Impact

In 2017, we served We operated 55 3,656 families made up of8,336 individuals programs in counties 13 Six households Creating Sustainable Communities received down Volunteers donated payment over 1 million hours of assistance their time! to purchase 667 children their own home Three individuals at the Rusk County jail participated in pre-school activities to received develop school Nurturing readiness skills 380 Parenting classes 35 individuals obtained households received Ending Poverty or maintained safe and affordable housing emergency furnace 55 veteran households received services transportation or housing stability services

88 individuals achieved employment and/or obtained an increase in employment income or benefits 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

484 youth received training in advocacy, healthy life choices, and leadership

My name is Charlie, I am both a Head Start parent and a Center Director at Kid Central Early Learning Center which I was partners with ICAA’s Early Head Start–Child Care interested in Partnership program. The continuing Early Head Start program has benefited both my education, my family life and my professional life in many but I didn’t ways. have the When Kid Central confidence. partnered with Early Head Start I was a toddler and two-year-old teacher. I really enjoyed my

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

Photo by Lukas from Pexels.com

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.