Moore Elected to CAP Services' Board of Directors
January 27, 2012.

Ernest Moore of Appleton was elected recently to the CAP Services’ Board of Directors as a low-income community representative.

CAP’s 21-member volunteer board is responsible for developing and approving the corporation’s strategic plan, administrative oversight, and monitoring compliance with federal, state and local funding sources.  One-third of the members are elected representatives of the low-income (client) population; one-third are elected public officials who represent all or part of CAP’s service area; and, one-third are representatives of private for-profit or non-profit organizations in the community.

Moore currently works at the Neenah Foundry.  He is a member of Christ the Rock Church, and is involved with the YMCA and the Boys and Girls Club.  He said his life experiences helps him understand the need for programs like CAP Services offers, that give people a hand up not a hand out.  He wanted to be part of the Governing Board of Directors to help make the decisions and programming that help low-income individuals become economically and emotionally self-sufficient.   He said he “also feels strongly about giving back to this community that gave so much to me when I needed help.”  Other Outagamie County members of the CAP board are Lauren Mai (Chair), Tanya Rabec and Sue Plamann.

Free Tax Assistance in Waupaca County Available through CAP Services
January 18, 2012

CAP Services Inc., along with sponsor Community First Credit Union, is offering free taxpayer assistance to income-eligible families in the Waupaca County area. CAP estimates that eligible families in Waupaca County do not claim up to $600,000 every year in Earned Income Tax Credits and spend thousands of dollars more for someone to prepare their taxes and then often 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 Fox Valley Technical College-Clintonville and CAP Services’ Tower Road office.

To see if you qualify for this free service, call toll-free at 1-877-377-1434 or e-mail Julie at jsorenson@capmail.org Appointments are available from February 1-April 14, 2012.


Free Tax Assistance in Waushara County Available through CAP Services
January 18, 2012

CAP Services Inc., along with grant assistance from the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, is offering free taxpayer assistance to income-eligible individuals and families in the Waushara County area.  CAP estimates that eligible families in Waushara County do not claim up to $500,000 every year in Earned Income Tax Credits and spend thousands of dollars more for someone to prepare their taxes and then often 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,” Julie Sorenson, CAP’s Tax Assistance 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. The tax preparation site for Waushara County will be at CAPsell Center (205 E. Main St., Wautoma). 

To see if you qualify for this free service, call toll free at 1-877-377-1434 or e-mail Julie at  jsorenson@capmail.org.  Appointment times are available from February 1-April 14, 2012.

CAP SERVICES' RECEIVES HUD-FHA CERTIFICATION
December 27, 2011

CAP Services’ is proud to announce it has been approved by the Denver Homeownership Center as a nonprofit organization to administer its secondary financing assistance program in conjunction with FHA-insured first mortgages.  The certification process was lengthy and involved the submission of information and data on CAP’s Board of Directors, loan history and policies and staff qualifications. 

According to Brett Jarman, CAP’s Board Vice-Chair, the certification will improve services to CAP’s homebuyers.  He said “the housing collapse has resulted in a significant tightening of mortgage options for low- to moderate income families, and has made it much more difficult for them to realize the American dream of homeownership.”  CAP offers down payment and closing cost assistance for households with incomes at or below 80% of county median income.  Applicants must reside in Marquette, Lincoln, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood Counties.   These prospective homebuyers could not access CAP’s down payment assistance program if they needed an FHA-backed first mortgage.

According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka as many as a dozen prospective homebuyers with FHA-backed approved loan applications applied for CAP’s assistance last summer but could not access the program without CAP pursing the certification.  CAP’s Board supported the moving ahead with the application after recognizing how valuable it was to our communities.  CAP typically helps 25 households buy their first home and another 100 a year rehabilitate their home.  CAP has helped more than 1,400 homebuyers and homeowners buy and/or rehabilitate homes. 

Funds are made through 4% interest deferred loans and due only when the buyer sells or no longer resides in the original qualifying home.  Repayments are reloaned to additional qualifying buyers, creating an ongoing source of affordable funds for homebuyers and homeowners. 

Whenever possible, CAP works with other funders to reduce its share of loans.  According to Mike Olson, CAP’s VP & Director of Housing, approximately 25% of these projects have at least two lenders. 

PAT'S CARSTAR AUTO BODY HOSTS RECYCLED RIDES DAY FOR THE FOURTH YEAR
LOCAL COLLISION REPAIR SHOP HELPS FAMILY IN NEED
November 22, 2011

People say it takes a village to raise a child but it’s apparent a village can help transport them as well.  Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body, located in Plover again hosted a National Auto Body Council’s (NABC) Recycled Rides Ride Away Day on Monday, November 21.
“We wanted to find a way to give back,” said Pat Arnold, owner of Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body.  “Hopefully, the Lawrence family will wake up tomorrow with a little stress reduction in their hectic lives

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 had 150  participate this year. 

State Farm Insurance found the vehicle for Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body to repair.  To find a family in need of a vehicle, Pat’s CARSTAR partnered with CAP Services, a local private non-profit organization, to identify the family.  Nearly 20 families applied for the opportunity to get the vehicle – a 2001 Mitsubishi SUV.  A subcommittee of CAP’s Board of Directors made the selection and three of the Committee members were on-site when the vehicle was presented.
Other businesses were also critical in securing the parts and service to get the vehicle road-ready and include Team Schierl, Auto Zone, and Fond du Lac Bumper.

In addition to the car, Pat’s CARSTAR employees have donated their own money toward a gas card for the family.

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 nationwide awareness project where collision repair members of the National Auto Body Council repair and donate used vehicles to families in need in their community.  The program was launched Thanksgiving of 2007 with 10 stores participating.  This year the NABC had 150 stores involved in the program with a few larger stores donating 2 vehicles to families in their community.  This year is the 4th year that Pat's CARSTAR has been a part of the program.  Most shops will give their their vehicle on the Monday before Thanksgiving.

CAP SERVICES’ RECEIVES FEDERAL HOME LOAN BANK OF CHICAGO AWARD
November 22, 2011

The Federal Home Loan Bank of Chicago (FHLBC) recently awarded two Community First Partner Awards, which recognize exceptional achievement in affordable housing or community economic development by a member of a member financial institution and a non-profit community organization working together to revitalize their community.  The partnerships receive $10,000.

M&I Bank, a part of BMO Financial Group and CAP Services of Stevens Point were the recipients of the Wisconsin Award.  Paul Fehrenbach, representing M&I Bank and Mary Patoka, representing CAP Services accepted the award.  This partnership has been in existence for more than 25 years.  In the last 10 years, the partnership focused on developing Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Projects that have all also benefitted from the FHLBC’s Affordable Housing Program (AHP).  The result is 356 units of affordable housing that benefits seniors and families in 12 rural communities in Wisconsin.  Each expressed their appreciation to the Federal Home Loan Bank for its recognition.

During the presentation of the award, Patoka noted that the most effective partnerships include groups with shared mission and values and a commitment to perform in ways that strengthen the partnership.  She noted that both the Federal Home Loan Bank and M&I have demonstrated that in CAP’s housing and other initiatives. 

Fehrenbach stated that banks need strong partners in order to have effective community development efforts.  While banks are able to provide capital, they are not real estate developers, city planners or social service providers; but when these various entities work together, positive change happens in our communities.  BMO Harris Bank looks forward to maintaining this strong partnership in years to come.

CAP Services, Inc. is a private, non-profit community action agency that has been helping low-income people in Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca and Waushara counties attain economic and emotional self-sufficiency since 1966.

M&I CDC is a subsidiary of M&I Bank is a part of the BMO Financial Group. 

MIKE SOMERS PROMOTED TO DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
November 17, 2011

Mike Somers, CAP Services’ Jobs and Business Development Coordinator was recently promoted and will now serve as CAP’s Director of Business Development.  As such, he will oversee business development services in Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood Counties.  Services include a mix of one-on-one technical assistance (both before and after business starts), and increase his responsibilities in lending, gap financing and loan packaging. 

Somers will supervise two staff and continue to provide some technical assistance himself.  The target populations are low-income households (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 no charge for services and loans are available on flexible terms.
Somers has extensive experience developing business coursework for Mid-State Technical, the Construction Estimating Institute and Quest Solutions.  He was owner and general manager of Somers Aggregates, Ltd.  He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with an emphasis on business administration.  Since coming to CAP in May of this year, he has demonstrated strong skills in business lending activities.
Somers said, “I truly welcome this opportunity to reach out to the community to help others create their own small business as well as to existing small businesses that need to get to the next level.”

Since 1988, CAP has assisted with the creation or expansion of more than 400 businesses that resulted in the creation of more than 700 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 are also provided. 

Persons interested in starting or expanding a business benefitting low-income workers should contact Somers by calling 715-343-7141. 

CAP SERVICES’ EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
ACCEPTED FOR WISCONSIN PYRAMID MODEL
October 20, 2011

CAP Services’ Early Childhood Development program has been accepted as a state demonstration site for the Wisconsin Pyramid Model (SEFEL).  The Family Development Center in Stevens Point will be the demonstration site, however, training and support will be provided to staff at all of CAP’s Head Start and Early Head Start sites and at the Children’s Discovery Child Care Center. 

The goal of the program is to promote social emotional development and school readiness skills in children. The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early Learning is a five-year project designed to strengthen the capacity of Head Start and child care programs to improve the social emotional outcomes for children.

Wisconsin is one of eleven states partnering with the Center to provide professional development to support professionals working with young children and their families.
The CAP’s ECD program is one of five programs chosen this year as part of the third cohort.

Data on the Pyramid Model for Supporting Social and Emotional Competence will be collected over a three year period to be analyzed at the state level.

Carla Kluz, Vice President of Early Childhood Development, said CAP pursued this certification because it recognizes:

• Healthy social emotional development is a protective factor against child abuse and neglect
• Social emotional development is linked to success in school and beyond
• Social emotional development is firmly tied to all areas of development.
• The Pyramid Model focuses on prevention rather than reaction through the use of positive interactions, consistency and predictability in the classrooms and at home, clearly defined expectations and engaging activities.
• The Pyramid Model is also linked to state initiatives such as the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, Wisconsin Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports and Strengthening Families through Early Care and Education.
• The benefits of program-wide implementation include
• Professional development for staff
• Decreased staff turnover
• Increased job satisfaction for staff
• Enhanced preschool social emotional development
• Decreased referrals for mental health intervention

 The CAP ECD Leadership Team consists of:  Rachel Smola and Kathy Schouten – Administrators; Internal Coaches – Shannon Piotrowski, Kristie Strebig, Monica Meinholz, Bobbie Jo Mork; Family Service Representative – Mary Naylor; Teacher Representative – Tera Tellock; and Behavioral Specialist – Gretchen Hintz of Children’s Service Society.  Wendy Bowe – the program’s Head Start Early Childhood Specialist will act in the role of External Coach.  Wendy will provide all staff in the program with the required eight - part training series.

CAP SERVICES’ MARKS 20TH YEAR OF OFFERING ITS SKILLS ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM
September 23, 2011

CAP Services’ is recognizing the 20th anniversary of its Skills Enhancement Program.  The program, designed as a result of input from low-income households, removes the financial barriers that low-income households face in paying for training that could increase their ability to compete for living- wage jobs.  The program helps with tuition, books, and training-related transportation and childcare costs that participants could not otherwise afford.  Participants must continue to work at least 20 hours per week to be eligible for services. 

Originally offered in Outagamie County, CAP expanded services to Portage County in 1998 and in Waupaca and Waushara Counties in 2000.   According to Vice President Nicole Harrison, the 2010 graduates matched the success of 2009 participants by achieving an average increase in annual earned income of $11,758.  Thirty-one (67%) now also have access to employer-sponsored health insurance.  Most of the funding for the program comes from area United Ways, foundations, individuals and businesses.  For the last 30 months, the program also has received limited governmental support. 

CAP President Mary Patoka said since the program began in 2001, 616 participants (56%) have completed their training program, and increased their annual earned income by an average of $10,527!    Graduates obtained jobs in health care, business and banking, education, service industries, criminal justice and manufacturing.  Last year’s graduates took an average of 28 months to complete their training. 

Tom Boldt, a long-time supporter of the program said “we support the program because it has one of the highest returns on investment of any charitable gift that we support  Finding qualified employees is a major task of our business and every business in our State.  I believe the Skills Enhancement Program expands that pool, directs participants into job choices that provide longer-term opportunities and reinforces positive behaviors… These participants want to work, succeed and realize the promise of the American dream!” 

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 -- $16,335 for a single individual, with increases of $5,730 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.  There are 213 participants currently enrolled in the program.  For more information, visit www.capservices.org and click on Human Development Department Programs or contact Andrew Konkel at 920.968.6365.

CAP-Assisted Business Generates Success
September 1, 2011

Ten years ago Scott Langer was a marginally successful entrepreneur operating a home-based transportation program for people who wanted medical and recreational transportation.  But Scott wanted to own his own facility so he approached CAP Services for assistance.
CAP provided technical assistance and a loan so Scott could purchase a Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) in Neshkoro called Our House. 

Today, Scott has phased out the transportation business and uses the van to take residents to county fairs, community events and a couple of picnics.  He has renegotiated county contracts that were unsustainable by improving both the quality of his staff and the range of services they offer and now employs 7 individuals.

Langer says he has now thinking of getting back into the transportation business by taking private-pay and Medicaid patients in his three county area.  There is no real competition locally and it is cost prohibitive for vendors outside the area to provide this service.
Scott would like to start small and see how it goes.  CAP might be able to help.  It has a loan fund under which entrepreneurs can borrow up to $50,000 without any income qualifications for the borrower.  Qualifying businesses must be located in Marquette, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood counties. 

According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka, one of CAP’s current major concerns is the inability of small businesses to expand because of the heavy discounting of collateral by lenders.  By providing adequate and affordable loans for real property, equipment and working capital these companies should be able to sustain and/or expand their business.
While CAP’s Business Loan Program is designed to stimulate the creation of value-added businesses and living wage jobs, CAP is taking a longer view of the local economy.  CAP’s Vice-President for Lending, Karl Pnazek, said one of the goals of this new program will be making sure that small businesses have the resources needed to expand their business as soon as they can afford it.

CAP’s Business Development Program offers start-up and expanding businesses a range of services designed to enhance their chances for success, are now being provided at no charge if the business is eligible for the new program. 

All loans are made through CAP’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Community Assets for People (CAfP), a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution.  CAfP is capitalized through a combination of grants and loans from the public, faith-based and private sectors, and currently has a portfolio of almost $20 million in housing and business loans.
Patoka said, “CAP’s efforts to expand CAfP’s lending capacity are now paying significant dividends to the central Wisconsin economy.  We are hoping to double that capacity over the next five years to further increase our ability to help businesses expand and create living wage jobs.”

CAP also offers business and commercial space at below-market rate rents in business incubators in Endeavor, Stevens Point and Wautoma.  CAP has a Lease/Purchase Program for rapidly growing businesses that simultaneously need to increase space, acquire additional equipment and increase working capital.  Under this program, CAP purchases or builds a facility designed to the business’ specifications and leases it back with an option to purchase.  Central Waters Brewing Company recently exerted its purchase option and American Governor (Amherst) and Intevation Food Group (Plover) are both currently enrolled in that program.
Free technical assistance for all small businesses is available 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 workbooks on accounting, banking and finance, insurance, business law, and marketing.  Links to additional resources also are provided.  

The business loan fund is supported by a grant from a Rural Micro-Business Assistance Program from USDA and investments by Delta Dental and the Calvert Foundation.  Persons interested in applying for a loan should contact their local CAP office or Mike Somers at 715.343.7141.

CAP Services Completes 566 ARRA Weatherization Projects
August 18, 2011

CAP Services recently completed 566 housing units under the ARRA Weatherization Stimulus Project.  This was in addition to the 242 units funded by the federal and state governments, bringing a total 808 during the same period.  This total was the largest annual production for the program since it started in 1976.

The average energy reduction per ARRA household will be more than $457 per home, resulting in a net annual savings for these households of almost $370,000.  CAP Services’ President and CEO Mary Patoka noted this does not include any avoided costs due to a reduction in energy usage and air pollution.

In 2008 Congress more than tripled the federal appropriation for weatherization programs nationwide as part of the 2008 stimulus bill.

Patoka said the weatherization expansion had a fourfold bottom line.  First, CAP hired more staff to complete the increased number of units that were weatherized in accord with the stimulus bill’s goal of creating jobs.  Second, low-income households reduced their energy usage, freeing money previously used to pay for energy for medicine, food, housing, etc.

Third, the local economy was stimulated by CAP’s increased use of local contractors for weatherization-related work.  CAP contracted with local firms for $914,261 for stimulaus projects and $1,690,094 total for needed heating, electrical and plumbing repairs that affected energy efficiency, water usage, and health and safety issues.  And last, because almost 90% of the materials and equipment purchased by CAP for the weatherization program are made in the US, a stimulus was felt across the country because those manufacturers increased production to meet demand.   This percentage would be higher if there was a source for American made compact fluorescent light bulbs. The majority of equipment purchased is also manufactured in the US.

Patoka noted CAP has now weatherized more than 10,500 homes in five counties.  According to the Wisconsin Division of Energy, these homes save more than $3 million annually on their home energy bills.

Ministry Dental Receives Community Foundation Grant
August 2, 2011

The Community Foundation’s Basic Needs Giving Partnership has awarded a grant of $60,000 to the Ministry Dental Project.  The Partnership is located within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region and is supported by the US Venture Fund for Basic Needs, the JJ Keller Foundation and several other community resources.    
According to Clinic Manager Brenda Diamond, the Center is serving over five times the number of Waupaca County patients it did just four years ago.  She noted the County used to be an example of the lack of affordable dental care in Wisconsin.  Now, through the collaborative effort of Delta Dental, CAP Services, St. Michael’s Hospital and various Waupaca County donors, Ministry Dental Center can serve hundreds of eligible Waupaca households every year. 
Patients from Waupaca County are reporting great satisfaction with services they receive including dental cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals and dentures.  After being diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma (skin cancer) on her lip and nose area “Brenda” began treatment that would change her outlook on life forever.  Prior to undergoing radiation treatments for her cancer, Brenda had to have all of her teeth extracted.  Her upper lip, part of her cheek on her right side and her nose were removed so the cancer could be eliminated.  Plastic surgeries were done so Brenda’s face could be reconstructed. 
Three years after having her teeth extracted Brenda found out about Ministry Dental Center.  Additional surgeries had been done on Brenda’s face in the hopes that she would eventually be able to have dentures fabricated.  Dr. Davidson of Ministry Clinic worked with Brenda and her physicians to produce upper and lower dentures so that she could smile again.  Brenda says; “I love to smile and I am very happy with Ministry Dental.  Everybody is so nice and caring.  I love my new dentures.  They fit very well.  If I have trouble, I can call, make and appointment and my problem will be fixed.  I am thankful Ministry Dental Center is able to take my ForwardHealth/BadgerCare Insurance.  You do not know how lucky you are until you find people that care so much about you.” 
Waupaca County residents who qualify for dental care through ForwardHealth/BadgerCare Insurance are able to schedule appointments at Ministry Dental and are eligible for preventative, restorative, and emergency care.  Please call 715-342-8060 to see if you qualify. 

Rural Micro-Enterprise Funds Still Available
July 21, 2011

CAP Services still has almost $300,000 in its rural business loan fund to provide below-market interest, flexible loans to new and expanding business in Marquette, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood Counties.

The funding was awarded after a nationwide competition and only 75 grants were made.  CAP’s lending arm, Community Assets for People LLC, administers the Rural Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program (RMAP).  The funds are available for lending for 20 years. 
Eligible applicants can obtain funds to create jobs and promote economic development.  Loans are available to qualified entrepreneurs that have 10 or fewer employees and are located in rural areas.  There are no job creation or income requirements.  As borrowers repay their loans the funds will be reloaned to additional businesses. 
According to CAP President Mary Patoka, there continues to be an increase in small business lending.  She noted “These funds give us the ability to offer longer term fixed-rate financing and a higher loan-to-value percentage on collateral.”  She said that because CAfP is obligated to pay back the entire USDA investment, it will underwrite each loan individually and submit it to CAfP’s loan committee.
The RMAP was developed in response to the difficulty rural entrepreneurs had in obtaining conventional loans.  This investment requires CAfP to provide a 1:3 match so CAfP had to make a significant effort to raise additional funds.  Karl Pnazek, CAfP Loan Manager, says this investment was possible only because of “matching” investments by the Calvert Foundation, the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, the Community Foundation for Greater South Wood County and Delta Dental of Wisconsin. 

He reported CAfP’s business loan portfolio is currently over $6 million.  CAP has a goal of growing its business loan fund to $10 million by 2015. 

Sixteen CAP Employees Receive Family Development Specialist Certification
June 25, 2011

Sixteen CAP Services’ employees have been certified as Family Development Specialists by the University of Iowa National Resource Center for Family Centered Practice.
To be certified, individuals must complete classroom instruction, spend a month practicing family development techniques, complete written assignments and pass a final exam.
The certification is based on achieving competency in a number of areas designed to assist low-income families move toward self-sufficiency.  The method builds on family strengths in a culturally sensitive manner.
Training includes family systems theory, principles of family development, cultural sensitivity in all aspects of family development work, relationship building, goal setting and planning, coordination of community resources, identifying and responding to family violence, chemical dependency and depression, empowerment strategies, techniques of group work and community partnerships, and professional development.
According to Vice-President Nicole Harrison, the following Human Development staff were certified as Family Development Specialists:

• Sarah Halsted, Assistant Director for Intervention Services in Portage County;
• Melissa Randall, Domestic Abuse Outreach Coordinator in Portage County;
• Nancy Estep, Skills Enhancement Coordinator in Portage County;
• Jennifer Smith, Victim Advocate in Waushara County;
• Amanda Daniels, Youth Development Coordinator in Waushara County; and
• Tami Moe, Transitional Living Specialist in Waupaca County

         Carla Kluz, CAP’s Vice-President for Early Childhood Education, reported 10 of her staff were certified:

• In Portage County:  Jill Jerabek, Jill Wilcox, Teresa Wells, all Home Visitors; Monica Meinholz, Program Coordinator; Tera Tellock and Teresa Coppus, Site Managers.
• In Waupaca County:  Nicole Weier, Family Services Specialist; Derin Tangwall, Home Visitor; Deana Hirt, Home Visitor; and Amie Krueger, Home Visitor.

Harrison noted only 3,000 people nationwide have been certified and yet the skills taught are desperately needed by the low-income people.

CAP Services Honors Partners and Volunteers
June 14, 2011

Local donors and residents were recognized for their contributions to CAP Services’ anti-poverty work at the community action agency’s 45th Annual Awards Reception.  The ceremony was held on May 26th in Waupaca and more than 170 people attended the ceremony.

Appreciation was extended to CAP’s many trade allies and donors.  Glen Moberg - Wisconsin Public Radio received the Golden CAP Award for Broadcast Media and Nicole Strittmater of the Stevens Point Journal received the award for Outstanding Feature Story for her coverage of the Family Crisis Center’s Hairdresser Project.  “The Basic Needs Giving Partnership Fund, supported by the U.S. Venture Fund for Basic Needs within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region, the J.J. Keller Foundation, Inc., and other community partners” was the recipient of a David Obey Award for their donation of more than $100,000.

The Ted Long CAPartner Award recognizes “trade allies” who have partnered with CAP to offer innovative, effective, anti-poverty programs. Awards were given to:  
Dave McHone - Travel Guard: Dave McHone and Travel Guard are committed to quality early childhood education and care. It has demonstrated this in its support for access to care for its employees and its strong partnership with CAP’s Children’s Discovery Center in Stevens Point.

Chris Van Hoof - Clintonville Public Schools: CAP’s Early Childhood Development Department and the Clintonville School District have worked closely for a number of years. Co-location of services and the provision of transportation services by the District and collaborative work to ensure standards and licensing requirements are met are all reflective of the Districts’ value to parents and the district as a whole.

Todd Kearney - United FCS: As CAP continues to expand it business development efforts, it has become increasingly important to recruit more lenders to financially participate in our projects. United FCS is recognized for its partnership in meeting the financing needs of small businesses.

JoAnn Beschta and Tanya Scherg - FVTC-Clintonville and Waupaca
When the Fox Valley Technical College campuses in Clintonville and Waupaca agreed to be tax preparation sites for CAP’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program, we knew it would be a good fit, but we certainly didn’t expect the extraordinarily warm welcome from staff led by JoAnn Beschta and Tanya Scherg, wonderful accommodations and service to those receiving services.

Kristin Peterson - USDA: Ms. Peterson has been a faithful supporter of CAP’s efforts to help low-income individuals in rural central Wisconsin start their own small business and create their own job. Since joining USDA Rural Development, she has freely shared her program expertise and provided in-depth technical assistance to CAP to help the agency compete for resources and in turn, support economic development.

Arlene Scalzo – WHEDA: Ms. Scalzo, Community Relations Officer for WHEDA has been a strong partner in CAP’s First Time Home Buyer Program. Her initiative and expertise brings home buyer education workshops to our area. She is always available to answer client questions and often times stays after a workshop help participants. Home buyers couldn’t have a more dedicated and knowledgeable partner than Arlene.

Janet Flood - Project TEAM: Janet is a licensed clinical social worker who has volunteered for Project TEAM Family Mentoring Program as a family mentor but also provides guidance and support to other mentors in the program. We highly value and appreciate her expertise, her enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to the families she works with.

Greg Hansel and St. Joseph’s Church of Stevens Point received the Joseph Award.  The award recognizes an outstanding contributor to CAP’s anti-poverty efforts from the faith-based community.

The Corporate Citizen of the Year Award that recognizes an outstanding contributor to CAP’s
anti-poverty effort from the business community went to Thrivent Financial for Lutherans. 
The company was recognized for its long-time support of CAP programs in the Fox Valley.

The annual Gaylord Nelson Poverty Award was made to Jan Novak of Waushara County Human Services and the life-time achievement award was made to Mark Brodzinski of USDA.

Den Brown of Delta Dental received the Pnazek’s Box Award for thinking “outside the box” in helping CAP develop innovative solutions to poverty problems.  The award recognizes insight, innovation, initiative and integrity in one’s work.

Robert Alamada, Jessica Hadley, York and Joliene Heiden, Jamie Hintz and Robert Schuler, Christina Moyof and Janice Polley were all recipients of Self-Sufficiency Awards that recognize individuals or families for their efforts in achieving economic and emotional self-sufficiency. 

CAP Chief Executive Officer Mary Patoka noted CAP’s success was due to staff and trade allies choosing to invest their time, effort and dollars in helping people move out of poverty, not in learning to become comfortable in it. 

At the Board’s annual meeting following the reception, all officers were re-elected and include Lauren Mai, Appleton, chairperson, Brett Jarman, Stevens Point, vice-chairperson, Lyne Kawleski, Stevens Point, treasurer, and Dennis Wedde of Wild Rose as secretary.

MIKE SOMERS NAMED CAP JOB & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
May 27, 2011

Mike Somers has joined CAP Services as its new Jobs and Business Development Coordinator.  He will oversee business development services in Marquette, Outagamie, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood Counties.  Services include a mix of one-on-one technical assistance (both before and after business starts), lending, gap financing and loan packaging. 
Somers will supervise two staff and provide some technical assistance himself.  The target populations are low-income households (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 no charge for services and loans are available on flexible terms.

Somers has extensive experience developing business coursework for Mid-State Technical, the Construction Estimating Institute and Quest Solutions.  He was owner and general manager of Somers Aggregates, Ltd.  He has a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point with an emphasis on business administration.

Somers said that “Having successfully worked with entrepreneurs, 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 CAP to provide technical assistance to the many talented entrepreneurs in central Wisconsin who need some assistance in starting or expanding businesses owned by or benefitting low-income households.”

Since 1988, CAP has assisted with the creation or expansion of more than 400 businesses that resulted in the creation of more than 700 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 are also provided.            

Persons interested in starting or expanding a business benefitting low-income workers should contact Somers by calling 715-343-7141.

COMMUNITY FIRST CREDIT UNION RECOGNIZED WITH STATE-WIDE COMMUNITY ADVOCATE OF THE YEAR AWARD
May 1, 2011

Community First Credit Union was recognized as “Community Advocate of the Year” at the recently held WISCAP annual meeting in Madison.   WISCAP is the state’s trade association for community action agencies, including CAP Services who nominated the credit union for the award for its commitment to a number of local initiatives, including sponsorship of CAP’s Golf Inside Outing event for seven years and recent financial support of CAP’s Free Tax Assistance Program in Waupaca County. 

Amanda Secor, SVP-Marketing for Community First accepted the award saying, “We are so grateful for partnerships with organizations like CAP Services that make it possible to have a positive impact on the needs of our communities.  Like many of our non-profit partners, Community First and CAP Services have a shared mission to work alongside neighbors in communities to help them become self-sufficient and confident in their abilities.  That makes our community stronger, one-person, one-family at a time.” 

The “Community Advocate of the Year Award” was established as a tribute to Jackie Lawrence, former WISCAP Executive Director, in recognition of a person or group who has demonstrated remarkable achievement articulating the needs and concerns of the poor or exemplary leadership advancing the causes and principals of community action and service to low-income families.

SKILLS GRADS SEE $11,758 ANNUAL INCOME INCREASE
May 1, 2011

T he 46 graduates from CAP Services’ 2010 Skills Enhancement Program achieved an average increase in annual earned income of $11,758.  Thirty-one (67%) now have access to employer-paid health insurance.

The average length of time in the program was 26 months and the amount of direct financial assistance was $1,890.  Both of these numbers were lower than last year. Participants still in the program received raises averaging $1.03 an hour while still attending classes.

CAP President Mary Patoka said that 31 graduates obtained jobs in health care, 6 in business and banking, 1 in education, 3 in service industries, 2 in criminal justice and 2 in manufacturing.    
Several participants commented on how important the program was to their success.  Victoria Champeau noted one of the biggest challenges facing single parents seeking to acquire new skills are the financial ones.  “With CAP’s assistance I have been able to focus on learning……Before I returned to school I felt as though I was a witness to life; now I feel like an active participant.  I have earned my Certified Nurses’ Aide certificate and am well on my way to becoming an RN.  It is amazing to feel so empowered by education.” 

LaKisha Jackson noted that her goal has always been becoming a nurse.  But life got busy and the time never seemed “right”.  “The Skills Enhancement Program was a real life saver.  When I was introduced to the program, I was overwhelmed with their support and encouragement.  I was able to concentrate on my studies and not worry about how I was going to pay for tuition and books.  Skills Enhancement is an unbelievable program and I was fortunate to be a participant.”

CAP’s Skills Enhancement is a locally-designed workforce development program that assists working low-income individuals obtain 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 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 -- $16,335 for a single individual, with increases of $5,730 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 with a small amount of public funding.  Current enrollment is 195.  Anyone interested in enrolling in the program should contact Mollie at 920-968-6365.

Head Start Enrollment Underway
March 4, 2011

CAP Services’ Head Start programs are now accepting applications for the 2011-2012 school year.

Head Start is a quality early childhood and family development program for families with children ages 3 to 4 years old.  The program also serves children with special needs, ages 3 to 4 years old. Head Start provides educational, health, nutritional, emotional and social services for each child and offers support and family development services to all family members.
Parents are encouraged to call for an appointment to apply as soon as possible as enrollment is limited.  

Families must meet federally established income guidelines and are asked to bring income verification to their appointment. Families whose children have documented disabilities are also encouraged to apply.

Clintonville Head Start Center: 715-823-4310
Montello Early Learning Center: 608-297-7888 ext. 200 or ext. 202
New London Head Start Center: 920-982-7677
Stevens Point Family Development Center: 715-343-7161 or 715-343-7162
Waupaca Head Start Center: 715-258-9575, extension 208
Wautoma Early Learning Center: 920-787-1567

CAP Starts New Loan Fund
February 1, 2011

CAP Services’ financial arm, Community Assets for People, has launched a new small business loan fund.  What is unique about the fund is it does not require either the borrower or any of its employees meet any income guidelines.
Loans up to $50,000 are available and can be used for working capital or equipment.  Qualifying businesses, however, must have 10 or fewer employees and be located in Marquette, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, Wood and rural Outagamie counties.  Interest rates are 6.75-9% depending on risk. 
According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka, one of CAP’s current major concerns is the inability of very small businesses to access funds to expand.  By providing adequate and affordable loans for equipment and working capital these companies should be able to sustain and/or expand their business.
While CAP’s Business Loan Program is designed to stimulate the creation of value-added businesses and living wage jobs, in these times CAP needs to be more creative and take a longer view of the local economy.  CAP’s Vice-President for Lending, Karl Pnazek, said one of the goals of this new program will be making sure the hundreds of workers being laid off in central Wisconsin have the resources needed to start, acquire or expand a business without waiting to become eligible for one of CAP’s income-based programs.
As a result, CAP’s Business Development Program, which offers start-up and expanding businesses a range of services designed to enhance their chances for success, are now being provided at no charge if the business is eligible for the new program. 
All loans are made through CAP’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Community Assets for People (CAfP), a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution.  CAfP is capitalized through a combination of grants and loans from the public and private sectors, and currently has a portfolio of more than $12 million in housing and business loans.
Patoka said, “CAP’s efforts to expand CAfP’s lending capacity over the past four years are now paying significant dividends to the central Wisconsin economy.  We are hoping to double that capacity over the next five years to further increase our ability to help businesses expand and create living wage jobs.”
CAP also offers business and commercial space at below-market rate rents in business incubators in Endeavor, Stevens Point and Wautoma.  CAP has a Lease/Purchase Program for rapidly growing businesses that simultaneously need to increase space, acquire additional equipment and increase working capital.  Under this program, CAP will purchase or build a facility designed to the business’ specifications and lease it back with an option to purchase.  Central Waters Brewing Company recently exerted its purchase option and American Governor (Amherst) and Intevation Food Group (Plover) are both currently enrolled in that program.
Free technical assistance for all small businesses is available 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 workbooks on accounting, banking and finance, insurance, business law, and marketing.  Links to additional resources also are provided.  The site is supported by M&I Bank, Sentry Insurance, Clifton Gunderson LLP, and the law office of Anderson, O’Brien, Bertz, Skrenes and Golla.
The new business loan fund is supported by a long-term loan from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program and investments by Delta Dental and the Calvert Foundation.  Persons interested in applying for a loan should contact their local CAP office or Nancy Ross at 715.343.7141.

CAP Loans $829,000 to Area Businesses in 2010
February 1, 2011

CAP Services’ Business Development Program loaned over $800,000 to new and expanding central Wisconsin businesses in 2010. 
Some of the businesses receiving loans in 2010 were Seascape (Waupaca), K&J Construction (WI Rapids) and JMB Pallet (Plover).
CAP Chief Operating Officer Mary Patoka noted that while providing access to lower-cost, higher-risk capital is important, the primary purpose of CAP’s Business Development Program is to stimulate the creation of value-added businesses and living wage jobs.  CAP has helped create more than 500 jobs in the last ten years.
CAP’s Business Development Program offers start-up and expanding businesses a range of services designed to enhance their chances for success.  Services are free to low-income individuals or to businesses that create living-wage jobs for low-income individuals, and are on a sliding-scale fee to others.  Business Development Coordinators provide assistance in business plan development and financial packaging that can include gap financing from CAP. 
All loans are made through CAP’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Community Assets for People (CAfP), a U.S. Treasury-certified Community Development Financial Institution.  CAfP is capitalized through a combination of grants and loans from the public, private and faith-based sectors and currently has a portfolio of more than $14 million in housing and business loans.
Patoka said, “CAP’s efforts to expand CAfP’s lending capacity over the past four years are now paying significant dividends to the central Wisconsin economy.  We are hoping to double that capacity over the next five years to further increase our ability to help businesses expand and create living wage jobs.”
CAP also offers business and commercial space at below market rate rents in business incubators in Endeavor, Stevens Point and Wautoma.  CAP has a Lease/Purchase Program for rapidly growing businesses that simultaneously need to increase space, acquire additional equipment and increase working capital.  Under this program, CAP will purchase or build a facility designed to the business’ specifications and lease it back with an option to purchase.  Central Waters Brewing Company recently exerted their option to buy through this program while American Governor (in Amherst) and Intevation Food Group (Plover) are both currently enrolled.
Free technical assistance for all small businesses is available 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 workbooks on accounting, banking and finance, insurance, business law, and marketing.  Links to additional resources also are provided.  The site is supported by M&I Bank, Sentry Insurance, Clifton Gunderson LLP, and the law office of Anderson, O’Brien, Bertz, Skrenes and Golla.
The Business Development Program operating budget is supported by a Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development grant administered by the Wisconsin Community Action Association (WISCAP), a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Business Economic Development grant and the Rural Local Initiatives Support Corporation. 
The CAfP business loan fund is capitalized by investments from faith-based groups and both the public and private sectors.  New investors or investors who increased the size of their investment last year included the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, the Calvert Foundation and the federal Departments of Agriculture and Housing and Urban Development.

CAP Adds 63 Units of Affordable Housing in 2010
January 31, 2011

CAP Services’ Housing Department developed 42 new units of affordable rental housing in two rental projects, helped 19 households purchase their first house and financed the rehabilitation of 55 housing rehabilitation projects in 2010.
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 2010 senior housing projects are located in Colby and Weyauwega.  CAP’s rental housing development program operates statewide, usually in partnership with other local Community Action Agencies.
CAP-sponsored student-built housing projects completed three single-family houses in 2010.  The Stevens Point Area Senior High School house was the 12th house completed by SPASH technology education students, CAP’s Waushara County Fresh Start participants completed their 14th house and the Waupaca County participants completed their first home.  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 19 low- and moderate-income households purchase a home.  Since 1991, CAP has helped 1,047 households purchase their first home by providing deferred loans totaling more than $10 million. 
According to Chief Executive Officer Mary Patoka, in 2011 CAP anticipates an increase in the number of rental housing units developed as work has already started on projects in Seymour and Mauston and another one will start soon in Waupaca. 
Housing Director Mike Olson says he also anticipates helping at least 15 households with home buyer’s assistance.  He noted that interest rates remain low and employment is rising.  In addition, four student-built homes are scheduled to be completed line this year; one in Stevens Point, two 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 523 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.

CAP SERVICES OBTAINS HOUSING GRANT
January 7, 2011

C AP Services has been awarded $872,104 in federal and $110,000 in state funds to assist homebuyers and homeowners buy and/or rehabilitate homes.  Funds were awarded as a result of a competition held by the Wisconsin Department of Commerce and are targeted for households with incomes at or below 80% of county median income.  Applicants must reside in Marquette, Lincoln, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara and Wood Counties.
According to CAP CEO Mary Patoka, these funds can be used to purchase or rehabilitate a home.  CAP has used similar funding in the past to help more than 1,400 homebuyers and homeowners buy and/or rehabilitate homes. 
Funds are made through 4% interest loans due when the buyer sells or no longer resides in the original qualifying home.  Repayments are then reloaned to additional qualifying buyers, creating an ongoing source of affordable funds for homebuyers and homeowners. 
Whenever possible, CAP works with other funders to reduce its share of loans.  According to Housing Assistant Director Kris Pethick, approximately 25% of these projects have at least two lenders. 
Patoka noted that even in the current economy, people are both buying and renovating homes.  She noted that the housing stock we have today will represent the majority of our housing in the future so maintaining and upgrading it is paramount to residents of central Wisconsin.
Households interested in applying for a loan should contact Diane Henke at 920-787-3949.  She noted that although the contract is for 30 months, the funds are typically allocated within the first 12 months.

USDA Rural Development Announces Funding to Boost Micro-Lending
CAP Services Receives $595,404
November 2, 2010

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a $595,404 investment into CAP Services’ business loan fund to provide below-market interest, flexible loans to new and expanding business in Marquette, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood Counties.The funding was awarded after a nationwide competition and only 75 grants were made.  CAP’s lending arm, Community Assets for People LLC, will administer the Rural Micro-Enterprise Assistance Program (RMAP) funds.  The funds are being made available to CAfP for 20 years. 
CAfP will lend the funds to small businesses to help them reduce energy consumption, create jobs and promote economic development.  Loans will be available to qualified entrepreneurs that have 10 or fewer employees and are located in rural areas.  There is no job creation requirement.  As borrowers repay the loans the funds will be reloaned to additional businesses. 
According to CAP President Mary Patoka, there continues to be an increase in small business loans.  She noted “These funds give us the ability to offer longer term fixed-rate financing and a higher loan-to-value percentages on collateral.”  She said that because CAfP is obligated to pay back the entire USDA investment, it will underwrite each loan individually and submit it to CAfP’s local loan committee.
The RMAP is a new federal program developed in response to the growing difficulty entrepreneurs, especially rural ones, are having in obtaining conventional loans.  This investment requires a 1:3 match so CAfP has had to make a significant effort to raising additional funds.  Karl Pnazek, CAfP Loan Manager, says this investment was possible only because of “matching” investments by the Calvert Foundation, the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, the Community Foundation for Greater South Wood County and Delta Dental of Wisconsin. 
He reported that CAfP’s business loan portfolio is currently over $5 million.  The RMAP funds and match will move that to almost $6 million.  CAP has a goal of growing its business loan fund to $10 million by 2015.

WISCAP Recognizes Central Wisconsin Auto Body Shop
November 2010

Pa t’s Carstar of Plover was recognized with the WISCAP “Helping Hand Award” at its annual “Poverty Matters” conference in Appleton on November 17.  Owner Pat Arnold, his wife Sandy, and Tony Kempen accepted the award to a standing ovation by the 225 conference participants for their work in the National Recycled Rides Program.  Mary Patoka of CAP Services presented the award and commented on the importance of reliable transportation for employment, accessing medical and other services as well as allowing families to fully participate in their communities, especially for low-income families.  Pat’s contribution has a significant impact on the three families receiving the vehicles to date.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 2010.  The NABC hopes to repair and donate 500 cars each Thanksgiving in the long term for families in need.Pat’s Carstar Auto Body has participated in the National Auto Body Association’s (NABC) Recycled Rides Program for the past three years.  He asked CAP to assist in identifying a family in need of reliable transportation in the fall of 2008 and has continued each year since.   “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.”Just days after receiving the award, Pat’s CARSTAR Auto Body officially presented the repaired vehicle, a 2006 Toyota Sienna van, to the Bourne family on Monday, November 22nd 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.

Agriculture Secretary Vilsack Announces $2.7 Million in Funding to help Wisconsin Farmers, Businesses, and Communities, CAP Services receives $262,296
September 21, 2010

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack has announced a $262,296 investment into CAP Services’ business loan fund to provide below-market interest flexible loans to new and expanding business in Marquette, Portage, Waupaca, Waushara, and Wood Counties.
The funding was awarded after a nationwide competition.  CAP’s lending arm, Community Assets for People LLC, will administer the Intermediary Relending Program funds.  The funds are being made available to CAP at a low-interest rate for 30 years.  CAP will lend the funds to small businesses to help them reduce energy consumption, create jobs and promote economic development.  As borrowers repay the loans the funds will be reloaned to additional businesses.
According to CAP President Mary Patoka, there has an increase in demand for these kinds of loans by local entrepreneurs because of their flexibility and interest rate.  She said “These funds give CAP the ability to offer long term fixed-rate financing and a higher loan-to-value on collateral.  The USDA funds must be matched by CAP on a 1:3 basis and the USDA loans and CAP funds together can only finance 50% of the total amount borrowed.  As a result, CAP usually works with conventional lenders to fund all the needs of the business.  She notes that because CAP is obligated to pay back the entire USDA investment, it underwrites each loan individually and submits the loan application to a local loan committee.
This is the third IRP investment CAP has obtained.  Each investment has required local match so CAP has had to make a significant effort to raise the local match.  CAP’s Vice President for Lending, Karl Pnazek, says this investment was possible only because of “matching” investments by the Community Foundation of Central Wisconsin, the Community Foundation for Greater South Wood County and Delta Dental of Wisconsin. 
He noted that CAP was considering freezing its lending until the IRP investment was announced and the investments secured. CAP’s current business loan portfolio is over $4.5 and the IRP funds and match will move that to almost $5 million.  CAP has a goal of growing its business loan fund to $10 million by 2015.

First State Bank Makes Gift to Skills Enhancement Program
August 10, 2010

First State Bank of New London has made a $1,000 gift to CAP Services to support the non-profit’s Waupaca County Skills Enhancement Program.  The gift is part of the bank’s program of providing ongoing support to successful community-based programs. 
Mr. Harry Radix, President of First State Bank, stated the locally-owned bank is pleased to support CAP’s Skills Enhancement Program at this critical time.  “In the current economy workers need to upgrade their skills to remain competitive in the job market.  We are happy to help CAP Services in its efforts to help lower-income households obtain the training needed to compete for living wage jobs, increase their income and gain access to private health insurance.” 
The Skills Enhancement Program helps working poor individuals obtain the skills needed to compete for higher paying jobs.  Waupaca County graduates in 2009 averaged an increase in annual earned income of $9,621.  There are currently 35 participants enrolled in the Waupaca 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 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. 
Waupaca County residents interested in enrolling in the program should call 715-258-9575, extension 216 to see if they qualify.

CAP Provides Financing for Local Ford Dealer
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.

Fresh Start Participants Obtain Solar-Site Assessors Certification
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. 

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.

Wisconsin CAP Association recognizes Local Entrepreneur
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.

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.

CAP’s Domestic Violence Shelter Sees a 17% Increase in Victims Housed
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.

Skills Grads See $11,829 Annual Income Increase
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.