[VolumeOne] ‘The Best Kept Secret in Seven Counties’: West CAP Celebrates 60th Anniversary
https://volumeone.org/articles/2025/11/03/373865-the-best-kept-secret-in-seven-counties-west
As SNAP Benefits Stall, More Households Turning to Community Action Agencies
West CAP warns that the poverty-fighting organizations running popular programs, from food assistance to Energy Assistance, are being forced to halt services – even as they face increasing demand. GLENWOOD CITY, WI – As a lapse in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds arrives, Americans are turning to Community Action Agencies, trusted, locally‑led organizations tasked with combating poverty, for help. Yet, hundreds of Community Action organizations across the country, responsible for critical services that often include food banks and meal-delivery … Read More
HAPPY WEATHERIZATION DAY
October 30th is traditionally celebrated as National Weatherization Day to shine a light on the positive impact the Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) has on low-income households and our local communities. Many events were held across the country to celebrate a program that reduces energy burden for low income households, while also improving the health and safety of the homes. WAP also supports 8,500 jobs nationwide, many of these at small businesses in our local communities. West CAP’s Weatherization Program exists to … Read More
Calvin’s Story
“I was homeless and living on the street on and off at a homeless shelter (Sojourner House). This had been going on for over three years. I had more or less given up on getting any help on housing assistance. I was homeless because of physical health problems and unable to work as a carpenter, or for that matter, stand for any length of time. My mental health was also spinning out of control. One day, I was able to … Read More
Lacey’s Story
“When I first contacted West CAP for help, I was a struggling single mom juggling two jobs and trying to go back to school. I found out about the program through one of my instructors and made the call the next day. Stephanie Stark, Adult Education Coordinator, has been amazing with helping every step of the way including after graduation. This program not only took away the financial burden, but made it possible for me to focus on school and … Read More
PRAIRIE HEIGHTS RESIDENCES OPENS IN EAU CLAIRE
Prairie Heights Residences in Eau Claire, a collaborative development by West CAP and Gerrard Corporation, officially opened its doors on July 2nd, marking a significant milestone for sustainable and affordable living in Wisconsin. This development introduces geothermal heating and cooling as a first-of-its-kind feature for an affordable housing project in the state. Beyond its cutting-edge energy system, the project covers 100% of all utilities, including air conditioning and electricity, directly reducing the financial burden on its residents. West CAP Executive … Read More
James’s Story
James Owens has received the 2025 Client Achievement Award because of all of the monumental progress that he has made since entering our program. James and his children were accepted into our Permanent Supportive Housing program in April 2024. Prior to entering our program, James had been homeless for 5 years and was living in his car. Due to his living situation, he lost custody of his children. Shortly after completing his tenant briefing, James moved into a 1-bedroom unit … Read More
Over 600 Low-Income Seniors Could Face Loss of Food Assistance across West Central Wisconsin; 12,000 Statewide
GLENWOOD CITY, WI – The White House released its fiscal 2026 spending plan earlier this month, which proposes the elimination of numerous federal programs, including the USDA’s Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP). The news came in a memo from the Administration’s Office of Management and Budget, also known as a “skinny budget”, that lists a host of recommendations on the reduction or elimination of discretionary funding for fiscal year 2026. The CSFP program works to improve the health of low-income … Read More
West CAP Execs Attend WISCAP Advocacy Day
Our Executive Director, Tim Mather, and Associate Director, Samantha Phillipps spent a couple days down at the Wisconsin State Capitol on April 8th & 9th for the annual WISCAP Advocacy Day! This annual event gives Community Action professionals the opportunity to come together and meet with state senators and representatives to discuss issues related to poverty in our districts. Tim and Sam also gave a presentation with Couleecap Director, Hetti Brown, on Housing & Energy Solutions for Wisconsin as part … Read More
Chelsie’s Story
Chelsie enrolled in the Nursing Skills Program with West CAP in the Fall of 2023. At the time, she was working at Amery Hospital as a CNA with no health care benefits. Her rate of pay was $13.03/hour and she was working 22 hours a week to support herself and her young son. Through the Nursing Skills Program, Chelsie received support to cover her tuition and mileage reimbursements driving to and from class. She graduated from Northwood Tech in December … Read More