point’s goal of upgrading its housing stock and ensuring an adequate supply of affordable housing for its residents.
CAP Vice-President and Housing Director Mike Olson anticipates eight houses will be completed in the first round. As the houses are rehabilitated and sold, CAP will reinvest the sales proceeds into acquiring and renovating more units. He noted that houses will be sold at market value, not the total cost of acquisition and renovation. “If the house needs more work than the market value will bear, we can write-off the “overage” said Olson. Income-eligible households that need downpayment assistance to make the mortgage affordable can apply for assistance from housing loan funds provided by the Stevens Point and WI Rapids Community Development administered by CAP. Households interested in purchasing homes should contact Kris Pethick, CAP’s Assistant Director for Homeownership at 715.343.7142.
CAP Hires New Project Development Coordinator
August 15, 2009
CAP Services’ President and CEO Mary Patoka is pleased to announce the hiring of Betsy Rozelle as CAP’s Project Development Coordinator. She will be responsible for its Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC)/Free Tax Assistance Program in Waupaca and Waushara Counties, coordinating poverty simulations in Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties and research and development of new projects as identified by the CAP’s Board of Directors.
Prior to coming to CAP Rozelle worked as a development specialist at Fox Valley Technical College Foundation, was a Vice President of Donor Services at the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and was Executive Director of Best Friends of Neenah-Menasha. Rozelle said she is excited about the opportunity to work at a “cutting edge” organization like CAP that is known nationwide for its innovation and effectiveness.
She noted this year CAP facilitated claims by 262 low-income households resulting in $899,088 in state and federal tax credits, an 8.7% increase in households assisted and a 21% increase in total benefits over last year CAP’s free assistance program assisted in the filing of 64 tax returns for families in Waupaca and Waushara Counties. Total refunds of $77,334 were completed, with the average adjusted gross income for families served at $12,720. CAP wants to at least double the number of participants for the 2009 tax year and she is excited about the challenge. Tax assistance services are provided by both staff and volunteers. All volunteers are trained and use software developed by the IRS to calculate and file the tax report.
Rozelle will also arrange poverty simulations for companies, church groups and service clubs. The simulations are an inter-active exercise in which participants assume the roles of low-income households and groups and organizations in the community. Each individual is assigned a specific role (store owner, utility customer service representative, single mom, child living in poor household, etc.) and are then expected to go through a series of interactions with the various characters in an effort to sensitize participants on the issues facing low-income households.
Persons interested in volunteering for the Tax Preparation Program or those interested in hosting a poverty simulation should contact Rozelle at brozelle@capmail.org or by calling 920-209-0760.
Soucek named CAP Business Development Coordinator
August 13, 2009
Andrew Soucek has joined CAP Services as Jobs and Business Development Coordinator for Portage County. CAP’s Business Development services include a mix of one-on-one technical assistance (both before and after businesses start), micro-lending, gap financing and loan packaging. Soucek will assist low-income (at or below 200 percent of the federal poverty guidelines) individuals who are interested in starting or expanding a business or businesses wanting to expand that commit to creating living-wage jobs for low-income individuals. There is no charge for the service.
Soucek has extensive experience in business operations as owner of Catherine Custom Builders in Wayne, Illinois and before that as a commercial banker at the State Bank of Countryside. He has an MBA from Loyola University of Chicago and is a graduate of the School of Banking at UW-Madison
Soucek said that “Having successfully started and operated my own small business, I understand both how daunting and rewarding it can be. I’m very excited to be a member of the CAP Services’ team and to have this opportunity to help individuals achieve their dream of becoming self-employed. I look forward to working with the many talented entrepreneurs in Portage County who need some assistance in starting or expanding businesses owned by or benefitting low-income households.
The Portage County Business Development Project is funded in part by President Obama’s American Recovery and Reinvestment Act through the federal Community Services Block Grant administered by the Wisconsin Department of Family Services.
Since 1988, CAP has assisted with the creation or expansion of more than 300 businesses that resulted in the creation of more than 600 living-wage jobs in central Wisconsin.
Free technical assistance is available to any-income entrepreneurs at the Virtual Business Incubator Web site, www.vbi.biz. Developed by CAP in 1999, the site provides information critical for running a successful business and includes in-depth work books on accounting, banking and finance, insurance, business law, and marketing. Links to additional resources also are provided.
Portage County residents interested in starting or expanding a business benefitting low-income workers should contact Soucek at asoucek@capmail.org or calling 715-343-7165.
Children’s Discovery Center Hires Twelve Noel Child Care Workers
August 13, 2009
CAP Services’ Children’s Discovery Center, has announced the hiring of 12 child care workers formerly employed by the Noel Child Care Center. The Discovery Center is a new child care facility that will open in October in the Portage County Business Park. The center is a collaborative effort by CAP Services, Travel Guard and Ellis Stone Construction.
Carla Kluz, CAP’s Vice President and Director of Early Childhood Services noted that “CAP is pleased to have the opportunity to hire these 12 highly qualified, experienced staff for the Children’s Discovery Center. They are an experienced and well-trained group of people.”
One of the new hires, DeeAnn Willner, said “I am so very excited to be a part of the opening of the Children's Discovery Center. I look forward to watching and sharing in each child's growth and being a part of their life.”
Another, Diane Shaver reported “I look forward to joining CAP Services because of their extensive programming and collaborative efforts to help build this community. Being able to provide a continuity of child care services for Noel Learning Center families to CAP is important to me. Being able to join the center at its beginning and helping build a program to meet the needs of a variety of families is exciting.”
Tracy Verjinsky noted that “I'm thrilled to be able to continue the relationships I have developed over the years with many of the families. I know the high quality care they have come to expect will continue with CAP Services. Having the resources and support that CAP offers will allow us to do what is best for each child.
According to Dave McHone, Vice President of Business Continuity and Development at Travel Guard, the company is pleased by CAP’s decision to hire the former Noel Child Care staff noting they have long-standing relationships with many of the Travel Guard employees that will use the Center and are familiar faces for the children transferring to the new center.
The center will be licensed for up to 106 children and has already achieved close to full enrollment. It will serve children aged six weeks to six years old and will be open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm year-round.
Grant awarded to Local Collaborative
August 10, 2009
The Wisconsin Division of Housing has awarded a local consortium of three homeless service providers a $263,528 grant to expand their homeless prevention, housing assistance and legal services to residents of Waupaca County. CAP Services (CAP) will be the lead agency for the program and will collaborate with The Center for Veterans Issues (CVI) and Legal Action of Wisconsin (LAW). The goal of the project is to provide assistance to homeless individuals (or those at risk of becoming homeless) to increase or attain residential stability.
CAP will use its share of the funds to provide services for victims of domestic violence exiting CAP’s transitional living program. When a household leaves transitional housing, CAP will conduct an assessment of each household to determine need, identify resources and, when necessary, provide resources such as rent assistance and case management.
The CVI will provide similar services to homeless or at-risk of homeless veterans. The contact person for this program is Molly Miller at 1-715-357-3334.
LAW will provide legal services needed by those at-risk of homelessness. The contact person is Karen Roehl who can be reached at 1-800-236-1128. Legal Action maintains full-time offices in Milwaukee, Madison, Racine, Oshkosh, Green Bay, and La Crosse. Its attorneys have expertise in a range of substantive areas, but the majority of direct representation is in the areas of housing, income maintenance, and family law.
Applicants for all services will be screened, assessed and participate in developing a case plan for attaining housing stability.
According to CAP President and CEO Mary Patoka, the current need for affordable housing assistance is at a historically high level. CAP’s transitional housing in Waupaca County is being used more than ever, and it is imperative CAP be able to offer women who are no longer in physical danger the option of establishing themselves in an independent living situation as soon as possible.
While living in CAP’s transitional housing, families pay 30% of their income for rent, and they receive family development services designed to move them toward economic and emotional self-sufficiency. Families can stay in transitional housing for up to two years, although the average family stays only a year before moving into permanent housing.
Patoka states that that while families pay 30% of their income for rent, it is not unusual for them to have a very low income initially, requiring a subsidy to help pay utilities and rent.
CAP offers 4 units of transitional housing in New London and Waupaca. All units are fully furnished and have emergency phone service.
The Division of Housing funds were awarded after a statewide competition among applicants. Criteria for selection included the quality of the housing provided, documented evidence of coordination with other local agencies and cost effectiveness of the services provided.
CAP Services’ Begins Construction of First House in Eastgate Subdivision
July 30, 2009
CAP Services has broken ground for the first home to be built in its new Eastgate Estates subdivision in Waupaca. Construction of the house will be done by participants in CAP’s newest program, Fresh Start of Waupaca. When the house is finished it will be sold to households with low- or moderate-incomes with assistance from CAP’s Home Buyers Assistance Program.
The subdivision is being developed in collaboration with the City of Waupaca, which donated the land in return for CAP installing all infrastructure and developing 63 units of housing. One third of the lots will be dedicated for affordable housing for low to moderate income buyers. The remaining lots will be available for any buyers.
According to CAP Director of Housing Mike Olson, this first home will incorporate a number of “green” measures to reduce the carbon footprint of the home. He said downpayment assistance will be available to low- and moderate-income income households and employees of the City of Waupaca, Waupaca School system and Waupaca County. Incentives are also available for builders.
People interested in learning about the subdivision should contact Mike Olson at 715.343.7140.
CAP Services’ Fresh Start Program Receives $477,584 Grant
June 18, 2009
Senator Russ Feingold announced the US Department of Labor has awarded CAP Services, Inc. a $477,584 grant to continue its Fresh Start Program in Waushara County. The grant was made through the YouthBuild Program and was one of only 183 nationwide and one of nine in Wisconsin.
"To be able to compete in the current job market, our youth need both a general education and specific skills training. The Fresh Start Program helps at-risk youth in Waushara County with obtain both a high school degree and skills specific training in home construction, welding and machining," said Linda Freudenthal, CAP board member.
Fresh Start is a program for at-risk youths ages 16 through 24. The goal of the program is to help students obtain their high school equivalency degree while developing workplace and life skills.
Students attend classes two to three hours a day and spend the rest of the day working with professionals from various trades to learn how to build single family houses and to perform basic welding and machining. The program is held daily Monday through Thursday, year-round, and students are paid for the work they do. Students must adhere to a rigorous schedule for attaining their educational goals and improving their work skills.
According to Mary Patoka, CAP’s CEO, one of the reasons the organization was funded were the components added to the program this past year, including welding and machining training. Funding for these activates is not eligible for federal dollars so funding was initially provided by the Wal-Mart Foundation with equipment donated by several individuals and machine shops. CAP will need to secure additional funds to replace the Wal-mart money this year.
Working with Fox Valley Technical College and the Wautoma School District, Fresh Start participants and students from Waushara High School are provided with welding and machining training that results in their earning up to three welding credits and three machining credits. Patoka noted it was this innovation that helped CAP’s proposal score sufficient points to be funded.
In addition to the work experience and skills training, participants will complete an entrepreneurial track offered by Fox Valley Tech College and a summer leadership program to develop teamwork, self-reliance and problem solving skills. CAP also provides “job coaching” to facilitate placement and retention of participants as they seek employment.
There are currently 25 students in the program and the new funding will serve an additional 50. Program Coordinator Steve Sipula said the crew is working on its 13th house with completion expected this month. All of the homes built are sold to households with low- or moderate-incomes with help from CAP’s Home Buyers Assistance Program.
According to Sipula, Fresh Start participants built most of the houses in the Dafoe subdivision in Wautoma and they are currently building houses in the new Sandcrest subdivision on Wautoma’s south side. In addition to new construction, the Fresh Start crew has also provided assistance on Habitat for Humanity, CAP weatherization and community service projects.
Other funding for the program comes from the Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority, the Wisconsin Department of Corrections’ Division of Juvenile Corrections, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce’s Division of Housing, local school districts and the City of Wautoma. More than 25 local Wautoma businesses have worked with the program to provide both the workplace and life skills education.
Over the last two years 53 students have been served by the program, 16 obtained their high school degrees or GEDs and 11 more increased their math and reading skills by at least two grade levels. Youth interested in enrolling in the program can contact Sipula at 920-787-2735.
State Association Recognizes CAP Services
May 28, 2009
A CAP Services’ program partner, staff person and one of its congressmen received awards at the annual meeting of the Wisconsin Community Action Program Association on May 7 in Madison.
Chief Financial Officer Susan Henry received the Richard Strand Community Action Staff Award in recognition of her “can-do attitude and hard work embodying the spirit of Community Action.”
Henry oversees CAP’s accounting systems for the parent corporation and its 16 subsidiaries. She can often be found working all weekend during the corporation’s annual audit. During the rest of the year she keeps track of more than $15 million in annual spending and $35 millions in assets. Yet according to her co-workers, she almost always has a smile on her fact regardless of her workload. They report she tracks every dollar CAP receives or spends by the serial number on the bill.
John Stellmacher, a Senior Vice President and Chief of Staff and Administration at Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, was named recipient of the Jackie Lawrence Outstanding Advocate award. Stellmacher was recognized for his significant commitment to a number of community projects, most prominently his involvement with the “Poverty Plunge,” a study group that examined poverty in the Fox Cities. As a result of his involvement in the plunge he helped organize the Fox Cities Project Promise Poverty Coalition and currently serves as its chair.
Congressman Tom Petri was awarded the William Steiger Award for his outstanding advocacy for anti-poverty programs like the Earned Income Tax Credit, the Low Income Weatherization Assistance Program and the Community Services Block Grant. Petri has represented the 6th Congressional District for almost 30 years and during that time he has become an innovator in developing anti-poverty programs that address the root causes of poverty.
WISCAP is the professional trade association of Wisconsin’s 16 Community Action Agencies and three special purposes agencies. Community Action’s mission is to mobilize resources and develop programs designed to help low-income families increase their incomes, and build community capacity to address poverty problems.
CAP’s Services’ Machine Training Program Receives Donation from Cummins
April 16, 2009
In an effort to expand participants’ familiarity with a variety of tools and equipment, Cummins has donated another $5,000 worth of machining equipment, tooling and measuring instruments to CAP Services’ Welding and Machine Training Center. According to Resource Developer Don MacRae the donation means participants now receive training in a fully-equipped machine shop.
CAP President and CEO Mary Patoka reported this is the second donation of machining equipment by Cummins. The company also made a significant donation of welding equipment and tools when CAP started the Welding Center in 2007. She said that providing trainees with a wide variety of welding and machining experiences, makes them more attractive to local employers looking for entry level employees. Two of the first seven students accessing the training have already secured jobs with local machine shops. Six more students are training in the current session
She noted that although the downturn in the national economy has hit Cummins hard, there are still a number of small machine and welding businesses that are doing well with defense department work. Those businesses are poised to take advantage of new business when the economy improves and they will need trained employees.
The Welding and Machining Center provides training to a number of groups, including CAP’s Services’ Fresh Start participants, Wautoma High School and alternative school students and to community members based on availability and funding. Other partners in the program include Fox Valley Technical College; Wautoma School District, UMOS and the Fox Valley Workforce Development Board.
Children’s Discovery Center Will Open This Fall
April 3, 2009
The Children’s Discovery Center, a new child care facility, will open this fall in the Portage County Business Park. The center is a collaborative effort by CAP Services, Travel Guard and Ellis Stone Construction.
The Center will be built by Ellis Stone and owned by Viking Investments, a division of Ellis. CAP Services’ Early Childhood program will lease the building and operate the child care program. According to Dave McHone, Vice President of Business Continuity and Development at Travel Guard, the company is partnering with CAP Services to ensure quality child care and educational services are available to children of Travel Guard employees as well as other families in Portage County. The company will close its existing child care center in downtown Stevens Point when the new facility opens.
The center will be licensed for 104 children and is scheduled to open this October. It will serve children aged six weeks to six years old and will be open from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm year-round.
The Center’s motto will be “Where learning is not a race for information, but a walk of discovery,” a quote from Bev Bos, a national early childhood expert.
The program will have a highly educated, experienced and caring staff, a licensed state-of-the-art facility, nutritious meals, a natural playground that incorporates native plants and a “natural” site design as well as a traditional playground. A variety of ancillary services will also be offered at the Center including a Special Services Coordinator, a Mental Health Consultant and a Registered Dietician to address the needs of individual children. Health screenings, daily observations, on-going assessment, and developmentally appropriate activities will be provided for all children enrolled.
According to CAP President Mary Patoka a recent survey of parents of children served by CAP’s Family Development Center child care program found an exceptionally high level of satisfaction with their child care. She said CAP is committed to replicating this same quality of services and successful experiences at the new center.
April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month
April 3, 2009
The month of April has been designated across the country as Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) to raise public awareness about sexual violence and to educate communities and individuals on the issue and strategies for prevention.
Sexual violence takes many forms including rape, incest, child sexual abuse, stalking, sexual harassment, and sexual assault and are most often committed in schools, work places and homes, often by acquaintances.
CAP Services' SAVS (Sexual Assault Victim Services) has Victim Advocates in Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties to provide services to victims. In Portage County the contacts are Dee Erlandson and Jane Benzschawel at 343-7125.
SAVS encourages everyone to talk with their children, friends and families about sexual assault in an effort to address any inappropriate behavior they may be experiencing.
Waushara County CCRT Receives Group Award
March 18, 2009
The Waushara County Coordinated Community Response Team (CCRT) has been awarded the 2009 Voices of Courage Award from the Wisconsin Coalition Against Sexual Assault (WCASA). The award was presented at the State Capital in Madison on April 8th. This award allows WCASA to recognize and applaud the extraordinary work being done throughout Wisconsin to develop a broad community commitment to ending sexual assault. There were eight categories of recognition and the Waushara CCRT received the award for Community Support.
According to the nomination for the award, the CCRT has worked very hard to advocate for the development of sexual assault services in Waushara County. The efforts to identify and quantify the problem resulted in CAP Services being awarded a grant from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. The grant provides funding for a Sexual Assault Victim Advocate who will be responsible for expanding CAP’s SAVS (sexual assault victim services) Program into Waushara County. CAP currently offers SAVS services in Portage and Waupaca County.
Nicole Slusser, a member and facilitator of the CCRT-SA group and a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner, said "The CCRT is truly honored and grateful for this state-level recognition of our efforts. This issue deserves community attention, and we are determined to protect our families, friends, and neighbors against acts of violence.”
The CCRT is now working with local hospitals to identify and train Sexual Assault Nurse Examiners at every local hospital. The goals are to provide health evaluations, improve the investigative and prosecution process, and maximize resources and referrals. In addition, the group continues to advocate for specific community prevention education at schools, service organizations, churches and businesses to raise awareness of issues and concerns for anyone victimized by a sexual assault and their loved ones. Area law enforcement and medical providers will continue to be active community partners of this group.
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Available in Waupaca and Waushara Counties
March 9, 2009
Did you work in 2008? You might be eligible to have your taxes prepared for free by a trained volunteer! Get your refund fast with direct deposit, access the tax credits you deserve, and avoid fees that reduce your refund when you work with trained volunteers.
CAP Services, along with our partners, is coordinating free taxpayer assistance in Waupaca and Waushara counties.
To qualify, your earned income and annual gross income must be less than: $41,646 for those married filing jointly with 2+ qualifying children; $36,995 with 1 qualifying child; and $15,880 with 0 children. For single individuals: $38,646 with 2+ qualifying children; $33,995 with 1 qualifying child, and $12,880 with 0 children.
Openings are available in Wautoma, Waupaca, Clintonville, and New London, Call to schedule your appointment today. For more details and to see if you qualify, please call Julie Sorenson at 920-647-0170.
CAP Adds 63 Units of Affordable Housing in 2008
February 6, 2009
CAP Services’ Housing Department developed 40 new units of affordable housing and helped 25 households purchase their first house in 2008.
The new rental units are designed to meet the needs of seniors who want to remain in their home communities but have chosen not to continue living in single-family or substandard homes.
CAP’s 2008 central Wisconsin senior housing projects include the 18-unit Iola Senior Village in Iola and the 22-unit Morris Park Senior Village in Adams.
CAP sponsored student-built housing projects completed three single-family houses in 2008. The Stevens Point Area Senior High School house was the tenth house completed by SPASH technology education students, and CAP’s Waushara County Fresh Start participants completed their 10th and 11th houses. Fresh Start provides at-risk youth ages 16 to 24 with an opportunity to work toward their high school equivalency diploma, and develop workplace and life skills while they build affordable housing for low-income families.
CAP’s First Time HomeBuyer’s Assistance Project, which provides downpayment, closing cost and rehabilitation assistance, helped 25 low- and moderate-income households purchase a home. Since 1991, CAP has helped 1,001 households purchase their first home by providing deferred loans totaling more than $9.5 million.
According to Chief Executive Officer Mary Patoka, CAP anticipates a reduction in both rental housing development and home buyers assistance if the credit markets don’t improve. Scheduled for completion are Kewaunee Senior Village and two student-built homes but the development of additional projects will be dependent on how soon tax credit investors re-enter the market. Right now few investors are making enough money to need tax credits. In addition, the market is flooded with developers trying to sell 2008 credits, driving down the price of those credits.
Patoka noted that even with CAP’s average occupancy rate of 96% and compliance with all housing quality standards, investors are still not buying Low Income Housing Tax Credits because of the problems in the subprime market.
CAP owns 470 units of affordable rental housing for low- and moderate-income households in Adams, Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood counties. Of these, 290 are for seniors, 64 for special needs populations, 106 for families, and 10 units for victims of domestic abuse in transition to self-sufficiency.
CAP’s Services’ Fresh Start Program Partners With Dog Training School
February 4, 2009
CAP’s Services’ Fresh Start Program is designed to provide young people aged 16 to 24 with academic and skills training, work experience and opportunities for community service.
The goal of the academic training is a high school diploma or equivalent and exposure to post-secondary educational opportunities. Skills’ training includes on-site core welding and machining instruction, resulting in technical college credits.
Participants also gain hands-on work experience in residential construction. Completed homes are then sold to low-moderate-income households. Lastly, participants are offered leadership training framed in an entrepreneurial context that includes visits to business owners in a number of occupational sectors.
Community service activities vary and can include unloading trucks at the local food pantry, “adopt a highway” clean-up on Hwy 22 between Wautoma and Wild Rose, helping with Habitat for Humanity home construction and doing home repairs for the elderly, those with special needs and fire victims.
Recently, however, a unique community service opportunity presented itself. The program partnered with the Koven Dog Training School in Neshkoro where participants acted as search subjects for Labrador Retrievers undergoing Search and Rescue training. The dogs are expected to be able to work in a wide range of environments and temperatures including wilderness forest, open fields, remote dwellings, sun, rain, sleet and snow. It typically takes 20 months to train a SAR dog.
Participants reported having some unique experiences while at Koven Dog Training. One reported when “Brady (the dog) found me he licked my face so hard my glasses broke.” Another reported when the dog found her it was so excited the dog slobbered all over her face.” The longest any participant waited to be found was about a half an hour.
Every participant reported they would be willing to participate again because helping train a search and rescue dog could contribute to saving someone’s life.
Koven Dog training is owned by Steve Koven and located in Neshkoro. Koven offers volunteer opportunities to the public and is especially interested in groups where he can have a positive effect on young people. He can be reached at 920-293-4460,
CAP/City Housing Collaborative Hits New High in Numbers Assisted
January 30, 2009
2008 saw the CAP/Stevens Point Housing Authority Collaborative reach record levels for both the number of housing projects completed and dollars spent. According to CAP Vice-President and Housing Director Mike Olson, CAP completed over 100 projects and spent more than $891,000 from a variety of funding sources to improve the quality of Stevens Point’s housing stock and assist new home buyers. CAP manages the program for the collaborative.
Funding sources include CAP’s First Time Homebuyers, Housing Rehabilitation and Weatherization programs, the Stevens Point Housing Authority’s Housing Trust Fund and Home Ownership Opportunity Reserve Account as well as the City of Stevens Point Community Development Block Grant Program.
The collaborative provides downpayment and housing rehabilitation assistance to homebuyers and rehabilitation assistance to homeowners and landlords who rent to qualifying tenants. Rehabilitation assistance can include improvements, energy conservation, repairs or infrastructure modernization. Stevens Point Community Development reported city funds have also used to demolish blighted houses, with the property being turned over to Habitat for Humanity or the SPASH builders for development as new, owner-occupied housing.
The cost of the weatherization and Federal Home Loan Bank funds are grants to eligible households, all other assistance is provided in the form of deferred loans due upon the sale of the home or when it is no longer the primary residence of the qualifying household.
As a result the assistance does not become part of a household’s monthly debt service. When funds are repaid they are deposited in the revolving loan fund from which they originated and reloaned to additional households providing an ongoing source of funding for the collaborative.
In the last five years alone, the collaborative has completed 434 projects and spent almost $3 million dollars.
If you or someone you know is interested in either home buyers assistance or housing rehabilitation contact Kris Pethick at 343-7142 .
CAP Services’ Project TEAM Reports Successes during National Mentoring Month
January 28, 2009
CAP Services’ Project TEAM Reports Successes during National Mentoring Month Family mentoring can be an effective strategy to lift people out of poverty. Lori Hill, Project TEAM mentor and Advisory Board member since CAP Services started its program in the fall of 2007 states “this program is a viable program for the community—it offers a relationship, not just resources. There are many people who would have different outcomes if they had someone who cared about them to see them through whatever it was they were going through. Kudos to Project TEAM.”
CAP’s Project TEAM was made possible by $200,000 in funding, allocated over three years, from United Way Fox Cities and the ThedaCare-led Community Health Action team.
Project TEAM released results of services to date. 21 families (79 family members) have been served to date by 36 trained mentors since Project TEAM was implemented in October, 2007. Over 80% of families have shown progress in at least one area of self-sufficiency after 6 months of enrollment. Some goals achieved include: obtaining employment (4); enrolling in school programs (4); obtaining a drivers’ license (1); and, getting children involved in the community by enrolling in YMCA programs (1).
Volunteer mentors report benefits as well. 9 out of 12 mentors responded in a survey that they strongly agree or agree that Project TEAM is effective in helping participants reach their goals. 11 out of 12 mentors responded in a survey that volunteering for Project TEAM has affected their lives in a positive way. Joy LeClair, a mentor since Project TEAM started commented: “One of the most rewarding things has been to see (the family members) reach their goals of going back to school and paying their debt down…It’s always exciting to listen to (the mother) when she catches me up on all that she has accomplished and plans to do.” “The excitement with my family mentee when she realizes a success is rewarding,” said Julie Basler, Project TEAM mentor since August, 2008.
Project TEAM has recently received additional grants from the Mielke Family Foundation Inc., the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, Inc. and the J.J.Keller Foundation , Inc.
Mary Patoka Appointed CAP Services President and CEO
January 1, 2009
The CAP Services’ Board of Directors announced the appointment of Mary Patoka as President and CEO effective January 1st. Mary Patoka previously served as Chief Operating Officer. Patoka is an Amherst native and a 1978 graduate of UWSP. She has been with CAP since 1994, previously serving as Director of Intervention Services, Family Services Director, Human Development Director and Vice-President.
Patoka replaces Karl Pnazek who retired December 31 after 32 years with CAP.
Patoka said CAP will continue to pursue its ten-year strategic plan and plans no major changes in its current anti-poverty programming. She hopes to implement new initiatives in 2009 in response to the recession as part of President-elect Obama’s stimulus package. “The shifting gears of our economy are exacting a toll, not only on low-income families, but middle class families as well. CAP will continue to pursue those strategies that build strong communities and support permanent increases in people’s abilities to be self-sufficient.”
CAP Services Promotes Susan Henry
January 1, 2009
CAP Services’ announced the promotion of Susan Henry to Chief Financial Officer, effective January 1, 2009. Henry has been with CAP since October of 2004 and has served as its Finance Director. She holds a Masters in Public Administration from the University of Denver, and is a Certified Management Accountant bringing experience from both the Portage County Health and Human Services Department and United Way of Portage County. The promotion comes as part of an internal reorganization of finance and other administrative functions within the organization. CAP’s audit firm, describes the financials as one of the more complex among the non-profits they work with. Henry resides in Stevens Point with her husband Dave, and is a parent to two adult children.
Local Collision Repair Store Helps Family in Need
December 12, 2008
Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body, Plover, donated a refurbished 1999 Dodge Grand Caravan to a Portage County family in need of a vehicle on Monday, November 24, 2008.
Pat Arnold, owner of Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body said, “We wanted to find a way to give back. When a community supports you year after year, you have to do something that supports them in return.”
Arnold’s donation is part of the National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides program. Recycled Rides is a nationwide project where collision repair members of the NABC repair and donate recycled vehicles to families in need in their communities.
After hearing about the program, Arnold contacted NABC to see how he and his team could contribute. Recycled Rides found the vehicle for Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body to repair.
Arnold contacted CAP Services to identify a family needing a vehicle. According to Arnold, the most sobering part was learning from CAP how many people in the community were in need of a reliable vehicle.
Repairers, insurers, car rental companies, paint suppliers, parts suppliers and material vendors all contribute in their own specific ways. Contributing to the Caravan refurbishing were Dent Wizard, Finish Master, Gandrud Chrysler of Green Bay, Pro Auto Service and the Schierl Companies. Additionally, Arnold’s employees personally donated to purchase a gas card for the family.
Nationwide, Recycled Rides is scheduled to make 100 vehicle donations the week of Thanksgiving. NABC program plans are to repair and donate 500 cars annually. Arnold plans on participating next year, too.
Interstate Graphics Donates Graphics for CAP Van
November 7, 2008
Interstate Graphics & Installation Services, Stevens Point, recently donated the graphics (wrap) for CAP Services Fresh Start Program van.
CAP uses the van to provide affordable transportation for Fresh Start students to community service projects, to career exploration opportunities and to the Advanced Technical Career and Leadership Exploration Program at the Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton.
CAP’s Fresh Start Program helps at-risk Waushara County youth ages 16 through 24 to obtain their high school equivalency diploma and develop workplace and life skills. Participants attend classes, receive welding training and work with a housing professional to build single-family houses. The program is held daily Monday through Thursday, year-round, and students are paid for the work they do.