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A N N UA L R EP OR T
From the Executive Director I am pleased to present to you the 2011-2012 Annual Report for Western Dairyland E.O.C., a community action agency serving Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau counties. For 46 years Western Dairyland has been working to alleviate poverty in our area and to create a brighter future for all of our residents. We play an important role in our community and each year our organization attracts federal, state, and private resources to address the needs of thousands of our local citizens. Western Dairyland has developed a broad array of programs to improve the ability of thousands of individuals and families to once again climb the economic ladder and improve their lives. Although improving, the recent economic conditions have eroded the well-being of many of our friends and neighbors as former middle class families have lost their jobs, homes, and financial security. The resources our agency brings to the people in our communities are now more important than ever. I hope you will review this report and find it to be of interest. We are available to speak to your group or organization at your convenience; just give us a call. If you would like additional information please call me directly at 1-800-782-1063. Thank you!
Anna L. Cardarella
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Contents Head Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Business Development . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Homeless Shelters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Women’s Health Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Energy & Housing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Project Advance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Fresh Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
The Emergency Food Assistance Program . . . . 20
RSVP Volunteers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Cents & Sensibility Thrift Store . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Child Care Partnership . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Financial & Housing Counseling . . . . . . . . . . 21
RENEW & Skills Enhancement . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Financial Report . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Wheels for Work . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Funding & Donors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Paratransit Certification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Board of Directors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Sandy Andersen and her three-year-old granddaughter Britanya, who will begin her second year in Head Start later this fall.
An Unexpected Challenge When Sandy Andersen became the primary caregiver of her three-yearold granddaughter Britanya in 2011, she had a lot of questions. “It’s been almost 30 years since I raised a child, and a lot has changed since then,” she said. “I just thank my lucky stars for Head Start.” The number of grandparents serving as primary caregivers for their grandchildren has increased dramatically in the past twenty years. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than six million children across the country are being raised by relatives other than their parents. Western Dairyland Head Start Director Mary Jo Hite said it’s a trend they’ve witnessed first-hand in Western Wisconsin. “We see all kinds of families in Head Start – grandparents, aunts, uncles, single parents,” Hite said. “Approximately 50% of our families are non-traditional in that they are not two-parent households.” These grandparent and other relative caregivers and the children they are raising are often isolated.
549
Head Start children enrolled in 2011
They lack information about the range of support services, resources, programs, benefits, laws and policies available to help them successfully fulfill their caregiving role. In addition, to better serve children, families and older adults, educators and program practitioners need access to information about these key resources. Andersen said she initially had questions about raising her granddaughter when it came to nutrition and behavioral problems. Head
Start teachers were always willing to find answers for her, and they connected Andersen with resources throughout the community, including GAP - Grandparents (and others) As Parents. Andersen, who admits she still has a lot to learn, is now a more confident grandparent heading into Britanya’s second year of Head Start. “Head Start is fantastic, just fantastic,” She said. “I just couldn’t imagine doing all of this without their help.”
Western Dairyland’s Head Start Program offers education, health services, and social services to income-eligible families with children ages 3 to 5. Families living in Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau counties meeting federal poverty income levels of 100% or below are eligible for the program. Some waivers of income requirements may be granted on a limited basis. Head Start actively recruits children with special needs and disabilities. WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 3
Melissa and her two daughters stayed at a Western Dairyland Homeless Shelter in 2011.
Getting Through Tough Times Twenty-six-year-old Melissa was 12 weeks pregnant when she moved from Eau Claire to Menomonie with her two young daughters in 2011. She was nervous about moving, but felt optimistic because she had a friend who agreed to split the rent at a decent apartment, and she had a new job waiting for her. Within weeks, the friend stopped paying rent and the job offer fell through. Melissa and her daughters where evicted from their apartment and had five days to find a new place to live. Melissa quickly decided to move back to Eau Claire and contacted Western Dairyland. The family stayed in a Western Dairyland Homeless Shelter for 30 days before moving into a transitional apartment where they were able to live for up to nine months. Western Dairyland staff members helped Melissa sign up for FoodShare and BadgerCare, and provided case management services and employment search assistance. With her housing situation temporarily stabilized, Melissa immediately started looking for a new job. “There just aren’t many jobs out there and I’m either under-qualified or over-qualified for everything,” she said. “I did the math, and even if I made $9 an hour like a lot of jobs offered, we would still have a hard time paying rent and bills. That’s why I was so excited when I was offered a full-time job that pays $10 an hour.” Melissa and her daughters recently were approved for subsidized housing through the city of Eau Claire and she will be paying 30% of her income towards
158 810
People sheltered in 2011
turned away due to lack of space
Melissa and her two daughters stayed at a Western Dairyland Homeless Shelter in 2011. The family will soon move into subsidized housing in Eau Claire.
rent each month. Her future plans include enrolling at Chippewa Valley Technical College where she hopes to earn a nursing degree. Western Dairyland Case Manager Karen Smith said Melissa has the right attitude and is working hard to make the right decisions. “I think she’s going to find permanent housing soon,” Smith said. “And once that happens I have no doubt the whole family will be fine going forward.”
Western Dairyland operates seven homeless shelters in Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau counties for families with children. Our shelters are single-family units which may be occupied for up to 60 days. Each shelter is a completely furnished apartment with bedding, furniture, cooking utensils and cleaning supplies. Our first priority is to provide a safe place to stay for homeless families with children. During their stay, we do everything we can to locate permanent housing and help them on their way to self-sufficiency. WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 5
Western Dairyland’s Weatherization Program made improvements to Eugene’s 86-year-old house in Eau Claire in 2011.
Bringing Energy Bills Down $437 Now in his 70s, Eugene is a semiretired carpet insulator who has worked with his hands his entire life. During the past twenty years, he has made numerous improvements to his 86-year-old home north of Eau Claire: patches to the roof, replacement windows, deck repairs, painting, and more remodeling than he can remember. But he knew he couldn’t fix up his home enough to make a dent in the ever-increasing fuel bills last winter. He paid more than $600 for fuel deliveries in 2011 – a steep increase from previous years. “That’s ridiculous,” he said. “I couldn’t believe it when they gave me the bill. I took one look and I knew I had to do something.” Eugene applied for energy assistance through Eau Claire county and was approved for Weatherization services at the same time. A Western Dairyland Weatherization crew did a thorough energy audit of the home and discovered
the second-floor walls were completely empty and uninsulated. The attic was severely under-insulated, and all of the insulation on the first floor was ineffective because it had settled over the years. Over the course of a week, crew members insulated the entire house, tuned up the furnace in the basement, and modified some of the duct work leading to the first floor. Compact fluorescent light bulbs and low-flow aerators were installed, and an old refrigerator was replaced with a new Energy Star model. According to Western Dairyland Weatherization Director Mike Canaday, filling the sidewalls with insulation will make the biggest difference. “That’s what will really make the bills go down and the comfort level go up,” Canaday said. “Everything else we do will add to his bottom line as well.” By the end of the week, Eugene was impressed with his newly
Average Yearly Energy Savings for Homeowners The Weatherization program helps eligible families improve the energy efficiency of their homes, thereby reducing energy costs. Common services include installing attic, sidewall and foundation insulation, sealing major air leaks, repairing and/or replacing furnaces, installing energy efficient appliances, installing water saving aerators and compact fluorescent light bulbs.
weatherized home. “These guys really know what they’re doing with this equipment,” he said. “I’m really impressed with this whole operation, and we’ll see how much it helps this winter.”
Home Repair & Accessibility The Home Repair & Accessibility Program provides deferred, no-interest loans to income-eligible homeowners who need to make essential improvements to their homes. The program has helped homeowners with septic systems and wells, structural problems and safety hazards, roofing and siding, accessible ramps and bathrooms, and energy-related improvements. In addition, building permits, title and legal fees and
appraisals are included. Only permanent modifications to the home are eligible for funding. HUD Housing Quality Standards will be met upon completion of the rehabilitation and improvement work. To be eligible for this program, household incomes must be at or below 80 percent of the County Mean Income, adjusted for family size. The property must be the primary residence of the owner.
WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 7
Tyler Boss successfully completed a year in the Fresh Start Program and is now enrolled at Chippewa Valley Technical College.
Looking for Another Chance By his own admission, 23-yearold Tyler Boss wasn’t looking for a second chance when he enrolled in the Western Dairyland Fresh Start Program in 2011. “Honestly, it felt more like a third chance,” he said. “I was really lucky to get into Fresh Start.” Tyler had failed out of college twice and he was on probation for drug possession. But he said these were secondary problems; his main problem was being honest with others and himself. Program Manager Katie Hulbert said it took Tyler a while to work through his honesty issues, but from day one he had a positive attitude. He showed up for work every day and he was willing to help anyone if they needed assistance. “When you’re building a house with young adults, there will always be some personality conflicts,” Hulbert said. “But Tyler would help smooth things out and be a voice of reason.” Along with the construction skills he gained from building a house in the program, Tyler is
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Young adults enrolled in Fresh Start every year
Fresh Start crew members in Eau Claire County (left to right) Shawn Schneider, Derrike Stocks, Andrew Grill, Tyler Bonnin, and Matt Weichert.
appreciative of the financial skills he learned. He had never put together a budget before, but now he’s familiar with his credit score, his taxes, and the importance of savings. “I’ve saved $2,700 now... I’ve never had that much saved in my life,” he said. “I’ve never had $27 before this.” After successfully completing
900 hours as an AmeriCorp member in Fresh Start, Tyler reapplied at Chippewa Valley Technical College. He was accepted and plans to study Central Service Technology in the fall. “Before going back to school I had to come to terms with who I am,” Tyler said. “Now, because of Fresh Start, I know I can do more and be more.”
The Western Dairyland Fresh Start Program offers education, employment skills and career direction for at-risk young adults, ages 16-24 by involving them with the construction of a new home. When completed, the house will be sold to an income-eligible family in the community. The most important goal of the project is to help youth find their way toward self-sufficiency and build self-esteem through accomplishment, while staying on the path to success. WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 9
RSVP Volunteer LaVerne Gleiter helps out twice a week at the St. Francis Food Pantry in Eau Claire.
Jo Deen Forsyth and Marjorie Kube at the Trempealeau County Food Pantry, Sandy Krueger at the Alma Food Pantry and John Joten at the Taylor Food Pantry are just a few of the dedicated RSVP Volunteers in Western Wisconsin.
Years of Valuable Experience The Trempealeau County Food Pantry distributed more than 53,000 pounds of food to 3,000 individuals during 2011. This important community resource is an impressive, smooth-running operation that would not be possible without the dedicated efforts of dozens of RSVP Volunteers. The pantry is organized and run 100 percent by volunteers, and few people realize the amount of work involved. RSVP Volunteers are ordering food, maintaining inventory, updating client records, unloading trucks, stocking shelves, answering questions, publicizing the pantry, and assisting clients as they navigate the food pantry. RSVP Volunteer Jo Deen Forsyth has been the Pantry Coordinator for the past three years. She said she learned a lot from longtime Pantry Coordinator Marjorie Kube (an RSVP Volunteer who was instrumental in starting the Trempealeau County Food Pantry
in 1979) and from many others who have helped over the years. “Marge asked me to help one day, and just like that I was running the place, but none of us could do this alone” Forsyth said. “It’s an enjoyable time and I feel like we’re really making a difference in our community.” Forsyth and Kube said in recent years the number of families using the food pantry has tripled, and now approximately 150 families receive food each month. Twenty Nine RSVP Volunteers currently serve at the Trempealeau County Food Pantry, including long-time RSVP Volunteers Carol and Junior Lager. “My wife and I both believe it’s payback to the community,” Junior Lager said. “We’ve lived here for a long time and we both think this is one of the best things we can do. We enjoy meeting people and talking to them and helping out whenever we can.”
This commitment to volunteering is shared by many other RSVP Volunteers, allowing the food pantries in Eau Claire, Alma, Taylor and Arcadia to offer services to thousands of people each year. 140 RSVP Volunteers assisted 30,145 individuals at the four food pantries in 2011.
520
RSVP Volunteers in 2011 The Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) connects individuals age 55 or older with meaningful volunteer opportunities in their communities. Volunteers are matched with volunteer opportunities that best reflect their interests, available time, and preferences.
WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 11
Helping Parents & Providers 2,739 When a single mother with six children under the age of two relocated to a small rural community, Western Dairyland’s Child Care Resource & Referral program provided her with a list of all regulated and licensed child care providers near her new home. As expected, the mother found no providers with openings for all six of the children, and she was unwilling to bring them to separate centers. The mother was starting her new job in a few weeks and had no family in the area to help her. Western Dairyland staff members worked with the mother to expand the list of regulated providers and encouraged her to contact the local technical college and nearby university, or find a friend who could help her with child care. The mom found a friend who was willing to become a regulated child care provider, and the mother was able to participate in the Wisconsin Shares subsidy system to help pay for child care services for all six infants. Western Dairyland helped the friend through the child care certification process, and staff members continue to assist her as needed. During 2011, Child Care Partnership provided 982 referrals for the parents of 1,516 children. Beyond referrals, Child Care Partnership staff provides training and technical assistance to child
care providers and parents. When a first-time father called with questions about Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), he was mainly concerned about transporting his newborn in the car. He was worried about the length of time the child’s face would be partially covered by a blanket while in a car seat. “Is it okay if the blanket covers the baby while I transport him to the car and drive from place to place?” he asked. Child Care Partnership staff members assured the father that covering the infant’s face is safe when walking from his house to the car in cold weather. Then it’s important to keep the baby’s face uncovered by tucking the blanket under the child’s arms while the newborn is riding in the car and making certain the car seat straps are secure without interference from the blanket. The father was relieved and now has more confidence when transporting his child. During 2011, Western Dairyland’s Child Care Partnership program held 161 training events for parents and child care providers on topics including Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, Shaken Baby Syndrome, Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards, and Social & Emotional Foundations for Early Learning.
Child Care Providers & Parents Trained in 2011 Our goal is to increase access to consistent, affordable, and quality child care services. The Child & Adult Care Food Program is a federal program offering reimbursement to regulated family child care centers for serving healthy foods to enrolled infants and children. Child Care Resource & Referral strives to enhance the quality of child care by offering early childhood education, technical consulting, and resources for caregivers; by connecting parents with child care through referrals; and by collecting data to inform local, state, and national decisionmaking. The YoungStar Quality Rating System is a program to help Wisconsin parents make an informed child care choice. Regulated group and familybased programs are evaluated on a consistent set of quality standards and rated from 1 to 5 stars.
WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 13
With assistance from Western Dairyland, Linnette will graduate from Chippewa Valley Technical College in 2013.
Making the Right Decisions Decades of poor decisions caused 45-year-old Linnette to lose everything – custody of her children, her house, all of her money, and her dignity. “I made some terrible choices in the past,” she said. “My dignity was the biggest thing I lost and it was the hardest thing to lose. But now I’m game for anything.” With help from Western Dairyland’s Skills Enhancement and RENEW (Re-Employment Now for Exceptional Workers) Programs, Linnette is enrolled at Chippewa Valley Technical College and is working towards a degree in Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse (AODA) Counseling. The RENEW and Skills Enhancement programs assist low-wage earners and underemployed individuals by providing employment and training opportunities as well as financial assistance. Funding for RENEW comes from the Wisconsin Technical College System. Linnette made the Dean’s list in 2011 and is planning to graduate in 2013. She likes the deadlines and accountability required by school, and she’s excited about an internship this fall at Community Counseling Services in Chippewa Falls. “I haven’t been in school for 25 years,” Linnette said. “It’s a whole new ball game, but with a little help I’m doing ok.”
Program Manager Jeanne Semb said Linnette came into the program at a good time when a few extra dollars were available to clients. In addition to funds from the RENEW and Skills Enhancement programs, Linnette received a $1,000 Great Lakes Scholarship in 2011. Combined, these programs helped her pay for gas, parking, a computer, books and additional school supplies. Linnette recalls being surprised by a four-inch-thick textbook for her anatomy and physiology class which costs $80. “There are a lot of expenses like this that you just don’t expect when you go back to school,” she said. The job market in Western Wisconsin continues to be difficult, but Linnette knows that her new degree will increase her chances of success. Her optimism is backed up by statistics from the U.S. Census Bureau, which reports that workers 18 and over who have a college degree earn nearly twice as much as those with just a high school diploma. In recent years, the RENEW and Skills Enhancement programs have assisted hundreds of clients like Linnette pursue degrees in nursing and health-related careers, social work, business management, early childhood education, and accounting.
53%
average increase in hourly wages for clients
69%
average increase in yearly income for clients
RENEW (Re-Employment Now for Exceptional Workers) is a program for low-wage earners that provides employment and training opportunities as well as financial assistance to attend post-secondary education. The program helps participants regain control of their lives and gives them a positive outlook for the future. Skills Enhancement offers assistance to individuals who are working while pursing post-secondary education. Low-wage earners who are working at least 20 hours per week and are attending a university or technical school may qualify for assistance designed to fill the gaps not covered by student loans and other programs.
WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 15
Removing the Transportation Barrier Ann is a 61-year-old widow who works full-time as a hair stylist. After working at the same salon for over 25 years, it suddenly went out of business, leaving her with no job and no health insurance. Ann soon found two part-time positions at local salons, but neither offered benefits for full or part-time employment. Due to her age and previous knee surgeries, Ann was forced to take out a high-deductible individual health insurance policy that cost her more than $1,000 per month in premiums alone. In August, Ann’s vehicle broke down and she didn’t have the money to fix it. She walked or took the bus to work, but then the weather started getting cooler. Her arthritis started acting up and she knew she needed to get her vehicle fixed. Ann heard about Western Dairyland’s Wheels for Work program from a co-worker, and
she submitted an application after researching all her options. Wheels for Work provides auto repair loans up to $1,000 and down payment loans up to $1,500. A small administrative fee of five percent means a $1,000 loan can be paid back for only $1,050 after 36 months. Ann received a $900 repair loan and is making payments of $30 per month. She was referred to Western Dairyland’s Financial Literacy Specialist, who helped her apply for FoodShares and energy assistance. Ann also applied for BadgerCare Plus Core, a health plan for childless adults, but she is the 150,000th person on the waiting list. She continues to pay her high premiums, but has been able to save money in other areas. Now able to get to work in her repaired vehicle, Ann said that she is extremely grateful for the assistance and advice from Western Dairyland staff members.
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Wheels for Work loans provided in 2011 For many families in Wisconsin, a reliable vehicle can be the difference between keeping or losing a job. In rural areas of Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau Counties, it’s especially hard to find a good job when you don’t have reliable transportation. Wheels for Work can remove the transportation barrier by providing auto repair loans up to $1,000 and down payment loans up to $1,500.
Paratransit Certification Under contract with Eau Claire Transit, Western Dairyland is the paratransit certifier for the city and county of Eau Claire in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The program assists people who are unable to utilize the fixed route bus system due to cognitive and/or physical disabilities. Anyone who is unable to access or navigate the fixed bus system, or those who require more assistance in using the system, may qualify for paratransit services. Clients suffering from a multitude of illnesses and disabilities including cancer, blindness, multiple
sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, terminal COPD and Alzheimer’s are only a few whose lives have become limited due to their disabilities. The Paratransit Program offers them a chance to get out of their home, attend social events, visit family or go shopping with a safe and assisted transportation system at a nominal cost. In 2011, 98 individuals were served by the Paratransit Certification program, with 21 percent being approved for paratransit services. An additional 43 percent of the clients were deemed either temporarily or seasonally eligible to receive paratransit services.
WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 17
Mary Jo Hanson and Donna Kmetz have started three businesses together in Eau Claire.
Two Friends, Three Businesses Today’s economy is not necessarily the easiest place to start a profitable business. However, Mary Jo Hanson and Donna Kmetz, of Eau Claire, have accomplished just that. Being mothers, they understand the never-ending need for clothing, shoes, and other necessities that growing children require. Five years ago, over cups of tea, they came up with the idea for Here We Grow Again Children’s Consignment Sales. Their business, an event held twice each year, invites families to buy and sell used children’s clothing, toys and accessories. The first sale was held in Donna’s home where 20 consignors and approximately 300 shoppers participated. “We were so impressed with the response from the community, with more than 300 or so shoppers, we predicted bigger and better things were possible,” said Mary Jo. By September 2009, they moved to the 12,000-square-foot Expo Center in Eau Claire. The sale hosted 350 consignors, more than 1,000 shoppers, and included 35,000
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Businesses Started, Expanded or Retained in 2011
children’s and maternity items. “It’s going well, and we continue to invest in our business,” said Donna, “with both time and money and a goal of making our sale a rewarding experience for all involved.” The investing has paid off, and the success of their business has allowed them to expand. Following their September 2009 sale, they assembled a complete business system called “Start Your Own Sale.” Similar to a franchise system, it allows anyone to start and expand a seasonal consignment event. The system includes marketing strategies, website content, an accounting and record keeping system, suggested layout, rack design, step by step instructions, recommendations, and more. Mary Jo and Donna give credit to Western Dairyland Director of Business Development Karman Briggs for helping them launch their businesses. Western Dairyland works with start-ups and existing businesses to offer assistance and training in all aspects of business, including business plan development,
marketing, management and finance options. Special efforts are made to assist economically and socially disadvantaged women and individuals through low or nocost classes, events and business counseling. “Karman has been extremely helpful with the design and marketing of our Start Your Own Sale system,” said Mary Jo. “She helped with ideas, connections, and support.” In 2011, the two friends started their third business together, a wholesale clothing business, Lettuce Stitch Designs (www.lettucestitch. com). Their exclusively designed, hand cut, hand sewn skirts are available online and at 36 stores in 10 states. “They started with the consignment sales, then expanded with the “Start Your Own Sale” business,” Briggs said. “Now they’re onto their third business, so you’d have to call them serial entrepreneurs. It wouldn’t surprise me at all if they had another successful business idea tomorrow.”
The Western Dairyland Business Center works with start-ups and existing businesses to offer assistance and training in all aspects of business, including business plan development, marketing, management and finance options. Special efforts are made to assist economically and socially disadvantaged women and minorities through low or no-cost classes, events and business counseling. WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 19
Women’s Health Clinics The Western Dairyland Women’s Health Clinics in Whitehall and Black River Falls served a total of 2,013 different patients in 2011. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 54 percent of these patients were living at or below the poverty threshold. There are no income restrictions at the Western Dairyland Women’s Health Clinics. Fees are based on income and range from no charge to approximately half the fee of commercial providers. Insurance, Medical Assistance, Family Planning Waiver and BadgerCare are accepted. Western Dairyland staff members conduct educational sessions regard-
ing healthy choices, pregnancy prevention, and drug and alcohol abuse prevention for middle schools, high schools, technical colleges, and community organizations. Funding for the Women’s Health Clinics is provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Title X. Created in 1970, the Title X program is the only federal program solely dedicated to family planning and reproductive health with a mandate to provide a broad range of acceptable and effective family planning methods and services. Over the past 30 years, Title X family planning clinics have played a critical role in ensuring access to a
Project Advance
The goal of Project Advance is to assist local businesses so they can expand and create new jobs. Project Advance has trained 90 low-wage earners from Western Wisconsin in either welding or machine tool careers; case managers are currently working with employers to fill job vacancies. The program provides employers with financial assistance up to $3,500 for each newly hired individual. New hires must be at least 18 years old, a resident of Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson or Trempealeau county, and have income at or below the federal poverty level. Some portion of the position must include welding functions.
broad range of family planning and related preventive health services for millions of low-income or uninsured individuals and others. In addition to contraceptive services and related counseling, Title X-supported clinics provide a number of related preventive health services such as: patient education and counseling; breast and pelvic examinations; breast and cervical cancer screening according to nationally recognized standards of care; sexually transmitted disease (STD) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) prevention education, counseling, testing and referral; and pregnancy diagnosis and counseling.
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) is a federal program that provides assistance to low-income families through the distribution of food available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Western Dairyland operates the TEFAP program for four food pantries in Eau Claire, Buffalo, Trempealeau, and Jackson Counties with food that is meant to supplement existing pantry resources. These pantries are open monthly and provide an emergency supply of food that should last a household two to three days. Many of the volunteers who run the food pantries come from Western Dairyland’s RSVP program. During 2011, The Emergency Food Assistance Program distributed more than 435,500 pounds of commodities to 35,414 individuals. Included in these numbers are 20,874 adults and 11,779 children.
20 WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
Cents & Sensibility Thrift Store Cents & Sensibility is a non-profit thrift store that offers a rotating stock of men’s, women’s and children’s clothing, along with shoes, house wares, books, toys, jewelry and accessories. New merchandise donated by community members arrives at the store every week, and 100 percent of sales helps Western Dairyland in assisting less-fortunate families and individuals in Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau counties. Located at 23741 Washington Street in downtown
Independence, the store is open Tuesday through Saturday and is partially run by volunteers from the community and volunteers from Western Dairyland’s RSVP Program. The mission of Cents & Sensibility is to provide clothing and housewares at little or no cost for those in need. During 2011, Cents & Sensibility provided clothing, shoes, blankets and household supplies at no charge to 850 local families.
Financial & Housing Counseling
Our Financial Counseling Program provides group workshops and oneon-one mentoring in budgeting, basic banking, managing credit, avoiding money traps, fighting debt, and more. The key component to the program is one-on-one mentoring. Clients are matched with a mentor who will develop an individualized plan to set financial goals and work with the client to meet those goals. Depending on the client’s needs, this may consist of a one-time meeting or a program that lasts several months. Financial Counseling is available at no cost to anyone in the community and there are no income restrictions.
Current and past clients of Western Dairyland programs are encouraged to enroll. Financial Counseling works together with Wheels for Work, Head Start, Skills Enhancement and many of our other programs. Western Dairyland’s HUD Certified Housing Counselors provide stepby-step assistance through the entire home buying process. We offer Homebuyer Education Workshops which meet USDA/Rural Housing, WHEDA and FHA requirements. Each two-day workshop consists of six hours of classroom instruction and two hours of individual
counseling on topics including: • • • • • • •
Pros & Cons of Owning a House Understanding Credit Home Inspections & Appraisals Fair Housing Laws Getting a Mortgage Loan How to Shop for a Home Insurance (title, flood, etc.)
Western Dairyland has adopted the National Industry Standards for Homeownership Education and Counseling. These Standards help practicioners and organizations serve families and communities with consistent service and professional excellence.
WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 21
Financial Report FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011
REVENUES
EXPENDITURES
Federal......................................$12,145,899
Senior Services.....................................$106,137
State...............................................$803,667
Job Training..........................................$162,285
County/Local...............................$412,698
Transportation Programs...................$253,901
Other.............................................$727,369
Youth Services......................................$311,294
In-Kind Match.............................$572,687
Health Services....................................$399,262
Total Revenues....................$14,662,320
In-Kind Match*...................................$572,687 Homeless Services...............................$758,220 Economic Development.....................$875,188 Food Programs.................................$1,542,708 Community Services...........................$974,193 Housing & Weatherization..............$4,311,930
* In-Kind Match is the value of goods and services donated by the community in support of our projects.
Child Education................................$4,394,515 Total Expenditures....................$14,662,320
22 WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
Funding & Donors FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011
FEDERAL FUNDING
OTHER FUNDING & DONATIONS
Volume One
Corporation for National and Community Service
AnnMarie Foundation
Queen of the Castle
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Children and Families
Arlington Investments WI XIII
WQOW TV-18
Emergency Food and Shelter National Board Program
Advanced Mail, Inc.
Excel Foundation
Chippewa Valley Growers
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) STATE FUNDING State of Wisconsin Department of Administration State of Wisconsin Department of Commerce
Great Lakes Higher Education Guaranty Corp. Hewlett-Packard Jackson Electric Cooperative Lunda Charitable Trust Otto Bremer Foundation Planned Parenthood of Wisconsin, Inc.
Anytime Fitness Citizens Community Federal City of Eau Claire EZ New Media Highland Fitness Mondovi Apparel and Accessories Shaklee Smiling Moose Deli
Riverland Energy Cooperative
Stucky Chiropractic
State of Wisconsin Department of Health Services
Supporting Families Together Association (SFTA)
Weld, Riley, Prenn & Ricci SC West Wind Graphics
State of Wisconsin Department of Public Health
United Way of the Greater Chippewa Valley
WHEDA
State of Wisconsin Division of Public Instruction
United Way of Greater Winona Area
Xcel Energy
State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation
Wisconsin Community Action Program Association
LOCAL FUNDING Altoona School District Black River Falls Foundation Corp. Black River Falls School City of Eau Claire City of Eau Claire Department of Public Instruction Eau Claire Area School District Eau Claire County - Department of Human Services
United Way of Marshfield
Wisconsin Early Childhood Association
Wisconsin Women’s Council Associated Bank Aurora Community Services Banbury Place The Bottom Line
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation
CompareCards.com
Wisconsin Housing and Economic Development Authority (WHEDA)
Dunn County Economic Development Corporation
Wisconsin National & Community Service Board
Eau Claire Chamber of Commerce
Wisconsin Technical College System
Eau Claire Printing
Phillips Plastics Charter Media
Eau Claire County Housing Authority
I-94 WIAL FM
Juneau County Economic Development Corp.
Local Ad Saver Molly Marie Photography
Trempealeau County
Leader-Telegram The Plaza Hotel & Suites
Dorig Designs, LLC
Eau Claire Institute of Electrology Feather Communications The Goat Coffee House Lodge at Red Pine Ridge Macaroni Kid - Eau Claire My FRIENDS Place Spa & Salon Name Badge Productions Nohre & Co.
WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY 23
Funding & Donors FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 2011
Sacred Heart Hospital
Fanny Hill Dinner Theater
Bronston Chiropractic
Simply Cakes
Houligans Steak and Seafood Pub
Buffalo City Resort
UW-Eau Claire Educational Opportunity Center
Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts
Buffalo County Dept. on Aging
Wipfli
McDonald’s
Donny Laehn
Metropolis Resort
Mavis Olson
The Florian Gardens
Our Saviours Lutheran Church (Whitehall)
Arcadia Credit Union Ashley Furniture Matthew’s Family Dental
Pam Van Kampen, Greater Wisconsin Agency on Aging Resources
Clipper’s Foodliner
Ho-Chunk Gaming
Pigeon Creek Lutheran Church
Independence State Bank
Scholze Ace Home Center
Renee Nichols
John O. Melby Bank
4 Seasons Quik Stop
Holly Holum
Fimreite’s Sunset Gardens
Sandberg Valley Meats
George & Mary Jo Halama
Royal Credit Union - Whitehall
Taylor Corner Store
St. John’s Lutheran Church (Alma)
Co-op Credit Union
Cain’s Orchard
Claire Hanson
Rave Fitness
Cenex (Taylor, WI)
Kim Lenning
Sullivan’s Supper Club
The Vault Café
Senior Services of Trempealeau County
Skyline Golf Course
Living Hope Lutheran Church (Ettrick)
Wozney-Killian Funeral Home
Fountain City Ford
Carmike Cinemas - Oakwood 12 Culver’s - Eau Claire Eau Claire Children’s Theater
Lefse Time Nana J’s Java Junction Dottie’s Hair Design Anderson’s Village Market
Central Lutheran Church (Mondovi)
Ettrick American Legion Auxiliary St. Lawrence Ladies Mission Group Sherly Wozney South Beef River Church (Osseo) Evelyn & John Mack
Board of Directors The agency is governed by a 24-member Board of Directors comprised of eight income-eligible constituents, eight County Board Supervisors, and eight members representing private groups and organizations. Officers of the Board President: Dr. Charles Smith Blair V.P. : Max Michaelson Black River Falls Treasurer: Craig Thompson Eau Claire Secretary: Richard Schaumberg Independence
Jackson County Robert Galster Hixton Mem-Gween Hernandez Black River Falls Charles Jensen Hixton Max Michaelson Black River Falls Michelle Gunther Melrose Trempealeau County Dr. Charles Smith Blair Dr. Bill Baxa Independence Judy Maldonado Trempealeau Richard Schaumberg Independence George Brandt Arcadia Curtis Skoyen Trempealeau
24 WESTERN DAIRYLAND COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY
Buffalo County John Kriesel Buffalo City Gentry Jesse Alma Eau Claire County Nick Smiar Eau Claire Jenny Ebert Eau Claire Sheila Kersten Fairchild Craig Thompson Eau Claire Paul Savides Mondovi Jean Schlieve Eau Claire Lisa Johnson Eau Claire
Western Dairyland Economic Opportunity Council, Inc. is a private non-profit community action agency established in 1966 for the purpose of alleviating povertyrelated conditions and assisting low-income families to achieve economic self-reliance. The agency serves the Western Wisconsin counties of Buffalo, Eau Claire, Jackson and Trempealeau.
Agency programs are developed in response to identified community needs. Through competitive grant applications, the agency obtains funding from federal, state and private resources. Fundamental to the agency’s efforts are the thousands of hours contributed by volunteers from the local communities.
Western Dairyland continues to be an advocate for the interests of the economically disadvantaged and will continue to bring these issues to the attention of policy makers at the local, state and national level.
Main Office
23122 Whitehall Road P.O. Box 125 Independence, WI 54747 715-985-2391 1-800-782-1063
Eau Claire Office 418 Wisconsin Street Eau Claire, WI 54703 715-836-7511
visit our web site
www.WesternDairyland.org