+ Washburn & Burnett

SEPTEMBER 2023

Operation Back to School - Success!

We want to extend a very sincere THANK YOU to everyone who helped with this year’s Operation Back To School drive! Through the month of August, West CAP collected funds and new school supplies for Boycevillle, Colfax, Glenwood City, Elk Mound, and Menomonie area school district students in need. Pictured above is a generous donation of school supplies from the Menomonie Andersen Windows location.

Funds collected were also used to support the Angel Fund, which pays off negative school lunch balances for school district families in need. This program is only possible through the generosity of the community. Thank you so much!

Donations from Phillips Medisize

Donations ready for distribution

Energy Assistance Season To Begin

West CAP is gearing up to once again provide energy assistance for families who need help with their heating and electric bills for this coming season. The Wisconsin Home Energy Assistance Program (WHEAP) assistance is a one-time payment during the heating season (October 1-May 15). The funding pays a portion of energy costs, but it is not intended to cover the entire energy costs of a residence. The amount of assistance depends on a variety of factors, including the household’s size, income, and energy expenses. In most cases, the benefit is paid directly to the household’s energy supplier. Crisis assistance is also available for those who have no heat, are nearly out of fuel or electricity has been or will soon be shut off.

For those enrolled in WHEAP, West CAP can also provide Weatherization services to help renters and homeowners reduce their energy costs and improve the comfort and safety of the home. Common improvements include insulation, sealing air leaks, updating heating systems, and installing energy-saving appliances. Visit our website for details on how to apply.

Learn More

Thank you to our amazing staff who help make Energy Assistance possible for thousands of households in western Wisconsin. Back L to R: Debbie, Lona, Heidi, Melissa. Front L to R: Diana, Dona, Cathy.

AGENCY UPDATES

Staff Development Day

West CAP staff members gathered together for a day of team building, program sharing, golfing, and fun for the annual Staff Development Day. It was a great day to come together, giving staff and managers the opportunity to interact across program areas, while having some fun!

The day included lunch and a program presentation, including the recognition of service milestones. We are grateful to have such an incredible group of dedicated staff and this dedication shows in the length of service awards we get to acknowledge each year!

CONGRATULATIONS

to the 2023 Length of Service Award Recipients:

40 YEARS

Roger Drury

Weatherization Program

25 YEARS

Lori Newton

Section 8 Program Specialist

20 YEARS

Jessica Rudiger

Human Resources Manager

15 YEARS

Eric Stuart

Weatherization Auditor

10 YEARS

Mike Malean

HomeWorks Program

5 YEARS

Laura Buerger

Case Manager

THANK YOU

FOR

ALL YOU DO!

GET INVOLVED

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS:

SEASONAL ADMINISTRATIVE SPECIALIST: Serve as a first point of contact and provide information on all West CAP programs and services

Learn More

SAVE $30/MONTH ON YOUR INTERNET BILL

Recieve a discount of up to $30 per month toward broadband service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.

Learn More

Affordable Connectivity

Program

If Disaster Strikes, Are You Prepared?

September is National Preparedness Month! Low-income families are more negatively impacted when disaster strikes. Check out this resource compiled by the Office of Community Services (OCS) to help keep your community safe:

Disaster Flexibilities Hub

It’s important to be aware of the disasters that could strike the areas where you live or visit, along with how you can find emergency information when a threat is present. Visit ReadyWisconsin to learn more about how to keep your family safe during a disaster:

ReadyWisconsin

RESILIENT WISCONSIN: Trauma-Informed News and Notes

The monthly "Resilient Wisconsin: Trauma-Informed News and Notes" email bulletin features articles, funding opportunities, research, and training opportunities related to adverse childhood experiences, trauma, toxic stress, and more. This is published by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services.