Your Gifts at Work

Western Dairyland E.O.C.

by Dale Karls, Communications Coordinator for Western Dairyland

Western Dairyland E.O.C. is a non-profit community action agency established in 1966 to help the economically disadvantaged in west-central Wisconsin. Western Dairyland E.O.C. operates more than 20 unique programs providing short and long-term opportunities for children, teens, families, and seniors. With support from the Eau Claire Community Foundation, a food pantry was added to assist clients in two of these programs: Chippewa Fresh Start and Housing First.

Chippewa Fresh Start provides education, employment skills, and career direction for young adults, ages 16 to 25, by involving them in the construction of a new house. During the program, participants gain valuable skills, perform community service, and prepare for post-secondary education or careers. The most important goals of the program are to build self-esteem and help young adults become self-sufficient.

Housing First provides long-term housing and case management services for 25 chronically homeless individuals and families in the Eau Claire area. Anyone in the community experiencing homelessness is assessed by a case manager, and those who are deemed most vulnerable are placed directly into apartments. Once housing is provided, clients are offered help with mental and physical health, substance abuse, education, and employment. In both programs, clients often move into apartments of their own for the first time.

A readily accessible food pantry eases the financial burden and makes it possible for them to be successful as they transition to independent living.

we care...

“Our services are more robust and our clients are more successful thanks to the funding we received from the Eau Claire Community Foundation.”

- Anna Cardarella CEO, Western Dairyland E.O.C