Our Mission:
To assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency by providing the resources, education and services necessary to develop healthy families, sustainable communities and strong local businesses.
2017 Annual Report
INDIANHEAD COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY, INC.
OPENING DOORS. CREATING OPPORTUNITIES.
CONTENTS What’s inside 04 Introduction
It takes a village
07 From the CEO
Jennifer Shearer, Chief Executive Officer
08 Leadership
Leadership Team & Board of Directors
10 2017 in review
Exciting events & opportunities
12 Impact
What we did in 2017
14 The stories
Beyond child care
16 The stories
A head start in advocacy 18 The stories Making a difference 20 The stories Then and now 22 More about us Finances & more
04
pg.
PAGE 2
07
pg.
16
22
pg.
10
pg.
pg.
14
pg.
18
pg.
Overcoming poverty is not a task of charity; it is an act of justice. Like Slavery and Apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings. Sometimes it falls on a generation to be great. YOU can be that great generation. Let your greatness blossom.
-Nelson Mandela PAGE 3
INTRODUCTION It takes a village “It takes a village.” We’ve heard that saying many times in reference to raising children. However, we believe the saying can apply to so much more, because here at Indianhead Community Action Agency, we see it in action every day.
ICAA operates many programs from Head Start to Small Business Development to Weatherization to Safe at Home. The programs in which we work may be diverse, but the uniting factor that drives all of us at ICAA is our vision to eliminate poverty through increasing self-sufficiency. Through that, we get to become part of the village that helps individuals like Rachel to achieve her dream. Rachel and her mother Sandra had a long-time dream of doing something that they already did every day, but for their own business and not for someone else. In October of 2017, their desire of bringing quality Mexican restaurant to PAGE 4
Photo credit: Rachel Aranda
downtown Hayward, WI was realized. ICAA’S Small Business Development had the privilege of coming along side Rachel to help with a business plan as well as providing technical assistance for the business. The family was able to obtain a loan and open their restaurant. Successes like this are what bring us to work each day. On any given day, we might be able to help a small business get it start, provide quality education to a child, enable a senior Successes like this to stay longer in their own home, or give support to a are what bring us to domestic abuse survivor. Read on for more stories, to work each day. learn more about us, and to see how you can become part of this village. It takes a village. It takes communities working together. It takes YOU! PAGE 5
FROMJennifer THEShearer, CEO
Chief Executive Officer
PAGE 6
In 2017, ICAA started working on our next strategic plan – a process that happens every three years. Strategic planning is a means by which we are able to identify needs in our services areas and adjust our services and goals to address those needs. Individuals who live in poverty face a diverse set of challenges that span issues such as limited healthcare access, food insecurity, and homelessness. Some of these threats are amplified in rural areas like ours which have fewer options and resources available. In addition, northern Wisconsin is challenged by a rapidly aging population, increased substance abuse, and significant mental/behavioral health concerns. As we move into 2018, we are assessing how our programs and services can best meet these needs and challenges. While finalizing our strategic plan, we are focusing on initiatives that will strengthen the agency, increase staff development, and refine the services offered. For 51 years, ICAA has dedicated itself to the goal of ending poverty and creating sustainable communities by increasing the self-sufficiency of individuals and families in northwest Wisconsin’s rural areas. We connected with more than 8,300 individuals in 2017, and we are proud and grateful to be a part of their successes and growth. None of this would be accomplished without our fantastic network of funders, community members, board of directors, volunteers, staff, and more who help to deliver resources and services in our six counties and beyond.
PAGE 7
MEET OUR BOARD ICAA’s Board of Directors The role of ICAA’s Board of Directors is to represent the Agency, its clients, and
its mission. One way this is being accomplished is through the Board’s active participation in ICAA’s Strategic Plan. The Board is comprised of community members, county elected officials, and low-income repesentatives. Each member brings unique expertise and experience to help guide the Agency’s activities. Burnett County: Emmett Byrne, Phil Lindeman, Dorothy Richard
Taylor County: Myron Brooks, Ed Giwojna, Gina Timm
Clark County: Mary Fleming, Peter Kaz, Joe Waichulis, Jr.
Washburn County: Lance Ausing, Susan Hansen, Kristy Leckel
Rusk County: Christine Newkirk, Eldon Skogen, Dave Willingham
Head Start Requirements: Brittany Erickson, Karl Huber, Mary Joslin
Sawyer County: Nels Beckman, Lisa Costa, Bill Voight Photo (below): Board Members work on Strategic Planning. Photo (inset): Board member, Mary Joslin talks with Julie Bever about Youth Development and Prevention at ICAA’s Staff Development Day.
PAGE 8
Jennifer Shearer Chief Executive Officer
Kerrie Zimmermann Chief Financial Officer
Toni McCutcheon Director of Community Services
Georgette Bembenek Director of Human Resources
Bob Carter Director of Information Technology
Keith Brownlow Director of Healthy Families
Al Christianson Director of Business Development & Housing
LEADERSHIP ICAA’s Leadership Team At least once a month, ICAA’s Leadership Team meets to talk about what’s
happening in the Agency and how to provide direction to accomplish the vision and mission. A recent meeting included a discussion about the purpose of leadership. Key ideas included advocating an environment of support and respect while promoting innovation in the way we serve our clients and communities. Jennifer Shearer, CEO says, “the purpose of ICAA’s Leadership Team is to create a culture of trust, respect, and dignity for our clients and staff in order to achieve results and services in our communities.” The vision of ICAA is all about helping end poverty, creating sustainable communities, and increasing self-sufficiency. ICAA’s leadership is taking steps to ensure that through collaboration, both internally and externally, values and actions are being promoted to help achieve this vision. PAGE 9
2017 REVIEW ExcitingIN events & opportunities
April 19:
ICAA’s Washburn County Connections Store and More is named “2017 Non-Profit of the Year” in Washburn County.
April 3:
ICAA’s launches new “Safe at Home” program which helps individuals live safely in their own homes by reducing the risk of falls.
PAGE 10
June:
ICAA’s Home Visiting program receives support from Senator Tammy Baldwin.
May 16:
A devastating tornado touches down in Rusk and Barron Counties. ICAA helps provide housing for several displaced individuals.
June 21:
ICAA’s Leadership Team visits and speaks with State Legislators in Madison, WI.
June-July:
ICAA’s hosts a Learn2Earn Culinary Academy organized by Workforce Resource of Northwest WI. Ten students received certificates of completion.
December: October 25:
Ms. Eloise Anderson, along with other staff members from the WI Dept. of Children and Families, visits ICAA’s Sawyer County Connections Store and More.
September 22:
ICAA hosts its 2nd annual Staff Development Day. Community Parters including RCMH, Rusk County, Workforce Resource, FSET, NWCEP, and UW Extension attended to help build stronger, local collaborations.
ICAA collaborates with Rusk County Memorial Hospital and Gordy’s County Market to distribute “Miracle Tree” gifts to 176 children from 70 different families.
December 5:
ICAA’s Business Development program is awarded a grant from the WDVA. Representative Edming visits to make the presentation.
PAGE 11
IMPACT What we did in 2017 We operated 55 programs in 13 counties
In 2017, we served 3,656 families made up of 8,336 individuals
Creating Sustainable Communities
Six
households received down payment assistance to purchase their own home
380
households received emergency furnace services
Volunteers donated over 1 million hours of their time!
667 children
participated in pre-school activities to develop school readiness skills
Three individuals
at the Rusk County jail received Nurturing Parenting classes
Ending Poverty
35 individuals obtained or maintained safe and affordable housing
55 veteran households received transportation or housing stability services 88 individuals
achieved employment and/or obtained an increase in employment income or benefits PAGE 12
85 individuals received emergency disaster relief following the tornado that struck Rusk and Barron Counties
Technical assistance was provided for 17 new business startups resulting in the creation of 35.5 FTE jobs Referred clients to or partnered with 285 external organizations to coordinate services
236 homes were
weatherized, generating up to $530 in annual energy savings per home
Home rehab assistance was provided for 13 households
137 parents and 76 children received education and participated in learning activities during weekly home visits
Seven learners
received a certificate or diploma for their ABE/GED. Five learners received a certificate or diploma for a postsecondary education program
933,829 pounds
of food and 2,039 emergency clothing items were distributed to 5,310 individuals
Promoting Self-Sufficiency 68 parents
participated in parenting classes to help reduce child abuse and neglect
484 youth
received training in advocacy, healthy life choices, and leadership
Legal assistance for victims and survivors was offered in nine counties
PAGE 13
THE BeyondSTORIES child care My name is Charlie, I am both a Head
Start parent and a Center Director at Kid Central Early Learning Center which with ICAA’s Early I was partners Head Start–Child Care interested in Partnership program. The Early Head Start program continuing has benefited both family life and my my education, my professional life in many but I didn’t ways.
have the When Kid Central partnered with Early Head confidence. Start I was a toddler and two-year-old teacher. I really enjoyed my
PAGE 14
Photo by Lukas from Pexels.com
job; however, I only had the minimum childcare teaching requirements. I was interested in continuing my education, but I didn’t have the confidence. I have a large family and am a full time employee. I just didn’t see how going back to college was practical for my family. I received a lot of encouragement and support from my peers which gave me the assurance I needed to further my education. Over the past two years, I have earned two Wisconsin Registry credentials and I will be graduating in May 2018 with my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, after that I will be pursuing a
Bachelor’s Degree in Family Science or Child Development. I am grateful for the support system and the opportunities I have had since the Early Head Start partnership began. Our Childcare center has also benefited from the Early Head Start Partnership. We now have educated teachers, smaller class sizes, and the support we need to maintain high quality childcare standards. We have created community partnerships and experienced more family support and engagement. Overall, it is a great partnership that benefits all families and children. PAGE 15
PAGE 16
THE A headSTORIES start in advocacy Melissa Nelson spends her work
days advocating for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault (DV/SA) as well as providing them with tools to advocate for themselves. Her exposure to effective advocacy began at a young age. In 1995-1996, she was a student attending Head Start program in Eau Claire, WI. She had some speech issues, and her mom wasn’t sure what to do. Through the encouragement of the Head Start staff, her mom was able to get the services Melissa needed to be successful at school as well as learning to advocate for her children. In 2015, Melissa received her undergraduate degree in Women’s Studies from UW Eau Claire. While studying in Eau Claire, she was able to intern at a domestic violence shelter in Eau Claire and gain experience working with DV/ SA survivors. Shortly following her college graduation, Melissa moved to Ladysmith and accepted a position as a Family Resource Provider for
Indianhead Community Action Agency’s Head Start program. In 2017, a new opportunity opened up, and she transitioned out of Head Start to the Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) program at ICAA which has assisted over 1,000 survivors since 2011. Through her work in LAV, Melissa is able to draw on her education, experience, and past advocacy examples to build a rapport with her clients. She is excited for the opportunity to make a difference in her hometown and the surrounding counties. She said, “ICAA is a good vessel to help provide this service to the communities. Many DV/SA shelters lack resources that would enable them to house a legal assistance program.” Through LAV, Melissa has begun partnering with local DV/SA shelters in seven counties in northwestern Wisconsin and is looking forward to the positive changes this will provide for those served by the program. To learn more about LAV, visit www.indianheadcaa.org/lav.html.
PAGE 17
THE MakingSTORIES a difference In 2017, volunteers donated over one million hours of their
time to ICAA! That time was given to provide support to Head Start families, clients who visit our Food Pantries, learners in our Literacy program and more. Two of our volunteers include Lavon and Delores who have been volunteering for ICAA for nine and ten years respectively. Nine years ago, Lavon stopped in at Burnett County Connections Store & More to shop and ended up offering
“Never underestimate your ability to make someone else’s life better – even if you never know it.” – Greg Louganis
PAGE 18
her services as a volunteer. Delores was recruited as a volunteer over ten years ago. She stated that volunteering gets her out and about and that she likes helping the community. People like Lavon and Delores add so much value to their communities and to organizations like ICAA. Their selfless donation of their time and skills help to enhance the lives of those around them daily. Thank you, volunteers!
Lavon (l.) and Delores (r.) sort items for the sales floor in the back room at Burnett County Conections Store & More
PAGE 19
THE STORIES Then and now In 1980, “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes
Back” was the highest grossing film of the year, the world mourned the death of John Lennon, and President Carter called for a U.S. boycott of the Olympics. Then, you could buy a gallon of gasoline for $.90 - 1.25. Now, it costs an average of $2.55. Then, personal cell phones were a relatively new technology that only a few people used. Now, it’s rare to meet someone who doesn’t own one.
One of the greatest gifts at a job is making a difference in people’s lives.
PAGE 20
Then, in August of 1980, Larry LaPorte started as a new employee in ICAA’s Weatherization department. Over the years, he has filled a number of positions, but for the last twenty-two years, he has worked as an Auditor who visits clients’ homes to perform inspections, helps clients be at ease about the work that will be done, and writes up work orders for the Weatherization crew. Now, Larry is retiring. When asked what has kept him at Indianhead Community Action Agency for nearly thirty-eight years, he said, “It’s the people. We’re like a big family out here.” During our conversation, he mentioned more than once how he enjoys his day-to-day interaction with clients as well. He stated that one of the greatest gifts at a job is making a difference in people’s lives. Larry said that there has been a lot of change over the years; and, although change is difficult, it can be good when it helps
improve the way we interact with and serve our clients. He has met a variety of fascinating people over the years and made a lot of friends on the job. Over the years, two things that Larry required from himself and those under his supervision were to make clients feel at ease and to treat them with respect. He said, “treat them the way you want to be treated, and it will always work out.” His advice for navigating changes and interacting with those he met each day is simple: “You’ve got to keep a sense of humor no matter what. It’s so important; you’ve got to laugh.” George Voldberg, Weatherization Director said, “Larry is always the first one to work in the morning. And, when Weatherization’s headquarters moved, considerably lengthening Larry’s commute, he never complained.” Larry said he won’t miss the ninety-minute drive, but he doesn’t regret spending these years working in the Weatherization department at ICAA. He takes every chance to brag up the crews and considers it amazing that there are still people who don’t know about ICAA. Will he miss it? “Yes. It’s been a lot of fun.”
PAGE 21
MORE ABOUT Finances and impact US Jobs & Business Development $119,861
Management & General $532,915
Health Services $426,550
Other Low-Income Programs
$976,709
In-Kind $1,605,640
FY 2017 Expenses
Education $5,937,308
$13,655,774 Energy & Housing $4,056,791
We are proud of our impact which goes beyond the dollar amount listed
above. The dollars invested into our communities through ICAA programs are multiplied by seven times their face value in worth to the communities. That means in 2017, our economic imprint was $95.59 million in the areas we serve! In addition, we employed 258 individuals and partnered with 285 external organizations for referrals and services.
2017 Staff Awards 10 years of employment Aaron Livingston – Weatherization Ronald Buckholtz – Head Start 20 years of employment Paul Copas – Corporate Maintenance 40 years of employment Sharilyn Stevenson – Head Start PAGE 22
Private Donors and Grant Funders AARP ABATE Abby Bank Ag Country Farm Credit Service AgStar Financial Services Aina Vilumsons American Academy of Pediatrics American Asphalt American Auxiliary--Stetsonville Audrey Nolte Bader Philanthropies, Inc. Bank of the West Barbara Stellner Betty Block Chaudy Family Chequamegan Wildlife Rec. Assoc. Cheryl Pangerl Christian Bible Fellowship Christine Mayou Chuck Gelhaus Citizens State Bank of Loyal Clam River Tuesday Club Clark County Electric Co. Clearwater Paper Corporation Community Action Partnership Community Bank Foundation Community Gardens Concor Tool & Machine, Inc. Corner Stone Community County Market Dairyland Insurance Agency Enbridge First Church of Christ – Harvest of Talents Forward Community Investments Gordy’s Market Grace Lutheran Church Gwen & Steve Wold Haack Orthodontics Haywards Lions Club Helen Sheffield Holiday Holy Rosary Catholic Church IOOF Lodge Jan Klaussen Jane Darnell Jerry Sapinski Jim and Carol Kasparek Jim and Deb Cee Joanne Spooner John Gustafson Jump River Electric Jump River Electric Cooperative K & B Refrigeration Kathleen Hnath Kathy Brunner Kenneth Ormsby KMA Knights of Columbus
Krist Oil Kwik Trip Ladysmith Federal Savings & Loan Ladysmith Lions Club Larry Gilmer LLR Inc. Lori Floyd Lorinne Gengler Lou Schneider M. Lee Eklund Margie Nelson Marilyn & Timothy Young Mark & Mary Heintz Marla Hemke Marlo Eilefson Marshfield Clinic Health System Mary Heser Medford Cooperative Medical College of Wisconsin Michell Grim Mindy Kopelka Nancy & Michael Reis Nancy Kraft National Center on Early Childhood Health & Wellness Nicolet Bank Office of Head Start Otto Bremer Foundation Pam Guthman Patty Paulson Pauline Lundgren Pauline’s Beauty Saloon Peterson Construction Co. Polk Burnett Electric Cooperative Rands Trucking, Inc. Realtors Association of Northwest Wisconsin Foundation Red Cross Pharmacy Red Higgins Riverside Ladies League Robert and Margie Nelson Ron Breth Ron Shiffler Ronald and Muriel Isaacson Ruby’s Pantry Sacred Heart Catholic Church Saint Paul’s Lutheran Church Sally Sawyer Scott Shaver Security Health Seeley Lions Club Servants of Mary Shopko Foundation Source Energy Services Sr. Cecilia Fandel St. Croix Casino St. Luke’s Episcopal Church St. Alban’s St. Joseph’s Catholic Church
Stephen Stoll Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration Spooner- Trego Lions Club The Star News Thomas Mehring Time Federal Savings & Loan Trego/Springbrook VFW Trinity Lutheran Unicorn Rtique LLC United Health Care United Methodist Church United Way of Taylor County US Department of Agriculture – Rural Development US Department of Agriculture – The Emergency Food Assistance Program US Department of Health & Human Services – Department of Children and Families US Department of Health & Human Services – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration US Department of Justice US Department of Veterans Affairs USDA Services Wadah Plastics Walmart Washburn Christian Outreach Association WE Energies Foundation Weather Shield Employee Lite Foundation WI Child Abuse & Neglect Prevention Board WI Community Action Program WI Comprehensive Cancer Control Program WI Department of Administration – Division of Energy, Housing, and Community Resources WI Department of Children & Families WI Department of Public Instruction WI Economic Development Corporation WI Technical College System WI Trust Account Foundation WIGM Radio Station William Altmann Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corporation Wisconsin Literacy, Inc. Wisconsin Lottery, Inc. Xcel Energy Foundation Zion Lutheran Church
PAGE 23
ICAA’s Vision:
ICAA is the recognized leader for ending poverty and creating sustainable communities through self-sufficiency in Wisconsin’s rural areas.
ICAA’s Mission: To assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency by providing the resources, education and services necessary to devleop healthy famililes, sustainable communities and strong local businesses.
ICAA Corporate Office 1000 College Avenue W • PO Box 40 • Ladysmith, WI 54848 p: 715.532.4222 • f: 715.532.7808
www.indianheadcaa.org
dianhead Community Action Agency is an equal opportunity employer operating under an approved Affirmative Action Pla © 2018 Indianhead Community Action Agency, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
