Written by Shelly Birkelo, Janesville Gazette, June 12, 2015: Melissa Ostenson and Elijah Lminggio lost their family's only income when he was injured in a car crash. They had only enough money for two months' rent. When it was gone, they and their four children, all under age 5, were evicted from their Janesville home. They [...]
Jasmine is a 21-year-old who was enrolled in the Teen Pregnancy Connection (TPC) program. She has a toddler son and was also pregnant with her second child. Jasmine had been enrolled in the TPC program for several years. While enrolled, Jasmine hadn't always been in contact with her case manager, or with her Workforce Investment [...]
From First Choice Health Center: "A few years ago a father came into the Wisconsin Well Woman office [at First Choice Health Center in Janesville] with his 16-year-old daughter and his young son. His daughter had a breast lump and his wife had died of breast cancer in her early thirties. Understandably, they were very [...]
From Linda Fair, Academic Supervisor of the Beloit Fresh Start program: "There are plenty of reasons that I enjoy working at Community Action but one reason that sticks out in my head is having 21 of 23 students complete the requirements to receive their high school diplomas. Two of those students thought they would never [...]
Bruce originally started working with Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless about a decade ago through a program that employs older workers. When that ended, he says missed being with the homeless so he volunteers every other weekend and holidays at Twin Oaks. “I’ve volunteered at most of the churches for the men’s shelter,” he [...]
From a recent recipient of Community Action's Weatherization program services: Thank you so much for all that you guys did! I bought this house as a foreclosure four years ago. It was pretty nasty when I bought it. Luckily, I have an awesome dad who helped me fix a lot of things. I've been [...]
At 20 years of age with a lack of employment history, Jernae Hooks’ future job prospects looked bleak. But with the help of some dedicated staff and a positive outlook from Jernae, she’s moving forward to securing a brighter future for herself. Kelly Fallon from Beloit Memorial High School started working with Jernae and referred [...]
Note: Royce DeBow, past Community Action Board president shared this story to illustrate his passion for Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless. DeBow passed away in 2014. We bring you his story in honor of Strike Out Poverty fundraising event supporting Twin Oaks. "As a board member of Community Action Inc. of Rock and Walworth [...]
Savanna enrolled in the PATHS Pilot Program last fall. PATHS is a Pilot Program for youth ages 17-21 who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness and have been in the foster care system. The program is designed to provide supports in Permanent Connections, Academics, Training and Employment, Housing, and Social & Emotional Well-being to [...]
Mary and Robert moved to Twin Oaks Shelter for the Homeless this winter with their four grandchildren. The couple had just gained custody of the children, who are all under the age of six. Mary is in her mid-forties and was injured while working at her full-time factory job in Fond du Lac. She suffered [...]