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

+ Washburn & Burnett

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025

New York Times Bestselling Author, Singer/Songwriter and Humorist - Michael Perry

Home Grown Tomatoes Band

1960's Era - Menomonie Theatre Guild actors.

1970's Era - Menomonie Theatre Guild actors.

Full house at the Mabel Tainter Theatre.

A huge Thank You to everyone who helped us celebrate our 60th Anniversary on November 14th. The show was amazing! A special Thank You to our sponsors; JA Counter, Alera Group, Ansay & Associates - New Richmond, Medica, and Mike's Auto Body of Glenwood City LLC. We could not have done any of this without The Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, The Menomonie Theater Guild, Home Grown Tomatoes Band, and New York Times Bestselling Author, Singer/Songwriter and Humorist - Michael Perry.

STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAY - HOLIDAY EDITION

Every year West CAP employees get together for an All Staff Development Day which typically includes a training of some sort. This year we pushed this back to a later date and incorporated some Holiday flair!

Pictured above are staff recognized for their length of service (L-R); Cathy Mianecki (5), Melissa Larson (25), Kristen Curvello (5), Scott Bowe (15), & Sarah Bacon (10).

PANTRY VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION DINNER

The West CAP staff and our incredible volunteers came together for a wonderful evening filled with food, fun, and heartfelt appreciation.


Our volunteers go above and beyond, not only keeping the food pantry running smoothly, but also lending their time and energy to pack boxes for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors. From January through November, they contributed an amazing 2,740 hours of service!


We are deeply grateful to the local businesses that generously donated door prizes, adding excitement to the evening with drawings and a lively dice game. Thanks to a small Thrivent Action Team grant, we were able to provide delicious food and recognition gifts to celebrate these outstanding individuals.


It was truly a night to honor and thank our dedicated volunteers who make such a difference in our community. We couldn’t do it without you!

AGENCY UPDATES

ANN KOHANEK TO RETIRE AFTER 27 YEARS

Ann Kohanek, Homeless Intervention Program Coordinator, retiring after 27 years with West CAP.


Many of you may know Ann, but what you may not fully realize is just how much of West CAP’s story includes her. Ann started back in 1992 as a Family Development Specialist with the Full Circle Program. In 1996, she was promoted to Full Circle Team Leader and Nutritional Coordinator. By 1997, she transitioned into the Small Business Development Program Manager- already proving she could do just about anything.


In 2008, Ann left West CAP for what she thought were greener pastures, leaving to join Workforce Resource... and then in 2014, she came to her senses and came back to us as a Case Manager in our Housing Preservation Program- which we are all very grateful for. By 2015, she was promoted to Lead Case Manager, and her role evolved into what we know today as Program Coordinator.


Altogether, Ann has given 27 years of service to West CAP. That's 27 years of dedication, leadership, problem solving, mentoring, institutional knowledge, and a steady presence- through changes in programs, funding, systems, and staff. Ann has helped shape the way we do this work, and the impact of her time here will continue long after today.


Ann, thank you for everything you've given to this agency and to the people we serve. You will be deeply missed- but your legacy here is strong. We wish her the very best in her retirement.

PERSPECTIVES & RESOURCES

Community Resources for our 7 County Service Territory

West CAP website