Head Start Program, Developing Healthy Families

Betsy Liljenberg is a current employee at our Mina Copeland Head Start center. She first became involved with our program when her child enrolled in Head Start. She began to participate in the Mina Copeland Parent Committee where she was nominated to be the center’s Policy Council representative. It wasn’t long before she was elected as chairperson of PC. An opening developed at the center and she applied for the teacher assistant position. She was an excellent candidate and was offered the position. Since that time, she furthered her education and is nearing the completion of her AA degree. Recently, Betsy became a Family Inclusive Teacher Assistant, gaining increased responsibility at the Mina Copeland Head Start center.

Putting an End to Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault: A Community Effort

In 2010, there were 29,941 abuse incidents that were reported to Wisconsin law enforcement officials and referred to district attorneys’ offices for prosecution. “Domestic violence continues to be a significant problem across Wisconsin,” said Attorney General J.B. Van Hollen. “But we also need to keep in mind the number of unreported incidents, and that’s why being able to provide resources for our local community partners is a top priority for [Office of Crime Victims Services] staff.”

As part of the initiative to put an end to domestic violence and sexual assault, in September 2010, Indianhead Community Action Agency, Inc. (ICAA) was approved for a Legal Assistance for Victims (LAV) federal grant to assist domestic violence and sexual assault victims in various rural Wisconsin Counties. The LAV Grant Program is intended to increase the availability of civil legal assistance needed to effectively aid adult and youth victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking who are seeking relief in legal matters arising as a consequence of that abuse or violence.

ICAA’s LAV grant program consists of representation of victims in ten rural counties by two attorneys: Melissia R. Mogen, managing attorney, who represents victims in Burnett, Polk, Washburn, Sawyer, and Barron counties, and Danielle Kranz, associate attorney, who represents victims in Price, Taylor, Rusk, Clark, Marathon, and Wood counties. To date, the attorneys have assisted over 200 victims in various legal matters, primarily focusing on family law matters, including child custody and placement.

Because domestic violence is a critical public health issue, it calls for community-oriented approaches to stopping violence before it can begin. ICAA has been collaborating with various community organizations, including the Coordinated Community Response Team and law enforcement officials to put an end domestic violence and sexual assault.

Because most incidents of domestic violence and sexual assault go unreported, it is very important that victims know that they will be protected. It is important for victims to report the incidents to the law enforcement officials. The Sheriff’s Department takes all reports of domestic violence or sexual assault very seriously. They do a thorough job of investigating the incident and forwarding the complaint on to the District Attorney’s office for review and possible prosecution. It is important for the victim to know that they will be protected throughout the entire process. Additionally, if there are any civil legal matters that victims will need assistance with, the Sheriff’s Department or the District Attorney’s office will refer the victim to ICAA for possible representation. It is with all of these organizations working together that the victim can begin to feel safe.

Can we end domestic violence and sexual assault? Yes, if we work at preventing it from happening in the first place. And that starts with a community-based approach to educate individuals, promote awareness, and assist victims.

ICAA RECEIVES WALMART GRANT TO SUPPORT LITERACY

ICAA Crossroads Literacy is a community-based volunteer literacy program committed to helping adults and their families acquire the skills necessary to achieve economic self-sufficiency and function effectively as members of the community. Thanks to a recent grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation, ICAA Crossroads Literacy is now expanding literacy programming to serve not only Rusk County, but Taylor, Washburn, and Sawyer Counties as well.

With this new funding volunteer tutors will be recruited and trained in each county to help adult learners meet their educational, employment and personal goals. Those goals might include learning to read better, getting a GED/HSED, learning to speak English better, enhancing computer skills, writing resumes or applying for jobs on line, financial literacy to learn how to budget and manage their money, getting a driver’s license, or overcoming any other literacy road block that stands in their way to self-sufficiency. The goals of adult learners are many and the literacy volunteer tutors are there to help them reach those goals.

Programs in each county rely on volunteer tutors. If you have an hour and a half a week to help someone in your community reach their literacy goals, call ICAA Crossroads Literacy at 715-532-9611.

While there are major issues facing people struggling with literacy issues, sometimes it’s the small things that make all the difference: One adult student who is learning to read went to a public restroom. As she stood looking at the “men” and “women” signs on the doors (no pictures), she said to herself “Thank you Ricki (her tutor)” and was able to enter the right bathroom.

Making a difference….with Weatherization!

Four years ago Mr. Cliff Bates moved into a 117 year old home in Glen Flora. After his furnace failed in the summer of 2011, he was referred to Indianhead Community Action Agency’s Weatherization program. The Weatherization crew spent two weeks at Mr. Bate’s home, not only installing a new furnace, but also replacing 11 windows, insulating the walls and attic, and sealing the basement.

Mr. Bates said “I couldn’t be happier with the job they did. They were nice guys, even fed my dog pizza! They were here every day on time, they didn’t make a mess and when they did, they cleaned it right up. I have noticed a huge difference. In the winter of 2010-2011 I spent $1,300 on pellets and $800 on gas. This winter, I’ve spent $400 on pellets and $400 on gas. I’ve been in my house for four years and three of them were very cold. I’m thankful for ICAA’s Weatherization program and have referred them to others!”

Indianhead Community Action Agency’s Weatherization program uses the most advanced technologies and testing protocols available in the housing industry. The energy conservation results from the efforts of our program has decreased the cost of energy for families in need by an average of 18.2% while improving the health and safety of their homes.

Contact our Weatherization department today, at 715-532-ICAA!

Connections: Helping families become self-sustaining!

In March 2011, a young family came to Connections on a Saturday. They had recently moved to Wisconsin from California. Roy, the father, had been homeless since he was 16. Nichole had been homeless for the past 2 years. They had a baby, Sheilah who had been homeless the first 6 months of her life. With the help of the Homelessness Prevention and Rapid Re-housing Program we were able to help Roy, Nichole, and Sheilah move into an apartment, the first home they had in many years, and both Roy and Nichole were able to secure jobs.

Roy and Nichole became volunteers at the Connections Store & More. Roy became a participant in the Transitional Jobs Program through Indianhead Community Action Agency. He also became the manager of the apartment building he resides in. Roy and Nichole have constantly helped others who are in need.

According to Roy, “Connections supplied me with security which we were able to build upon. We have had more self worth and self respect since we are here and people see that we are trying. Dianna saved my family. And in helping my family, she has helped many families as we are paying it forward throughout the community”.

Indianhead Information Services, Bridging the Digital Gap

Over the last twenty-five years In­formation Technology has become increasingly important in maintain­ing a successful small business. The rapidity of change and the need to respond to that change with nimble­ness and efficiency will likely deter­mine the success or failure of many small businesses.

Indianhead Information Services (IIS) was formed to fill a gap in IT Services in rural Wisconsin. That gap is one of simple economics. Many companies offering IT Servic­es charge a premium price which is simply not affordable to small busi­ness. IIS takes a different approach. We believe strong small business and social enterprise are essential to the long-term sustainability of our communities in northwestern Wis­consin.

Information technology is a crucial and ever evolving component to running a successful business.  However, it can be hard for small businesses and non-profit organizations to afford the technological changes required to keep them competitive.  IIS, with its affordable flat rate fee structure, makes keeping up with these changes possible.

IIS is a social enterprise formed to meet the information technology needs of small business and non-profit organizations.  Our approach is comprised of a four-fold strategy:

Proactive
Proactive IT management. “Our goal is to work ourselves out of a job.”

Partnership
We are a responsible partner with our clients.

Relationship
Developing a trust relationship with our clients is paramount to success.

Sustainable
We will assist in maintaining stable small businesses and non-profit
organizations to sustain our local communities.

Our services include:

• Networking
• PC Maintenance & Repair
• Network Security
• Email Hosting
• Remote Network Management
• Consultation
• Hardware Sales
• Managed Information Services

Contact Bob Carter at 715-532-ICAA or bob.carter@indianheadcaa.org for the fee structure and more information.

ICAA is a recognized leader in ending poverty and creating sustainable communities through self-sufficiency in Wisconsin’s rural areas.  Our mission is to assist individuals in achieving self-sufficiency by providing the resources, education, and services necessary to develop healthy families, sustainable communities, and strong local businesses.

2010 Annual Report!

Hot off the press is the 2010 ICAA Annual Report, being released to the public this week. Be the first to see it here!

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Gaining a Fresh Start

The past year as an AmeriCorps member has been a really influential year of my life. I have learned many new skills and given back to the community in a several ways.

When I first came into AmeriCorps Fresh Start I didn’t know a thing about construction. Even though there is still a ton to learn, I feel like I have gained a lot of knowledge. I now know how to put up trusses, build walls, and how to pour concrete. I really enjoy working on the house and I can’t believe how much I have learned about construction in just one year.

Dylan, Fresh Start Member

The site supervisors have done so much to help me meet my goals and make some changes in order to live a more productive, happy lifestyle. They have helped me pay off my fines and get enrolled in school this fall. I have seen many good changes in myself and in others this past year. I thought I had some almost impossible barriers to get through, but I got through them with the help of the supervisors and the support of the rest of our crew. Without AmeriCorps and Fresh Start, I truly do not know where I would be in life.

In conclusion, I think the program has helped me in many ways and has made me a better, more productive member of society. I am glad that I got the opportunity to work here this year, and that I was able to give back to the community by building the house and working at the food pantry. Hopefully whoever buys the house will be happy with it– I know I would be.

Written by Dylan, Wisconsin Fresh Start. Dylan is planning to attend Vermillion Community College in MN this fall to study natural resources management.

AmeriCorps Experience, from a Participants Eyes.

My present experience with the AmeriCorps Fresh Start program has been life-changing for me. The staff is teaching me how to build a house, and also how to get a good job and keep it. When I am finished with this program I will have construction skills and the knowledge to get a good job.  I also got my driving permit with the help of AmeriCorps Fresh Start. If I didn’t get into this program I probably would not have any of this.

I learned things here I never would of learned anywhere else. I have learned how to use construction tools. Some of the tools I learned how to use are the compound miter saw, table saw, and how to properly use an air nailer. Almost all the things we did have made me a better person in general and a better person in my community. What I learn every day from this place I can somehow apply to my life to help myself. One big thing I learned from this place is to think things through, not to just rush into things, which helped me stay out of trouble with the law.

Fresh Start members Dylan and Brad, as they work on a house in Shell Lake

I have helped people through the AmeriCorps Fresh Start program by building a house for people who are less fortunate. I have also helped out at the local food pantry, which helps people who are struggling to put food on the table. By doing community service, this showed us that this place is more than just building a house and getting a paycheck. We also learned how to get along with people of diverse backgrounds and work efficiently with them to achieve our goals.

Before I started this program, I was unsure what I was going to do with my life. But now I have a plan for my future. Working at AmeriCorps Fresh Start was more like a family life than a job. I had a lot of struggles when I started here but now my life is starting to get back on track. I would encourage anyone who is struggling with their life or who really wants to change how things are going to give this program a try. This place is more than just a paycheck. Every day is a new learning experience.

Written by Brad, Wisconsin Fresh Start. Brad hopes to use his AmeriCorps scholarship to become certified in heavy equipment operation.

ICAA’s Food Recovery Program

In late 2010, Indianhead Community Action Agency received grant funding for a Food Recovery Program. This program is designed to work at securing more sources of food donations to meet the growing needs of our families; assist in purchasing refrigerated trucks, freezers, and coolers to safely handle food; and handle and distribute larger food donations from processors and distributors directly to local pantries.

Community Services Director Donna Wishowski, with Cader Olive, Food Recovery Coordinator

The Food Recovery Program is a chance for you to help some of your neighbors during these hard economic times. Our food pantries are serving an ever-growing number of people who have little or no money for necessities. In 2010, ICAA pantries served over 3,800 families across our six county service area. This number translates to over 9,500 hungry individuals being served.

If you have food you would like to donate, we would welcome your help. We are able to accept commercially prepared food and fresh locally grown fruit and vegetables. Any donation you can make will help these thousands of people in Northwest Wisconsin meet their basic needs for food.  We will work with you to pick up your donation at your convenience and maintain the food in top quality condition until it can be distributed to those who need it.  Our staff qualifies families and individuals for this program in a kind and secure way based on family size and income.

How You Can Help:

• Grow A Row: If you are growing fruits and vegetables this summer, consider growing a little extra to donate to the food pantry. We can accept any produce that is clean and in good condition. We have coolers and freezers to keep produce in safe, top quality condition.
• Donating Meat: We are especially in need of meat for the families we serve. If you have beef, pork, chicken, turkey, venison, that was processed in a licensed facility and is in good condition, we can use it. If you are going to have a hog or beef processed, consider donating a portion of it. We have refrigerated trucks to transport meat safely.
• Spread the Word: If you know of any food processors, retailers, or distributors that might want to help, please contact us.

Contact our Food Recovery Coordinator, Cader Olive, at 715-532-7542, 715-403-3844 or e-mail at cader.olive@indianheadcaa.org.