BARRON | CHIPPEWA | DUNN | PEPIN | PIERCE | POLK | ST. CROIX

+ Washburn & Burnett

JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2026

2025 Greatest Community Needs

West CAP conducts a Community Needs Assessment every three years to measure the changing needs of the community. This data was collected in the summer of 2025 through a survey and focus group listening sessions. 

In total, 476 community members participated across West CAP's seven county service area.

Back row left to right: Jill Woodington, DEHCR, Amy Esser, Grant County Department of Social Services; Front row left to right: Cathy Mianecki, West CAP, and Carolina Cano, United Migrant Opportunity Services.

Nine West CAP employees attended the 2026 Home Energy Plus Conference on January 27-29th in Wisconsin Dells. The focus was "Facing the Future in a Changing Climate."

The Home Energy Plus Training Event is a mandatory training which requires attendance by one representative from each Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) county/tribe and Weatherization agency/grantee. It is also open to any WHEAP or Weatherization staff, Home Energy Plus (HE+) Program Services staff, Vendor partners, or utility partners.

This year, West CAP's Energy Assistance Manager, Cathy Mianecki, was asked to present at two different sessions; "Building and Maintaining Caseload Through Outreach" and "Ensuring Program Integrity: A Deep Dive into HE+ Programs Fraud Prevention." Dona Baune, West CAP's Energy Assistance Coordinator was also asked to present "Handling After-Hours Crisis Calls: WHEAP Procedures & Best Practices." This was quite an honor to be selected and share the knowledge and experiences they have endured over the past several years.

LEARNING, LEADING, AND CONNECTING AT THE STATE LEVEL

Left to right: Taylor James, and Christy Bowers

West CAP is proud to share that Christy Bowers, Homeless Intervention Program Manager, and Taylor James, Case Manager, attended the Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care (WIBOSCOC) State Conference held in Appleton from February 10–12th.

This year’s conference featured powerful keynote sessions centered on Innovations in Leadership, Unity in Action, and Caring in Challenging Times—topics that strongly reflect the heart of our work.

Christy participated in sessions focused on program management, bringing back strategies to strengthen systems, funding readiness, and team support. Taylor attended case management–focused sessions, gaining tools and insights to enhance direct service delivery and participant engagement.

We’re grateful for opportunities like this that allow our staff to learn, collaborate, and bring fresh ideas back to our communities—because strong programs start with informed, supported people.

The Balance of State ensures the efficient and effective delivery of housing and supportive services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness across 21 local homeless coalitions, which serve 69 of Wisconsin’s 72 counties. West CAP is part of the West Central Homeless Coalition.

AGENCY UPDATES

Our Nursing Skills program could help pay for tuition, required supplies, and mileage. Must reside in Barron, Chippewa, Dunn, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, or St. Croix county. Training must be completed by the end of June 2026.

Contact Stephanie at 715-900-2148 to learn more.

Timothy

Logan

Ashton

Housing Technicians are part of a production team performing weatherization measures and rehabilitation of residential homes.



Welcome to the team!

From October 1st to February 25th, our Energy Assistance team has helped over 6,400 households receive a one-time payment to help them afford their energy bill or with a no-heat-emergency.

We are still accepting applications through May 15th. If you experience a no-heat emergency or your furnace is in need of repair, we may be able to help! Visit our website to book a phone appointment, download our fillable application, complete an application online, or call 715-598-4750 to request one be mailed.

Make a difference in your community! West CAP is seeking a low-income representative from Pierce County to join our Board of Directors, helping shape programs that truly serve local needs while gaining valuable experience as a board member.